May 19 to June 1, 2021

local. independent. fresh.

may 19-june 1, 2021

11TH annual

TahoeSierra golf guide

tahoe’s

historic toll roads the scoop on

dog poop explore kyburz flat elevate your burger

david beck

music of the mountains

delivering the fun since 1982

In Memor y of

LUKE ALLEN NOV. 21, 1973 - MAY 6, 2021

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Dirt bike adventures await

SNOWMOBILE THE SIERRA Sport exhilarating, life transforming

PADDLING BIG BLUE FR

Outtter offers guided tours

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We will all miss you.

Luke Allen, a devoted husband, father and friend, died on May 6 leaving a hole in the heart of the North Lake Tahoe community.

He leaves behind his wife Michelle Allen, also the Family Editor for Tahoe Weekly, and his 8-year-old son Anikin. Luke was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer and was an expert at everything he tried. He graced the cover of the Tahoe Weekly multiple times capturing his Tahoe adventures. He was the co-owner of A&M Marine in Tahoe City and was the person who everyone called to lend a hand.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support his family at

https://gofund.me/2d47d72a.

• Visit

•

•

https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/P5Y6P7K for more information on how to help the family.

fun. unique. everywhere.

May 19-June 1, 2021

Volume 40 | Issue 5

15

TM

Mike Vollmer

P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly

12

SUBMISSIONS Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Events Calendar Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE

to our e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com

23

in this issue

making it happen Publisher & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Ad Production graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101 Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food & Well Being Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com Family Editor Michelle Allen michelle@tahoethisweek.com Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling, Alex Silgalis

bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR League (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car.

INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216

MAY 19-JUNE 1, 2021

FEATURES

THE FUTURE OF TAHOE WEEKLY FROM THE PUBLISHER

As we begin to emerge from this pandemic darkness that has engulfed and consumed so many people physically, mentally and financially, the future remains uncertain for Tahoe Weekly. Like many local businesses, we have struggled just to keep the lights on over the last year and even went to digital only for the winter to cut costs to try to hold onto the promise that Tahoe’s summer brings to so many.

We are hopeful for the future of our magazine as restrictions on businesses lessen and events and festivals start to return to our area. Your donations have helped us weather this madness, but what all local independent publications need is support from advertisers. We’ve had many continue to advertise with us through the pandemic and we are grateful for their support.

However, too many advertisers have been lured away from trusted, community-based, locally owned publications across the country by social media’s promise of easy, fast results that has robbed our society of its privacy and its trust with click bait, online tracking and targeted marketing. Our personal data has been sold to the highest bidder and spread across the dark web, while local small publishers like Tahoe Weekly suffer in the aftermath.

Not only do we produce one of the best publications in the region, but you know and trust us. You trust our advice on local trails, great beaches and amazing local music. You turn to us for generations to plan your summer vacations and lifelong adventures. So, while you’re out shopping and dining, consider mentioning to the owner of that business that you would appreciate them supporting Tahoe Weekly in turn.

Thank you for reading Tahoe Weekly. Donations may be made at paypal.me/ tahoeweekly.

IN MEMORY OF LUKE ALLEN TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays.

Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com.

TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

Camille Beck

Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

Court Leve | Tahoe Donner

Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

My heart is broken over the death of my beloved brother-in-law Luke Allen (featured on our cover) on May 6. Luke was a devoted father, husband, brother, son and friend. He was well known in the community for his adventurous spirit, his warm heart, his quick wit and his genius at fixing anything mechanical. Luke was the loving husband of our Family Editor Michelle Allen and an amazing father to Anikin. He was also the co-owner of A&M Marina in Tahoe City.

Words cannot express our sorrow and he will forever be missed. A GoFundMe for the family has been set up at gofund.me/2d47d72a. A memorial will be planned at a later date. 

Explore Kyburz Flat

6

Tahoe’s Historic Toll Roads

11

Wildfire Retrofit

12

The Scoop on Dog Poop

13

The Golf Guide

15

GET OUTSIDE Sightseeing

4

Lake Tahoe Facts

5

Marinas & Boat Ramps

7

Beaches & Parks

8

Events

9

Hiking

10

Paved Paths & Cycling Routes 12

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

14

THE MAKERS Trails & Vistas

22

THE LINEUP David Beck

23

Live

23

EAT & DRINK Burgers

24

Tasty Tidbits

24

Grilled Caesar Salad

25

Chile Wines

26

Strawberry Chocolate Dream 27

on the cover Our cover this edition is in honor of the late Luke Allen and his love of adventures in the Tahoe Sierra, particularly of the motorized variety, dirt biking on Barker Pass for a photo shoot for Tahoe Weekly. Luke was the husband of Family Editor Michelle Allen and brotherin-law to Publisher and owner Katherine E. Hill. Find information on how to help his family in this edition or support them at gofund. me/2d47d72a. Photography by Court Leve | CourtLeve.com, @CourtLeve

3

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

Readings taken on Friday, May 14, 2021 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,225.22 |

IN 2020:

C PACITY CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362 CAPA

Explore Tahoe CLOSED

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs. South Tahoe

Fannette Island

Tallac Historic Site Emerald Bay

North Shore

Summer | (530) 583-3279 | terc.ucdavis.edu This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Ages 8+. TART South Lake Tahoe

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov Lake Tahoe’s only island is located in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

TART/South Tahoe

(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open yearround. South Tahoe

Heavenly

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

South Lake Tahoe

OPEN MAY 28-31; DAILY STARTING JUNE 18 (775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required. South Tahoe

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

West Shore

North Shore

North Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden

Incline Village

Summer | Free (775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | demogarden.org Demonstrations of lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants, water conservation, soil stabilization techniques, defensible space from wildfires & BMPs. Self-guided tours & clinics. TART

North Tahoe Arts Center

Tahoe City

(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com Featuring exhibits of work by local artists and works for sale by local artists. TART

Tahoe Art League Gallery

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring local artists, workshops. South Tahoe

4

200,000 AF

225

175

150,000 AF

125

75

50

25

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Lost Sierra

WHITEHAWK GRAEAGLE PLUMAS PINES RANCH MEADOWS GRAEAGLE NAKOMAGRIZZLY RANCH MEADOWS Incline Village FEATHER WHITEHAWK GRIZZLY RANCH RIVER PARK RANCH Free | REOPENS IN JUNE WHITEHAWK RANCH NAKOMA

Tahoe Science Center

Tues.-Sat. & by appt. | (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org NAKOMAFEATHER University of California, Davis, science eduRIVER PARK FEATHER cation center at Sierra NevadaRIVER College.

Exhibits PARK include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART

Tahoe City

Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia. TART

KidZone Children’s CLOSED Museum

Truckee

Tues.-Sun. | Locals’ first Tues. half price (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym. TART South Lake Tahoe

Museum of Truckee History

Museum

TROA.NET

Truckee

Open by appt. truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. TART

Find more places to explore

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

VISITORS’ CENTERS Kings Beach Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463 Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591

East Shore

truckeehistory.org | truckee.com Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART

Vikingsholm Castle

Emerald Bay

Truckee

Sat. & Sun. & by appt.

Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history. TART

Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot) (530) 587-8808 U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

Old Jail Museum

Truckee

Open by appt. | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours). TART

Olympic Museum

Olympic Valley

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Squaw Valley, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley.

