Discover Lake Tahoe with Darley Newman as she paddles on clear kayaks and dives deep into sustainable travel practices.
In this episode of the “Travels with Darley” podcast, host Darley Newman takes listeners kayaking across Lake Tahoe, uncovering the best ways to explore these beautiful waters. Guided by Kelsey Weist of Clearly Tahoe, Darley gets an unforgettable look at the hidden treasures that lie within this vast pure lake. Together they discuss local initiatives to preserve Lake Tahoe and ways for travelers to practice responsible recreation. Tune in to learn expert travel tips for visiting Lake Tahoe that keep your adventure exciting and sustainable! Listen to the podcast here.
Stretching across California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is an ideal location to get active and explore the open waters. Known as one of the world’s clearest lakes and one of the largest alpine lakes in North America, Lake Tahoe provides a unique opportunity to take in picturesque views of mountains and uncover fascinating geological features. Led by local expert Kelsey Weist of Clearly Tahoe, Darley begins this adventure by paddling across Lake Tahoe in a clear kayak.
Darley and Kelsey discuss how kayaking in a clear kayak allows one to fully take in their surroundings, noticing details about the water that they might have otherwise missed. Kelsey explains that the clear kayaks allow travelers to see the different hues of blue that give the lake its beautiful tone. Riding in a clear kayak also breaks the surface tension of the water, creating a rare viewpoint to see inside the lake in greater detail. If you are lucky, you may spot a piece of pyrite, better known as fool’s gold, shining under the water.
Darley takes her listeners back in time to learn more about the history of Lake Tahoe and how for thousands of years, people have made it their home. The Washoe camped around Lake Tahoe and considered its waters to be sacred. In 1844, European explorer John C. Frémont documented Lake Tahoe, writing about its undeniable natural beauty. Shortly after, Lake Tahoe experienced a surge of newcomers seeking fortune during the California Gold Rush.
As they continue to paddle along the lake, Darley and Kelsey chat about the ways in which visitors can recreate responsibly. It is especially important for travelers to help protect Lake Tahoe since its waters provide the majority of the drinking water for the Reno-Sparks area. Clearly Tahoe works with environmental organizations to conduct research and community clean ups to ensure the lake remains pristine.
Kelsey demonstrates how guides scan the waters for invasive species, collecting samples and recording data they submit to a Citizen Science app that monitors the condition of Lake Tahoe. Clearly Tahoe also provides customers with boxed water to limit plastic waste in the lake. Travelers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles in accordance with South Lake Tahoe’s single-use plastic water bottle ban, which was implemented on April 22, 2024.
Other initiatives that put the sustainability of Tahoe at the forefront include the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan. Launched in June 2023 by Lake Tahoe destination management, land management, and non-profit organizations, the plan includes 32 actions across four strategic pillars to promote a tourism economy that reinvests in the community and develops a culture of caring for the Tahoe region. Kelsey adds that the League to Save Lake Tahoe and local businesses are working towards changing transportation practices in Tahoe since runoff from roads and road work contributes greatly to the loss of water clarity. Travelers can do their part by taking car-free vacations. The South Tahoe Airport offers daily shuttles from Reno/Tahoe to many South Shore properties. From there, travelers can bike, walk, use public transportation or Lake Link, a free on-demand microtransit service, to get around town.
As Darley’s tour along the shimmering clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe comes to an end, we are reminded that as travelers lucky to enjoy these beautiful natural wonders, it is our duty to recreate responsibly and preserve these destinations for generations to come.
To learn more about sustainable travel, check out visitlaketahoe.com and their Rules to Lake By.
Travel Facts and Tips:
- Plan a midweek stay! Visit during non-peak travel times, with ideal months being September through November and then late-February through May.
- Book a tour with Clearly Tahoe to learn about the lake from a local guide who can take you to the best spots. Clearly Tahoe provides riders with everything they may need, including small coolers, water, granola bars, dry bags, and even blankets to keep warm.
- It takes about 5 days to paddle the entire way around Lake Tahoe.
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