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Take The Most Beautiful Drive in America
You are about to embark on a scenic journey unlike any
other in the world. We will guide you through many of the natural and man-made wonders in the Lake Tahoe Basin, all on "The Most Beautiful Drive In America."
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It's 22 miles long and 12 miles wide and contains an estimated 39.75 trillion gallons of water, enough to
cover the entire state of California to a depth of 14 inches. The water is 99.9% pure, and it's said that a white dinner plate can be seen to a depth of 75 feet. Lake
Tahoe's altitude is 6.225 feet above sea level.
Lake Tahoe is bisected by the California/Nevada state line. Spectacular recreation, entertainment and scenic beauty can be enjoyed year round.
Begin your tour on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, with a breathtaking overview of the South Shore and the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Heavenly Tram takes
passengers 2,000 feet above the lake. At the Top Of The Tram Restaurant., you can enjoy a drink or a meal while relaxing indoors or on the patio. In winter, skiers enjoy
Heavenly as America's largest ski resort.
Drive south on Highway 50 through Lake Tahoe's largest community, the city of South Lake Tahoe, CA. Turn right on Highway 89 and drive west into National
Forest lands. The Pope Baldwin Recreation Area on the right has miles of alpine beaches. Your next stop is the Tallac Historic Site. These rustic mansions were
built over a hundred years ago. They've recently been restored and are open for tours in summer. Next, stop at the US Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Visitors Center.
Located along Taylor Creek, the Center offers nature trails, information on the flora and fauna of the Basin and the Stream Profile Chamber where, in fall, you can view
colorful Kokanee Salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn.
From there the highway winds northward along the Lake Tahoe shore, climbing a lateral moraine formed thousands of years ago by massive glaciers pushing
toward Lake Tahoe, creating several huge canyons. Today, Fallen Leaf Lake. Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay remain as evidence of their passing. At Eagle
Point State Campground, a short trail leads you to the water's edge for excellent views of Lake Tahoe.
The highway follows the moraine's edge with Cascade Lake on the left and Emerald Bay on the right. The Emerald Bay Lookout, just past Eagle Creek and
Falls, is a spectacular picture-taking spot. Emerald Bay's deep green water is the site of the only island in Lake Tahoe. Fannette Island. The small structure atop the
island is the Tea House, built by Ms. Lora Knight, who also constructed Vikingshgolm, a 38 room Scandinavian Castle built in 1929, located at the head of
Emerald Bay. Accessible by a one mile hike, tours of this unique structure are available in summer.
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