The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City 3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558

National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus

TRANSIT North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

Parking fee | (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (May 29-Sept. 30), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House. TART/South Tahoe

Watson Cabin

Tahoe City

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places. (summer tours). TART

MUSEUMS Donner Summit Historical Society

Soda Springs

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org At the corner of Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART

DO L

GRAEAGLE MEADOWS

in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 1150 Measured Truckee Railroad (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

Thunderbird Lodge TBA

Truckee

northtahoebusiness.org Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28. TART

Truckee

(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour map. South Tahoe

High Camp

Kings Beach

Emigrant Trail Museum

2 PROSSER 11,061 CAPACITY: 29,840 (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 features exhibits DONNER 4,690 The Emigrant Trail Museum and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at 8 INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 CCAPACITY: 18,300 Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument.

A TART 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY:

6,227.76 TheLost Sierra

Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) TROA.NET GRIZZLY MeasuredRANCH in Acre Feet (AF) PLUMAS PINES

CAPACITY: C 226,500

(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov | OPENS LATE MAY Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more. South Tahoe

Parking fee | parks.ca.gov | OPENS MAY 25 (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (summer tours), see boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more.

Ticket required. TART

STAMPEDE 19,9661

Lake Tahoe Museum South Lake Tahoe

May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only.

No on-site parking. Tours by reservation only.

Olympic Valley

| FLOW AT FARAD 1150 Truckee River C PACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362

Donner Summit The PLUMAS IN 2020: PINES

200,000 AF

Tahoe City Field Station

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,225.22 |

175

Eagle Rock, one of the lake’s famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side. TART

ELEVATION :

DONN TAHOE D LAKE

Lost Sierra Donner Summit Readings taken on Friday, May 14, 2021

150,000 AF

West Shore

visittahoecity.com Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of hwys 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and 64 acres at Hwys 89 & 28. TART

The

125

Eagle Rock

North Shore

50

Drive through one of the area’s natural wonders at Cave Rock, the neck of an old volcano.

The area is named for the small caves above Highway 50 that were cut by waves when Lake Tahoe was 200 feet higher during the ice ages.

Tahoe City

Donner Summit

CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8

LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

25

East Shore

It’s beginning to feel like summer at Donner Lake. | Katherine E. Hill

CAPACITY: 9,500 C 5

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

Check schedules before visiting. Masks are required in Nevada & California.

Cave Rock

CAPACITY: 29,840 2

100,000 AF

DONNER 4,690

TAHOE DON

100,000 AF

ATTRACTIONS

PROSSER 11,061

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

CAPACITY: C 226,500

75

SIGHTSEEING

STAMPEDE 19,9661

6,227.76

225

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

A M

May 19-June 1, 2021

lake tahoe facts |

Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe.

GRAY ’S CROSSING

TAHOE DONNER

COYOTE MOON

Truckee

DONNER TAHOE DONNER LAKE

OLD GREENWOOD

BOCA RESERVOIR OLD GREENWOOD RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR AIRPORT OLD GREENWOOD TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR PROSSER RESERVOIR AIRPORT Donner Lake PONDEROSA TRUCKEE RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR STAMPEDE RESERVOIR BOCA RESERVOIR DONNER AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL PONDEROSA Summit SCHAFFER’S RENO-TAHOE MILL LAKE AIRPORT RESERVOIR PROSSERSTAMPEDE RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL ra T PONDEROSA m i eR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR ho a SCHAFFER’S MILL T INCLINE VILLAGE a r SCHAFFER’S MILL Rim T MOUNTAIN oe a r NORTHSTAR ah im T R T SCHAFFER’S MILL INCLINE VILLAGE oe r ah MOUNTAIN R i m TT INCLINE VILLAGE OLD BROCKWAYh o e INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR a MOUNTAIN T CHAMPIONSHIP INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR Truckee MOUNTAIN WEST EAST River OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE SNORTHSTAR OUTH CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP DEEPEST COON ST.

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GRAEAGLE MEADOWS

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PLUMAS PINES

Tahoe Vista

Incline Village

Incline Village Crystal Incline Village Kings Bay Tahoe Vista Crystal Beach Carnelian BayTahoe Vista NAKOMA Crystal Kings Bay Olympic Tahoe Vista POINT FEATHER Kings Crystal Bay Beach BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Carnelian Bay Valley RIVER PARK BOAT CO. Kings Beach DEEPEST Bay Olympic Carnelian Bay COON ST. POINT SANDDEEPEST BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Beach Olympic TAHOE COON ST. NORTH Valley Carnelian Bay CITY HARBOR BOAT CO. POINT BOAT LAUNCH TAHOE SIERRA RESORT AT DEEPEST Valley Olympic BOAT CO. COON ST. Tahoe SAND SQUAW CREEK POINT BOAT LAUNCH NORTH DollarSIERRA Hill TAHOE CITY HARBOR Valley LAKE TAHOE VISTA SAND City BOAT CO. TAHOE RESORT AT MARINAS NORTH FOREST TAHOE CITY REC AREA HARBOR Tahoe SQUAW CREEK TAHOE SAND Alpine RESORT AT Dollar Hill NORTH CITY LAKE HARBOR TAHOE VISTA Tahoe City SQUAW CREEK TAHOE TAHOE TAHOE NV Dollar Hill RESORT AT CITY Meadows FOREST REC AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Tahoe SQUAW CREEK Alpine Dollar MARINA Carson FOREST Hill RECTAHOE AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Meadows Alpine CITY City Sunnyside FOREST TAHOE REC AREA MARINA BOAT RAMPS AlpineMeadows CITY SUNNYSIDE TAHOE MARINA Carson CITY l Meadows Sunnyside ai MARINA Tr Carson City Sunnyside SUNNYSIDE City il SUNNYSIDE Sunnyside ra GRIZZLY RANCH

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Zephyr Cove CAVE ROCK Cave Rock South EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove TAHOE EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Stateline Emerald Bay Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C) Zephyr CoveSouth TAHOE Fannette Island South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove SKI RUN Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe South Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C) Fannette Island LAKESIDE Stateline Emerald Bay TAHOEEagle Lake Tahoe SKI RUN Fannette Island Stateline Lake KEYS Emerald Bay BIJOU SKI RUN Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C) Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)

Cascade SKI RUN Lake TAHOE

CAMP

RICHARDSON Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m)

Ta h inches (10.4 m) Average Snowfall: 409 o e R i m Tr ail

Permanent Population: 66,000 Ta h oe

Ta h oe

R i m Tr ail

CAMP RICHARDSON CAMP RICHARDSON Ta h o e R i m Tr ail

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Number of Visitors: 15 million annually

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

TAHOE KEYS

Meyers

TAHOE LAKESIDE KEYS LAKESIDE

KEYS

Stateline LAKESIDE BIJOU

LAKE TAHOE

TAHOE PARADISE LAKE TAHOE

Kirkwood Kirkwood

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

FREEL PEAK

TAHOE PARADISE

TAHOE PARADISE

LAKE TAHOE

Average depth: 1,000 feet (304 m)

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, or 589 m, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons (284 liters) of water per day for 5 years.

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide) Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

Shoreline: 72 miles (116 km)

Shore

FREEL Meyers TAHOE PARADISEPEAK FREEL LAKE TAHOE Meyers AIRPORT PEAK LAKE TAHOE Meyers Echo Lakes AIRPORT

Kirkwood

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

PEAKSouth

Leaf Lake

Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth.(19.11 m) 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)

Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. (1,897-1,899 m) The top 6.1’ (1.8 m) of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water (91,845 m).

BIJOU CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen

Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.

