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Lake Tahoe Road Trip from SLC in Autumn

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4 day round-trip from SLC 

Affordable, autumn getaway

Is Lake Tahoe your first thought for Autumn excursions? While best known for its summer and winter seasons, there is something special about experiencing this lake’s last sunsets before winter takes hold. 

Make sure to pack a few layers for your trip to stay comfortable. Cute boots, scarves , and mustaches are also encouraged.

Sacred to the native Washoe people, the lake holds much power and perseverance over the course of its – relatively young age at 11,000 yrs old.

Day 1 – One 8 HR Drive later, arriving at 4PM

Our drive started at 8:30am and we headed Due east towards Reno.  We had downloaded all 8 Harry Potter movies, and played them via our IPAD during our drive.  It really helps to pass the time driving through long stretches of desert and set the perfect autumn mood.

We took a short stop at Reef Dispensary in Reno for a quick treat and onwards we pressed.

Arriving at Kings Beach around 4PM, we settled into our Lakeside Studio Room at Franciscan Lodge. This property sits on its own section of the beach and has all the amenities you could look for.  For dinner, we grab a 16” Margherita Pizza from Whitecaps Pizza.  

16″ Whitecaps Margherita Pizza

Back at the Lodge, we settled in for the night, taking a sunset stroll along the darkening shores, finishing off our pizza in the warmth of the cabin.

Day 2 – Peps Place, Fallen Leaf Lake, Emerald Bay, Meeks Bay

The next day we headed towards South Lake Tahoe.  Breakfast was a quick stop across the street at Peps Place.  After chatting about the fishing in the area, we grabbed a Veg Burrito. 

This Veg burrito was bomb, bursting with fresh black beans, quinoa, scrambled eggs, and salsa.  One black coffee to go as well, we set off. 

Veg Burrito From Peps Place

The roads were a beautiful ribbon between dark green deciduous and a glistening blue lake.  We headed towards Fallen Leaf Lake, but without the knowledge that the lake was closed to boats by this time in the year.  (Tip: Fallen Leaf Lake closes boating after Labor Day)

Our next attempt for views was at Emerald Bay, but pulling up we ran into a parking lot hell and “noped” right on out. Lunch was a Panini and a Reuben from Beach Hut in South Lake Tahoe.  We ate roadside while looking over Fannette Island.

Cali Caprese
Pastrami & Cheese
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Fannette Island Overlook

Visiting Taylor Creek Falls was barren of life.  The drought had changed when the fish migrated, so there were none to see.  The Visitor River viewing chamber was also closed to the public due to vandalism.  

Heading back West, we stopped at one last hope, Meeks Bay.  BINGO! We hit the jackpot.  Parking galore, very few people, and the ability to launch our dinghy!

The water was incredibly clear, and once out in the water, it got so quiet and serene. Being out on the water really changes your perspective of the lake. 

Jasons Beachside Grill

Jasons Beachside Grill was only a few minutes away and we were seated quickly, ordering ourselves a blackened Salmon Burger and the California Burger.  The salmon was good (but was taken off the bun).  Ronny was rather unimpressed with the California Burger.

California Burger. As Ronny commented “Olives on a burger? Bullshit”
Blackened Salmon Burger

Another sunset stroll later, we were tucked into bed.

Day 2 – Sand Harbor, Logan Shoals, Heading Home

First thing we did in the morning was pull out and head to Sand Harbor.  $15 later after a purchase of Nevada Parks Pass, we parked, inflated our dinghy, and headed out on the lake.   

Ronny, my favorite oarsman, rowed us along and I stuck the Gopro underwater to see if we could find any fish.   While we did run into some small fish, there were no adult-size fish to be seen. I loved being able to see to the bottom of the lake, something you don’t get to experience everyday!

I was stressed about our situation on the boat for one reason: we didn’t remember to bring our dry bag.  This means our electronics are not protected from an emergency.  I had a small stress attack while Ronny was trying to get into position for a video clip.  Make sure you remember your small things that make a big difference on a trip for peace of mind!

For lunch we headed out to Logan Shoals Vista Point, sandwiches in tow. 

Sunshine Deli delighted us for lunch with our to-go of a Southwest Chicken Sandwich and an extreme veggie Build your own for me.

Build your Own Veggie Sandwich
Southwest Chicken Sandwich

To round out our day, we decided to settle into our room for the rest of the day after purchasing dinner at Safeway. 

  • Smoked Salmon from Sitka Salmon Shares
  • Boursin Cheese with Wheat Thins
  • Tomato Basil Soup
  • Everything Bagels from Truckee Sourdough Company
  • Jalapeno and Onion
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Smoked Salmon from Sitka Salmon Shares
  • Boursin Cheese with Wheat Thins
  • Tomato Basil Soup
  • Everything Bagels from Truckee Sourdough Company
  • Jalapeno and Onion
  • Sliced Cheese
All this for $24.08

Our drive home was uneventful, which is a good thing. 

Our hopes when we return to Tahoe are:

  • Experience Snorkeling at Tahoe
  • Do not forget your dry bag if you are going on the water
  • Check restaurant Hours and status before you leave
  • Check boat launching areas and when lakes close for the season/construction

Cost Breakdown For 4 Day, 3 Night – 2 Adults Road Trip

SLC to North & South Shore Lake Tahoe

  • Lodging : 368.04
  • Gas: 134.88
  • Food/Drink: 300.52 (including tips)
  • Passes/Fees: 25
  • Souvenir: 7
  • Grand Total: 798.41

Cider Recipe

  • 2 apples
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 cup apple juice
  • 2 cup orange juice
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • Cloves
  • Star Anise

Mull the combined ingredients in a pot for 2 hours.

Strain out the clove, cinnamon, and star anise.  Strain out the apples (should be soft)

Mix with Rum or Whiskey

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