Straddling the state lines of California and Nevada, wondrous Lake Tahoe is no stranger to rich and famous residents and visitors. Its popularity with the affluent is one of the factors that makes the lake particularly expensive: The Tahoe area’s cost of living hovers around 20 percent higher than the national average. High prices, however, shouldn’t discourage you from planning a trip; the unparalleled natural splendor of the lake is surprisingly cheap for those who show up prepared.
World-class views like the one shown in my video are what make Lake Tahoe worth a visit. My footage is from a morning hike on Tunnel Creek Trail, which is on the eastern (Nevada) side of the lake near Monkey Rock. A brief snowstorm had dusted the landscape at daybreak, adding a touch of white to the blue of the freshwater and the green of the trees. The visual serenity costed me only a few dollars for parking near the trailhead.
Tahoe is an easy drive from Sacramento, California (around 113 miles/182 kms) and Reno, Nevada (~37 miles/~60 kms). If you fly into either city (I landed in Reno and rented a vehicle) and want to save money, you can load up on less expensive food and supplies before departing. You could also stay the night in the nearby cities instead of lodging on the lake.
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– Click to watch my high-definition video of the West Rim Trail at Utah’s Zion National Park.