Natural rim: 6,223’ (1,897 m)

Cave Rock

EDGEWOOD

Cave Rock TAHOE

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Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

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East Shore

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Volume: 39 trillion gallons (147.6 trillion liters)

Glenbrook

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HOMEWOOD

HomewoodShore CASINOS Tahoma OBEXER’S Homewood HOMEWOOD

Meeks Bay

Spooner Lake

Carson City

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anne@tahoethisweek.com

Maximum depth: 1,645 feet (501 m)

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WHITEHAWK RANCH

LOGO here

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The DONNER LAKELost Sierra

Your business’

Reno & Sparks Reno & Sparks RENO-TAHOE Reno & Sparks INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Email

Truckee

GRAY ’S CROSSING OLD GREENWOOD

COYOTE MOON PONDEROSA COYOTE MOON

DONNER LAKE

Reno & Sparks

GRAY ’S CROSSING

TRUCKEE GRAY ’S CROSSING AIRPORT COYOTE MOON TAHOE DONNER

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YOUR BUSINESS COULD

SPONSOR THIS PAGE

LAKE

Hope Valley TAHOE Markleeville

Kirkwood Hope Valley Hope Markleeville Valley Markleeville

Hope Valley Markleeville

Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles (307 km). If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water (.38 m).

Why is the lake blue?

The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and the blue light is scattered back.

EVENTS

are returning to Tahoe Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com and click on Events to find local events, festivals & live music throughout the Tahoe Sierra.

Post Events Free Add or edit your events in our free calendar for both print and online.

Click on Events and then the blue Add Event button.

5

TheTahoeWeekly.com

GET outside

the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

Kyburz Flat E X P L O R E P ET R O G LY P H S, S H E E P C A M P & WAY S TAT I O N S TO RY & P H OTO S M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

B

efore and during California’s Gold Rush era, a multitude of routes were blazed over the Sierra Nevada into the Golden State. The northern mining district in the Bear, Yuba and Feather River valleys were distant from the main transSierra arteries that utilized the Truckee River route west over the Donner Pass area or the Carson River trail through the mountains south of Lake Tahoe.

In the early 1850s gold seekers discovered a more direct route to the northern mines by cutting away from the Truckee River near present-day Floriston and heading northwest into Dog Valley toward the Little Truckee River. From there miners and wagons crossed a relatively low 6,842foot pass over the Sierra divide into the west-flowing Middle Fork of the Yuba River. For years, the Henness Pass Road served as the primary supply route from San Francisco and Sacramento to the Comstock mines in Virginia City, Nev. This historically significant road was later included in the Lincoln Highway, the country’s first transcontinental highway system.

Today, the U.S. Forest Service hosts a cluster of three thought-provoking interpretive sites at Kyburz Flat, about 16 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89 at its intersection with old Henness Pass Road.

Kyburz Flat is a peaceful wildlife viewing area with streams and small pools of water depending on the season. It is also part of a protected animal migration corridor.

Once you enter the site, drive to the first interpretive marker about one mile east of Highway 89. The area reveals a remarkable example of cupule petroglyphs that offer evidence Washoe Indians and their ancestors camped in the area 2,000 years ago. Second, a nearby loop trail traces the remains of More’s Station, a busy way station and hotel for stage passengers and other travelers on Henness Pass Road.

And finally, a short distance away, is a fully functioning brick oven used by Basque sheepherders to bake bread and cook stews while they grazed their flocks in the nearby meadows during warm Sierra summers.

This informative historical tour takes about an hour to visit all three sites.

The large petroglyph at Interpretive Marker 1 is a slab of rock where small round pits (cupules) have been patiently ground into the surface by Native Americans. Some ancient symbols and grinding holes etched in obdurate granite in the Sierra are the work of generations.

Petroglyphs are scattered throughout these mountains, but cupules are distinctive and part of traditional ceremonial activities such as fertility rituals and a place to leave special offerings. The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California considers this area an important heritage site to be treated with respect with no rubbings or castings of the petroglyphs. Photography is allowed.

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TOP: More’s Hotel plaque at Kyburz Flat.

LEFT: Cupule petroglyphs.

MORE’S STATION

Next stop is an interpretive path through the remnants of More’s Station, hotel and ranch within a short walk down the road from the petroglyph. After the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, Henness Pass Road was improved to handle the increased traffic of hundreds of food, merchandise and equipment-laden freight wagons, as well as farm buckboards hauling families and their household goods to booming western Nevada. More’s Station was a 320acre spread operated by Lysander More and his family. Much of the trail is on a wooden boardwalk free of the prickly sagebrush, occasional snake and loose rock that characterize this arid landscape.

Illustrated signs indicate the location and functions of the hotel, barn, root cellar, water well and corral. Piled rocks reveal low walls used to anchor fenceposts that kept stock animals safely in the corral, while a shallow pit marks the location of a 40-footdeep well. The well was hand-pumped to deliver potable water to the surface for parched and dusty humans and livestock.

WHEELER SHEEP CAMP

A short drive or 15-minute hike away are the open meadows of the Wheeler Sheep Camp, one of the main grazing areas for the Wheeler Sheep Company based in Reno. This camp was built and managed before 1921 by the Gallues brothers John and Felix. Immigrants from the Basque country in the western Pyrenees Mountains of Spain, the Gallues

are part of a rich heritage of Basque ranchers in California and Nevada. The first wave of Basque nationals were mostly illiterate with little to no experience in sheepherding; they learned on the job working for others.

Initially drawn by the California Gold Rush, Basque ranchers and sheepherders later moved operations to Nevada due to less expensive land and economic booms brought on by a series of precious metal discoveries. A second surge of Basque immigrants at the turn of the 20th Century were not attracted by gold and silver. Most were escaping political and economic turmoil in their home country and seeking a new stable life with steady employment in sheepherding among their transplanted compatriots in the Great Basin. All the buildings built by John and Felix Gallues for the Wheeler Sheep Camp are now gone except for a large brick oven that was first constructed in 1927. The present version is a restoration completed in 1992. The dome oven is fully operational and may be reserved for use by the public. Contact the Sierraville Ranger Station for permission.

It’s easy to miss the entrance to Kyburz Flat with only a small sign along the roadway. Heading north from Truckee, look for a large chain-linked fence on the right side before you reach Jackson Meadows Road.

Turn and follow the dirt road into the protected area to reach the parking area for Kyburz Flat. At the parking area, you’ll find the petroglyph and the boardwalk nearby.

Continue north along a short sideroad to reach Wheeler Sheep Camp, which also has a parking area.

Passenger vehicles are OK to reach the site; traveling any further along Henness Pass Road will require a vehicle that can handle rough conditions, however. There is a vault toilet at the parking area. | fs.usda.gov 

Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

Squaw gondola work to start this summer Alterra Mountain Company has announced that the Base-to-Base Gondola will begin construction this summer. This base-to-base connection will take skiers and riders between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in about 16 minutes.

The Gondola will have eight-passenger cabins and the capacity to move 1,400 people per hour. It will offer access to 6,000 acres of skiing and riding for all skill levels. The $60-million project includes two main terminals, two mid-stations and additional base area improvements targeted to enhance the guest experience.

There will be intermittent closures along the Five Lakes and Western States trails through August. | Updates blog. squawalpine.com

Junior Rangers

program launched

Nevada State Parks has launched a Junior Ranger program. Children of all ages are invited to earn Junior Ranger badges by completing a free activity book during a visit to any or all of Nevada’s state parks.

Some activities include creating a sound map, interviewing a park ranger, and identifying scat and animal tracks. The activity book will be available at each state park or can be downloaded from parks.nv.gov.

Kids’ nature activity books available Tahoe Institute for Natural Science has released a new Tahoe Nature Activity Book. Topics include: “How to Draw a Western Tanager,” “Tahoe’s Rockin’ Geology” and “Tahoe at Night.”

