Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive is in west-central Nevada about 15 miles west of Carson City. It follows the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe between the cities of King’s Beach and South Lake Tahoe. The byway is 30 miles long and follows NV 28 and US 50. Both highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. They usually remain open all year.
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It stretches for 22 miles north to south and is 12 miles wide. It is said that a white dinner plate can be seen in these crystal-clear waters to a depth of 75 feet. A tram near the lake’s south shore takes visitors up 2,000 feet above the lake for spectacular panoramic views of the lake and Lake Tahoe Basin.
Near the byway’s northern end is Incline Village. Located here is the Ponderosa Ranch, which was the filming site for the television show “Bonanza.” It is now a theme park featuring a petting farm, saloon and a museum. Visitors can stroll through the original Cartwright ranch house and a recreated Western town. The museum displays automobiles, carriages and an antique gun collection.
Recreational opportunities are plentiful along this scenic byway. In winter, the area provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. Lake Tahoe attracts sailboats and water-skiers during the warmer months. Miles of alpine beaches can be found within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and around the lake that provide the perfect spot for a family outing. Numerous side roads and trails provide hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The 63,475-acre Desolation Wilderness on the California side offers hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through here.
Numerous camping areas are along the byway and within the surrounding national forest land. Washoe Lake State Park is located north of Carson City off US 395. The campground has 50 sites for tents and recreational vehicles with some sites having hookups. It also has drinking water, picnic areas, restrooms, a dump station, and a boat ramp. In South Lake Tahoe is a county park with 170 campsites. Hookups are available at many of the sites. Other facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, shower facilities, and a boat ramp. On the California side is 593-acre Emerald Bay State Park. There are 100 campsites suitable for tents and recreational vehicles. Just north of this state park is the D.L. Bliss State Park which, has 167 campsites. This 1,237-acre park also offers miles of hiking trails.