Activity books geared toward Grades K through 2 and Grades 3 through 5 can be downloaded for free from the website or ordered online. | tinsweb.org

May 19-June 1, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

Marinas & Boat Ramps

ADVERTISEMENT

Email anne@tahoethisweek.com to be listed in Marinas.

FUEL

LAUNCHING

REPAIRS

FOOD

SUPPLIES

Power boats & jet skis

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Power boats & a 22’ sailboat (no overnight rentals)

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RENTALS

OBEXER’S Homewood | (530) 525-7962 | obexersboat.com

TAHOE CITY MARINA Marina & Rentals: (530) 583-1039 Service: (530) 581-2516 | tahoecitymarina.com

TRAILER PARKING

SLIP/BUOY RENTALS

MARINAS

RESTROOMS

*Restrictions vary by location. Call in advance to check schedules.

BOAT INSPECTIONS MANDATORY INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR LAKE TAHOE, ECHO LAKES, FALLEN LEAF LAKE, DONNER LAKE, AREA RESERVOIRS & WEBBER LAKE. LAKE TAHOE

(888) 824-6267 | tahoeboatinspections.com | Inspections first-come, first-served.

Appointment system also now available online. | (888) 824-6267.

Inspections available 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily until Sept. 30.

NORTH SHORE ALPINE MEADOWS: Hwy. 89 at Alpine Meadows Rd. EAST SHORE SPOONER SUMMIT: Junction of Hwys. 28 & 50. No vessels more than 30’.

SOUTH SHORE MEYERS: At the junction of Hwys. 89 & 50.

TRUCKEE AREA

(530) 582-2361 | truckeeboatinspections.com Mandatory self inspections are required for all vessels for Donner Lake. Inspection stickers. (530) 550-2323.

Mandatory self inspections are in place at Prosser, Boca, Jackson Meadows & Stampede reservoirs.

CALIFORNIA BOATER CARD CALIFORNIA REQUIRES BOAT OPERATORS TO PASS A MANDATORY BOAT SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE. Everyone ages 35 years and younger who operates a boat must have the card; this includes non-residents. californiaboatercard.com

PUBLIC RAMPS LAKE TAHOE

LAKE FOREST

(530) 583-3796

1.5 miles east of Tahoe City, off Hwy. 28

TAHOE VISTA REC. AREA (530) 546-4212 Hwy. 28, Bottom of National Ave.

COON ST. BOAT LAUNCH (530) 583-3075 Hwy. 28, Bottom of Coon St. in Kings Beach

SAND HARBOR

(775) 831-0494

Hwy. 28, 2 miles south of Incline Village

CAVE ROCK

(775) 831-0494

Closed for the season to motorized vessels due to low water.

Picnic area, beach, restrooms.

Call for schedule. Restrooms.

7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. until May 28. 5 a.m-8 p.m. after.

Picnic area, beach, Visitors’ Center, food, restrooms. Sealed boats only.

6 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

Hwy. 50, East Shore

EL DORADO BEACH

6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Pass available. Restrooms.

One-way exit only after closing.

(530) 542-2981

Hwy. 50 at Lakeview Ave., South Lake Tahoe

your

Adventure Buddy is waiting.

Closed for the season to motorized vessels due to low water.

Picnic area, restrooms.

AREA LAKES

BOCA/STAMPEDE RSVR.

(530) 587-3558 I-80, Hirschdale exit

DONNER LAKE

(530) 582-7720

I-80, Donner Lake exit

INDEPENDENCE LAKE

(775) 322-4990

Independence Lake Rd., 20 miles north of Truckee

PROSSER RSVR.

(530) 587-3558

Hwy. 89, 2 miles north of Truckee

WEBBER LAKE

(530) 582-4711

Henness Pass Rd., 26 miles north of Truckee

45 mph speed limit. No launching fee. $10 parking. Subject to closure during low water levels. Mandatory inspections.

2 boat lanes, fish cleaning station, restrooms.

Restricted to on-site watercraft: kayaks, tubes & small motor boats available on first-come, first-served basis. No outside craft. Opens Memorial Day Weekend.

10 mph speed limit strictly enforced. No fees for parking or launching.

Mandatory inspections.

5 mph speed limit. Boat ramp & trailer parking. Self inspection required.

Sierra County Inspection form at sierracounty.ca.gov. Open as conditions permit.

PUBLIC PIERS Public piers are free, but have limited space; often limited to loading and unloading.

DONNER LAKE

DONNER LAKE

I-80, Donner Lake exit

37 public piers on north shore from the boat ramp east. Fenced piers are private.

LAKE TAHOE

GAR WOODS

Carnelian Bay

KINGS BEACH

Bottom of Coon St.

SKYLANDIA PARK

Lake Forest

Access to restaurant, small beaches. Restrooms.

Busy pier adjacent to town, public beach, picnic sites. Restrooms.

Small beach, picnic facilities. Restrooms.

KASPIAN PICNIC AREA West Shore

Between Tahoe City and Homewood. Picnic area, beach. Restrooms.

GROVE STREET

Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Located east of Commons Beach. Restrooms at Commons Beach.

Center of Tahoe City

SUGAR PINE POINT

Tahoma

Hiking, Ehrman Mansion tours, nature trail. Restrooms.

adopt & save a life at

petnetwork.org (775) 832-4404

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VOLLEYBALL

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PICKLEBALL

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TENNIS

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BIKE PARK

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DISC GOLF

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DOGS OK

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PLAYGROUND

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BBQ/GRILL

BEACH

PICNIC TABLES

RESTROOMS

BIKE TRAIL ACCESS

Beaches & Parks

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

EAST SHORE

CHIMNEY BEACH & SECRET COVE ROUNDHILL PINES BEACH

Hwy. 50

SAND HARBOR STATE PARK Photo Credit | Photographer?

Ming Poon

ZEPHYR COVE PARK

Visitors asked to take

Travelers’ pledge

To protect and preserve vulnerable ecosystems and residential communities, regional visitor bureaus have joined forces to focus on educational tactics that reinforce the importance of mindful, responsible travel, which includes a new Traveler Responsibility Pledge.

The pledge, composed of six tenets, outlines actions visitors and residents can take to reduce travel-related impacts. | gotahoenorth.com, tahoesouth.com Become a steward of Tahoe-Truckee. | Commit to exploring the region responsibly and help preserve treasured places by leaving them better than you found them.

Participate in a clean-up day, download and use the Citizen Science Tahoe app, ride public transportation and support small businesses and events.

Respect the environment. | Leave no trace by packing out everything, properly disposing of trash and staying on trails to reduce footprints on the environment. Say no to plastic and bring reusable water bottles.

5.9 miles south of Incline Vlg.

Hwy. 50

Keep wildlife wild. | It’s critical to observe wildlife from a respectful distance. Do not feed wild animals.

COON STREET DOG BEACH

Hwy. 28, bottom of Coon Street

KINGS BEACH STATE REC AREA

Kings Beach

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NORTH TAHOE BEACH

Hwy. 28, across from Safeway

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SECLINE BEACH

Hwy. 28, at the end of Secline Street

SPEEDBOAT BEACH

CLOSES AUG. 19 FOR SEASON.

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK & DOG PARK Hwy. 28, at top of National Ave.

SANDY BEACH

Hwy. 28, across from the Perennial Nursery

TAHOE VISTA RECREATION AREA CARNELIAN WEST BEACH PATTON LANDING

Hwy. 28, at National Ave.

Hwy. 28, next to Gar Woods

Hwy. 28, at Onyx Street

COMMONS BEACH HERITAGE PLAZA

Hwy. 28, Tahoe City behind old fire station

Hwy. 28, Downtown Tahoe City

LAKE FOREST BEACH POMIN PARK SKYLANDIA

Lake Forest Rd, 1.5 miles east of Tahoe City

Lake Forest Road, east of Tahoe City Lake Forest Road, east of Tahoe City

64-ACRES PARK & BELL’S LANDING

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Grove Street

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WILLIAM KENT BEACH

2.5 miles south of Tahoe City

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Hwy. 89, south of Tahoe City at Dam

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TAHOE CITY DOG PARK

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WEST SHORE

D.L. BLISS STATE PARK

17 miles south of Tahoe City

ELIZABETH WILLIAMS PARK EMERALD BAY BEACH KILNER PARK

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18.5 miles south of Tahoe City

Corner of Hwy. 89 & Pine St., Tahoma

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Hwy. 89, 10 miles south of Tahoe City

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK BALDWIN BEACH

9.5 miles south of Tahoe City

CAMP RICHARDSON

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Hwy. 89 Hwy. 50 at Lakeview Commons

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Hwy. 50

Hwy. 89

REGAN BEACH

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Al Tahoe Blvd.

Hwy. 89 east of Taylor Creek

NEVADA BEACH

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BIJOU COMMUNITY PARK

POPE BEACH

4 miles south of Tahoe City

Hwy. 89, 3.5 miles south of Tahoe City

MARIE SLUCHAK PARK

KIVA BEACH

Must mention ad at booking & present upon arrival.

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TAHOE CITY

EL DORADO BEACH

Rentals & Tours

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CARNELIAN BAY

Demonstrate mindful travel. | If an outdoor area looks too crowded, move on and explore a new location. Speak kindly to people you encounter and remember to be a good neighbor by keeping noise down and parking in designated areas. Travel with awareness and be mindful of the impact of your actions.

SUNSET KAYAKS & KAYAK PADDLEBOARDS TOURS IN STOCK

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TAHOE VISTA

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

NIGHTLY

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Hwy. 28

MEEKS BAY

$5 OFF

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MOON DUNES BEACH

Be fire safe. | Consult fire restrictions before lighting a campfire or starting a grill. Know the permitting rules before burning anything outdoors and ensure all ashes are out.

RENTALS | TOURS | LESSONS | SALES | DELIVERY

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KINGS BEACH

WILLIAM LAYTON PARK & GATEWAY PARK

Stay educated. | Check regional Know Before You Go resources and be prepared for changing weather conditions and operational modifications. Sign up for city, county and state text alerts to stay connected with real-time travel advisories and emergency updates.

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3 miles south of Incline Vlg.

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TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON

SQUAW VALLEY PARK

At Hwy. 89 & Squaw Valley Road

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MARTIS CREEK

Hwy. 267, 1 mile south of Truckee Airport

RIVER VIEW SPORTS PARK

12200 Joerger Drive

TRUCKEE RIVER REGIONAL PARK

Hwy. 267, Truckee

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DONNER LAKE

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK TAHOE CITY

Shop at 521 North Lake Blvd.

Rentals on the water at Commons Beach SAND HARBOR STATE PARK

Rentals next to the boat ramp

Reservations 530.581.4336 8

|

TahoeCityKayak.com & SandHarborRentals.com

SHORELINE PARK WEST END BEACH

I-80 Donner Lake exit

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Donner Pass Road, next to the State Park

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West of Donner Lake

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No smoking or vaping of cigarettes, e-cigarettes or marijuana on state beaches or in state parks allowed per state law.

BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

North Tahoe & Truckee (TART): laketahoetransit.com | South Tahoe: tahoetransportation.org

May 19-June 1, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

4th of July Help with fireworks, events mountain-biking cancelled trail projects

Boat kill switches required On April 1, a new federal law went into effect that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch to use the ECOS link. The link is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped onto the operator’s person, personal floatation device or clothing and the other end attached to the cut-off switch. There are also electronic wireless devices available.

When an operator is wearing a link while underway, the engine will cut-off if the operator is separated from the operating area, an occurrence that can happen if the operator is ejected from the vessel or falls within the vessel.

The law applies to “covered recreational vessels,” which means any motorized boat with 3 horsepower or more that is less than 26 feet in length. Most U.S. boat manufacturers have voluntarily installed an ECOS on their boats for decades. | uscgboating.org

Join Tahoe Bike Challenge The 16th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge begins on June 1. Hosted by Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the bike challenge is a basin-wide celebration of biking and a friendly competition to see who can record the most rides.

The event will kick off with a bike-path cleanup in South Lake Tahoe on June 1 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will receive restaurant gift certificates. | Register clean-tahoe.org Community members can register for the Tahoe Bike Challenge online to join a team or form a team. Starting June 1, registered members can begin logging their rides.

Riders will compete for bragging rights, while also becoming eligible to win prizes from local Tahoe businesses. | tahoebike. org/bikechallenge.

This summer, North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors will have a new microtransit rideshare service available through Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit from July 1 through Sept. 6.

Courtesy TAMBA

Truckee and North Lake Tahoe have cancelled the July 3 fireworks at Kings Beach and the Fourth of July fireworks shows at Donner Lake and in Incline Village and Tahoe City. Canceled events include the Fourth of July parade, which encompasses the Firecracker Mile in historic downtown Truckee and any other events that take place through July 4 in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. A decision has not yet been announced concerning the fireworks show in South Lake Tahoe.

Free rideshare service coming

Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association has announced its 2021 trail projects. Anyone interested in helping with these projects, can register at tamba.org. Volunteers are needed to help with these projects:

• Improvements on the Armstrong Connector/Corral System; • Weekly maintenance days at Bijou Bike Park; • Improvements on the General Creek and Lost Lake trails for inclusion in the future Lake Trail; • Maintenance on the Hartoonian Trail Network; • Completion of the Lily Lake Trail; • Erosion control efforts on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride;

ALL RIDES ARE FREE!

The service will offer free, on-demand shuttle service using small transit vehicles. Passengers can request the service through a mobile application, similar to those of Uber or Lyft. A local phone number will also be available for

Just hop on the bus.

scheduling rides. | placer.ca.gov

Daily Regional Routes

Docents needed for

North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Night Service

Truckee museums

Museum of Truckee History is open and will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nine exhibits of Truckee history will be on display: Train Master’s Office, Our Chinese Story, Logging & Lumber, American Indians, Ice Harvest, Boca Beer, C.F. McGlashan’s Icicle to Olympics, Truckee Then & Now and Trains. The Old Jail Museum and Joseph Research Library Cabin are still closed, however.

Docent training is continuing virtually due to the pandemic. Truckee-Donner Historical Society is seeking individuals who would like to learn more about Truckee’s history through a monthly series of informational slides. Once more docents are trained, the museum can add hours of operation. Email museumoftruckeehistory@ gmail.com. | truckeehistory.org

• Finish final re-routes of Stanford Rock Trail;

eve n ts

• Create a singletrack alternative to the existing Tunnel Creek Road for users; and

Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

Truckee Local Route Truckee Dial-a-Ride

connect

Free On-Demand Shuttles coming to the North Shore!

Look for More Information in June!

TahoeTruckeeTransit.com

Shoptahoe Ads as low as $100 per issue.

E-mail anne@tahoethisweek.com

• Upgrades to the Tyrolian Trail.

Boat show goes virtual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance will not be held this summer, but will return on Aug. 12 to 13, 2022. The No. 1 concern of the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation and Obexer’s Boat Company is the health and safety of attendees, staff, volunteers and the community. Those who purchased tickets to the 2021 show will receive a full refund. A virtual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance is set to launch in June. Dates TBA | laketahoeconcours.com

App promotes better boating The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in collaboration with League to Save Lake Tahoe, have developed the Tahoe Boating App to inform boaters about Lake Tahoe, no-wake zone boundaries, fuel and bathroom stations, area attractions and how to enjoy the Lake safely and responsibly. The app grew out of the 2018 Shoreline Plan. It’s available for free at trpa.gov.

Head Designer Beanie Design Contest Sugar Bowl | Norden | May 19-June 2

HISTORIAN & AUTHOR

MARK MCLAUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK - UPDATED EDITION

Accepting submissions through June 11.

Free | sugarbowl.com

Village Green Bird Walk Village Green | Incline Village | May 20, 27 Free | tinsweb.org

Birding by Ear: Bird Sounds of Lake Tahoe Tahoe region venues | Incline Village | May 20, 27

Order book at:

12-1 p.m. | tinsweb.org

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Science, Stories, and Art with Holly YouTube | Truckee | May 22

Spend a Saturday morning with the KidZone Museum. 10-11 a.m. Free | kidzonemuseum.org

TheStormKing.com

or pick up a copy at: • Geared for Games • Word After Word Bookshop Donner Memorial State Park • Gratitude Gifts • Mind Play • Alice’s Mountain Market located at Squaw Valley

Group presentations · In-home talks (530) 546-5612 · mark@TheStormKing.com

The Chris and Ashes Show Virtual | Truckee | May 22

10 a.m. Free | chamber.truckee.com

Pet Supermarket’s “Lend A Paw” Pet Adoption Event Pet Supermarket | South Lake Tahoe | May 22 12-3 p.m. Free | (530) 544-3562

Bike Path Cleanup South Tahoe Bikeway | South Lake Tahoe | June 1 5-7:30 p.m. | (530) 544-4210, clean-tahoe.org

Tahoe Bike Challenge Tahoe-Truckee Region | South Lake Tahoe | June 1 (206) 755-8195, tahoebike.org

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

Hiking

*Trails open depending on conditions.

Mileage is roundtrip, with levels based on family access.

All trails are more heavily used on weekends.

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Hiking Trails to enjoy.

TAMBA

TAHOE RIM TRAIL

Dos and don’ts of riding the trails Due to a low-snow winter, the mountain biking season is here. Many low-elevation trails have already melted out and many more will continue to do so in the coming weeks. Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association offers important riding etiquette to consider. | tamba.org

• Avoid muddy trails. In the spring, that often means avoiding north-facing trails that don’t get much sun and have more clay in the soil.

• If you come across a section of trail with standing water or mud, ride through it. Keep the trail footprint narrow for less trail to maintain.

• If there’s a hard freeze at night, ride early before the trails have thawed and become muddy.

• Watch for downed trees. There were big-wind events this winter and there are bound to be trees across the trails. Try not to ride around them because this adds to the work when TAMBA volunteers clear the tree.

Snap a photo of the tree and email the location and diameter to trails@ tamba.org.

• Be courteous to all trail users. Alert users when you’re approaching, slow down and say hello. Let other users know how many people are in your group behind you.

• Avoid crowds by getting an early start. The trails are most busy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ride from home whenever possible to reduce trailhead parking congestion. If you’re parking in a neighborhood, be respectful of the residents.

• Pack out what you pack in and pick up litter you find.

HOME

I M P R OV E M E N T Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be included in Home Improvement.

SIDESHOW BOB’S Window Cleaning Since 2000

Residential & Commercial

581-2343

(530) CA & NV Licensed & Insured

- Since 2000 -

Rooster to Cricket Maintenance

• Landscaping • Snow Removal

• Painting/Staining • Window Cleaning

530.412.1105

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Moderate The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 164.8-mile loop trail that encircles Lake Tahoe. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians, and mountain bikers in some sections. It is generally moderate in difficulty, with a 10 percent average grade and elevations ranging from 6,300 to 10,333’. Visit tahoerimtrail.org for maps, guided hikes & descriptions.

LAKE TAHOE EAST SHORE

MARLETTE LAKE Moderate | 9 miles RT Walk along the dirt path through the picnic area and follow signs to Marlette Lake. Mostly sun exposed. Great wildflowers in early summer. Start at Spooner Lake State Park.

SECRET HARBOR & CHIMNEY BEACH Easy | 3 miles RT Follow the trail to Chimney Beach trail and follow the trail to the end and over a group of boulders to reach the sandy beaches of Secret Harbor (the wooden steps off the trail lead to the nude beach at Secret Cove). Off Hwy. 28.

SKUNK HARBOR Moderate | 2.8 miles RT This interesting hike ends at a beautiful cove lined with boulders and a luxurious sandy beach on the edge of Lake Tahoe with some of the warmest waters around the lake.

Visitors can look inside the historic party house owned by George and Caroline Newhall in the 1920s along beach.

Park north of gate; do not block gate off Hwy. 28.

SPOONER LAKE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Spooner Lake is a great, easy hike for any season with interpretive displays. At Spooner Lake State Park.

NORTH SHORE

PICNIC ROCK Moderate | 3.6 miles RT Just off the Tahoe Rim Trail, the expansive view from the top provides a panorama of both Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. A single track winds up, offering a gradual climb with no technical challenges, until reaching Picnic Rock, an old volcanic rock. Off Hwy. 267.

STATELINE LOOKOUT Easy | .5 miles RT This short hike offers superb views of Lake Tahoe.

A short, self-guided nature trail explains the history of the North Shore. Hwy. 28 in Crystal Bay. SOUTH SHORE

LOWER & UPPER ECHO LAKES Easy | 2.4-4.8 miles RT Lower and Upper Echo Lakes is a little-known paradise perched atop Echo Summit, 5 miles west of Meyers on Hwy. 50. The trailhead begins next to the dam. Once you reach Upper Echo Lake, 2.4 miles from the start, you’ll see a kiosk at a dock for a water taxi. You can take a taxi back or return the way you came, or continue into Desolation Wilderness.

The ride is a relaxing 20-minute tour through the channels connecting the two lakes. Taxi, cash only. (530) 659-7207.

WEST SHORE

CASCADE FALLS Moderate | 1.4 miles RT This boulder-strewn hike takes hikers to the waterfall descending from Desolation Wilderness into Cascade Lake. The falls are raging in the spring and are often a trickle by late summer. Near the end of the trail, walk up a large, flat boulder to the top of a hill where the trail can become confusing. Look for wooden posts marking the trail. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89. Not recommended for small children or small dogs.

EAGLE ROCK Moderate | 1 mile RT Quick hike to the top of a volcanic outcropping offers panoramic views of the area off Hwy. 89 south of Tahoe City.

EAGLE FALLS & LAKE Easy-Moderate | .1-3 miles RT Great views of Lake Tahoe & Emerald Bay. Falls 5-minute walk from parking lot. Steady ascent to Eagle Lake not recommended for young children. West end of picnic area across from Emerald Bay, Hwy. 89.

EMERALD BAY & VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE Moderate | 2.5 miles+ RT | No dogs Steep descent to Vikingsholm Castle. Can continue to Eagle & Emerald Points around the bay for easy hikes. Connects to Rubicon Trail (see below). Park on either side of rocky overlook in Emerald Bay on Hwy. 89. ADA access (530) 525-9529.

GRANITE LAKE Moderate | 2.2 miles RT A small alpine lake situated on the cusp of Desolation Wilderness, the hike is a popular entrance for hikers and equestrians to the back country and a spectacular trek towering over the pristine waters of Emerald Bay. Steady ascent of 850’ in less than 1 mile. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89.

PAGE MEADOWS Easy-Moderate | 4-6 miles RT The hike to Page Meadows is a local favorite because of its easy access and beautiful scenery through forests to an expanse of several meadows. You can start the hike to Page Meadows from 64 Acres off Hwy. 89 along the Tahoe Rim Trail for a longer hike or from Ward Creek Boulevard off Hwy. 89.

RUBICON TRAIL & LIGHTHOUSE Easy-Moderate | .5-9 miles | No dogs Hike starts at Calawee Cove at D.L. Bliss State Park or Emerald Bay. Trail follows cliffs and coves along Lake Tahoe, nesting ospreys and eagles, short side trail to Rubicon Lighthouse, which is easy to access with small children.

Park closees Oct. 31.

BALANCING ROCK Easy | .5 miles | No dogs A short, self-guided nature trail featuring Balancing Rock, an overlying rock of 130 tones balanced on a rock. At D.L. Bliss State Park.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK Easy | 1.5 miles RT The nature trail loops through the forest past an array of wildflowers and through several sections of dense slash bleached nearly white from years of sun exposure. There are great spots to relax on the beach below Ehrman Mansion.

ALPINE MEADOWS

FIVE LAKES Strenuous | 5 miles RT Five Lakes is a great hike inside Granite Chief Wilderness, with the first 1 mile+ a steady ascent with great views of Alpine Meadows. Trailhead 1.8 miles up Alpine Meadows Road from Hwy. 89 across from Deer Park Drive.

Dogs prohibited May 15-July 15.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

SHIRLEY CANYON & SHIRLEY LAKE Easy-Strenuous | .5-5 miles RT This hike follows a creek as it passes by waterfalls and spectacular granite boulders along Shirley Creek. Park at the end of Squaw Peak Road. The first section that follows the creek is great for kids. As you climb, the trail may sometimes be hard to distinguish, so keep the creek on your right going up and on your left going down. Can continue a strenuous climb to High Camp and take the Aerial Tram to the valley (schedule at squawalpine.com). Tram closed.

SQUAW & EMIGRANT PEAKS Moderate | 3.4-4.4 miles RT Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp, elev. 8,200’, and choose from a variety of trails (maps from Guest Services or squawalpine.com). Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak, visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak or meander through the meadows covered with wildflowers, and enjoy the panoramic views afforded from Squaw’s spacious upper mountain. Tram ticket required. Hikes in the meadows good for small children.

Tram closed.

TRUCKEE

GLACIER MEADOW LOOP Easy | .5 miles RT Short, self-guided nature loop with signs that explain how glacial action carved and polished the surface landscape. Take Interstate 80 W from Truckee to the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road exit.

MARTIS CREEK WILDLIFE AREA Easy | 4 miles RT Loop through Martis Creek meadow for a walk along the creek. Off Hwy. 267.

May 19-June 1, 2021 HISTORY

Looking back at Tahoe’s historic toll roads PA R T I S TO RY BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

I

n the years before the transcontinental railroad made traversing the rugged Sierra Nevada a relatively comfortable ride, stagecoaches were the principle means of transportation over the mountains. The two main routes across the Tahoe Sierra were through Johnson’s Pass, south of Lake Tahoe, which entered the Sacramento Valley by way of Placerville, and the Henness Pass Road, north of Truckee, which terminated in Nevada City. (Much of Colonel J.B. Johnson’s route is followed by Highway 50 today.) In the 1850s both roads were dangerously steep and narrow, clogged with granite boulders and often blanketed in a suffocating dust.

Mules were sleek, strong, well-fed animals that pulled ponderous wagons easily over the improved roads. …

A 10-mule rig frequently hauled from 10 to 15 tons over the mountains.

Photo Credit | Photographer?

A total of 13,505 people bought a ticket for a stage ride over Johnson’s Pass in 1862, which at $30 a fare amounted to more than $400,000. The profitable business continued to boom. In 1863, the Pioneer Stage Company alone transported 11,103 people from California to Nevada and 8,430 from Nevada to the Golden State. This busy stage company employed 53 men as drivers and hostlers in 1864, with a dozen fancy coaches on the road and 600 horses in their stables.

The lucrative mining traffic rumbled from sunrise to sunset. In his book, Lord described the bustling scene: “Bells jangled, whips cracked, drivers shouted and swore,

mules tugged and snorted, horses pranced, lumbering carts creaked and swayed, and mail-coaches rattled down the grades at full speed, threading the slow-moving lines which parted to give them free passage.”

In order to fill the needs of the thousands of drivers, hostlers and passengers traveling the road every day, 93 hotels and way stations were erected on the Johnson’s Pass route along the South Fork of the American River. For a fee, restaurants and saloons slaked the hunger and thirst of those traveling the toll road, but no amount of money could provide absolute safety for stagecoach passengers during the thrilling 18-hour ride from Placerville to Virginia City. Hang on until the next issue for a look at stagecoach accidents and robberies publishing June 2 or available at TheTahoeWeekly.com. 

Read more local history at TheTahoeWeekly.com Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking.com. You may reach him at mark@ thestormking.com.

BOAT RENTALS & FUEL DOCK Fuel dock 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boat Rentals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WEATHER PERMITTING

TA H O E C I T Y

MARINA

TA H O E C I T Y, C A Truckee Wye

Grove St.

cording to one estimate, at least $300,000 was collected by toll-gate stations in 1862 alone. Maintaining a toll road was far more profitable than working an ordinary mine.

Depending on the operator, tolls cost about $15 for the passage of a four-horse team, plus a surcharge of $1.50 for every additional animal. On the return trip with an empty wagon, sometimes the toll was half-price or at some stations no toll was charged.

Initially, four and six-mule teams were commonly harnessed, but as the grades were slowly leveled and the turns widened further, 10-, 12- and even 16-mule teams lumbered over the mountains. Freight wagons stretched along the road for miles in an unbroken procession; if a teamster fell out of line for a rest or repair, he would often have to wait hours before regaining a place in the convoy.

Oxen were rarely used as draft animals.

They were too slow for Sierra freighters, for whom timely delivery meant more money in their pockets. Horses could not endure the heavy labor and exposure, but mules were considered perfect for the task. These mules were not gaunt, stubborn creatures. They were sleek, strong, well-fed animals that pulled ponderous wagons easily over the improved roads. The mules were rubbed down carefully at night and supplied with clean water and the choicest oats, barley and hay. The careful handling paid off as the amount of freight apportioned to each animal increased from 1,000 to 2,000, and even 3,000 pounds. A 10mule rig frequently hauled from 10 to 15 tons over the mountains. The number of teams using the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road via Johnson’s Pass rose dramatically from 400 in 1860 to 950 in 1862. In subsequent years, these figures doubled again, as did the amount of freight transported to Nevada.

In 1862 Central Pacific Railroad was interested in building a toll road of its own over Donner Pass. To determine potential traffic volume, the company assigned an agent at South Lake Tahoe to assess the number of stages, passengers, travelers, private conveyances, stock of all kinds, freight teams and the weight of payload that used the toll road over the course of eight weeks. Directors at Central Pacific could hardly believe the man’s tally; 19,386,200 pounds of freight; 2,772 teams and 14,652 horses and mules in just two months. The railroad’s chief engineer, Theodore Judah, filed a report to CP directors in October 1862. In it he estimated that 43,800 tons of freight were hauled over Johnson’s Pass every year, which, at a price of 6 cents per pound, would make the total freightage expense more than $5 million annually.

Library of Congress; RIGHT: Prices to use the Osgood Toll Road in South Lake Tahoe. | Courtesy Mark McLaughlin

Homewood

Jackpine

The discovery of gold and silver in western Nevada inspired a handful of enterprising men to obtain toll road grants to get rich off the burgeoning Comstock traffic.

During 1861 and 1862, small armies of laborers were hired to cut down and smooth the worst grades, blast aside rock and fill the gullies and ruts with compact layers of broken stone and loam.

Within a few short years, the main roads over the mountains, which had been narrow trails scarcely fit for sure-footed pack-mules, had become well-graded highways. The toll road franchisees for the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road (aka the Bonanza Road) spared no expense in their efforts. A consortium spent $500,000 to construct a 101-mile route from Placerville to Virginia City, Nev. The investment transformed the formerly tortuous journey into a more pleasant experience and supported regional economies.

At turning points on the road, broad platforms were built up from the hillsides with outward-curving base walls of fitted rocks. On the level surface of these turnouts, an eight-mule team could turn without slacking their traces and loaded wagons could pass one another without difficulty. During the hot, dry summer months, watering carts were dispatched to lay the dust so that “the road was like a well-kept avenue in a mountain park.”

In “Comstock Mining and Miners,” Eliot Lord wrote “As the traveler approached the summit of the range, new landscapes of wonderful beauty met his eyes at every turn.

Swift-falling streams broke in foam at his feet, and the forest stretched its protecting arms over his head and filled the air he breathed with fragrance. Below its dark-green mass lay the fresh turf of valleys studded with daises and buttercups, where sleek cattle rested content, and in the heart of the hills was outspread the deep waters of Lake Tahoe.”

Yearly expenditures on road maintenance sometimes cost thousands of dollars per mile, but companies could afford it. Ac-

LEFT: Freight wagons on Bonanza Road, circa 1861. | Courtesy

Incline Village

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Paved Paths & Cycling Routes

L I F E I N TA H O E

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME

from wildfires

S TO RY BY A M A N DA M I L I C I , TA H O E R E S O U R C E C O N S E R VAT I O N D I S T R I C T

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Paths & Trails to explore.

BIKE PATH RULES • Keep dogs leashed • Pedestrians must yield to bikes • Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side • E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance • Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians • Cyclists pass on the left • Pack out all trash, including dog waste.

• Carry doggie bags.

EAST SHORE

EAST SHORE TRAIL Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART NORTH SHORE

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Park at Taylor Creek, Baldwin or Pope beaches. Visit tahoebike.org for more info.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds.

Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard. Visit tahoebike.org for more info.

CYCLING ROUTES AROUND LAKE TAHOE Strenuous | 72 miles This challenging route is a scenic trip around Lake Tahoe.

A mix of flat spots, rolling hills and some steep climbs.

Heavy traffic through South Lake Tahoe. Amazing views.

LAKESHORE BOULEVARD

BARKER PASS

Easy | 5 miles RT | washoecounty.us Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 at each end of Incline Village. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. Electric assist OK. TART

Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Dollar Point. Electric assist OK. TART

Moderate-strenuous | 10 miles RT Barker Pass is one of the most beautiful rides in Tahoe, if you don’t mind a little climbing with 5 miles and 1,700 vertical feet. But if you’re up to the task, you will be rewarded with pristine wilderness, spectacular alpine views, smooth pavement and almost no traffic. You will pass through lush meadows, aspens, Lodgepole pines and several varieties of fir.

Take Highway 89 south of Tahoe City to Barker Pass Road for about 4.2 miles. Look for the brown sign on the right for Blackwood Canyon/Kaspian, and shortly afterward you will see the Forest Service road.

TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON

OLD 40 TO CISCO GROVE

Easy | 9+ miles RT | tcpud.org 4.5 miles from the Tahoe City wye to Alpine Meadows Road, with trails continuing to Olympic Valley. The trail is scenic, separate from the highway, and is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades with trout fishing, river rafting and picnicking along the way. Connects with Squaw Valley Road or continue to Truckee. Public parking at 64 Acres and Squaw Valley Park at Squaw Valley Road. Electric assist OK. TART

Moderate-strenuous | 39 miles RT This route is one of the easiest to follow, and one of the best. It has it all the views, a good climb, a technical descent, a restaurant en route, Donner Lake and miles of lightly traveled roads. From downtown Truckee head west on Donner Pass Road until it ends in Cisco Grove.

After passing Donner Lake, you begin the long and challenging, but scenic, grind up the summit. This climb has a vertical rise of less than 1,000’. From the top of the summit, it is a rolling downhill along the Yuba River all the way to Cisco Grove. The descent down to Donner Lake is a technical one. Watch your speed, and make sure your brakes work. Parking at West End Beach and boat ramp.

TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY

VILLAGE BOULEVARD Easy | 7.4 miles RT | washoecounty.us Bike path runs along Hwy. 28 through Incline Village.

Access to shopping and parks. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. TART WEST SHORE

TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets. Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres.

Electric assist OK. TART OLYMPIC VALLEY

OLYMPIC VALLEY Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org A 2-mile trail runs beside Squaw Valley Road to the ski area from the Squaw Valley condos to Victoria Road, with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. Public parking at Squaw Valley Park or Village at Squaw. Electric assist OK. TART TRUCKEE

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL Easy | 6 miles RT | tdrpd.org Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire. Park at either park or East River Street. Electric assist OK. TART

12

Mike Vollmer

PAVED MULTIUSE TRAILS

Send topic ideas to editor@tahoethisweek.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Life in Tahoe is a new feature to provide information and resources on some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns about life in the Tahoe Sierra. If you have a topic you’d like us to address, email editor@tahoethisweek.com.

L

iving at Lake Tahoe is special. It means living amongst endless recreation opportunities and living with the peace and serenity created by our shared body of pristine water. However, living at Lake Tahoe also means living with something else: wildfire.

HOPE VALLEY TO BLUE LAKES Moderate | 28 miles RT You can explore the Highway 88 in either direction of Hope Valley, but 12-mile ride from the valley to Blue Lakes is a biker’s dream: smooth roads, doable climbs and spectacular alpine scenery with a lake at the end. Park at the intersection of Highways 88 and 89 and turn right. In 2 miles, turn onto Blue Lakes Road. The ride starts out mostly level until you pass the Hope Valley campground where it begins to steadily ascend before reaching the pass with a panoramic view of the area. Then descend for several miles to end at Blue lakes before the return trip.

Filled with specific recommendations for each component of the home, the guide empowers residents to address their home’s vulnerabilities.

INCLINE TO MOUNT ROSE SUMMIT Strenuous | 16 miles RT Ride about Lake Tahoe for panoramic views of the basin climbing to 8,900’ on the Mount Rose Highway out of Incline Village, Nev., to the Mount Rose Pass. While 8 miles of climbing is tough, it’s a fairly gentle grade. Just put it in your lowest gear and keep pedaling, followed by 8 miles of downhill at fast speeds with sandy bike lands. Keeping your speed under control is vital. Parking at Preston Field in Incline Village or start at the top and park at Tahoe Meadows or at the summit.

In the past, we’ve focused a lot on vegetation and defensible space. Of course, good defensible space is absolutely necessary, but we need to remember that our homes themselves are combustible, too.

During a wildfire, 60 to 90 percent of home loss is due to embers. Depending on a fire’s intensity and wind speed, embers can travel more than a mile ahead of a flame front. Thus, even a home blocks away from a fire can be at risk of ignition.

The Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide recommends a coupled approach that considers both the vegetation surrounding a home and the home’s construction materials. It includes recommendations for ember-vulnerable components of a home including roofs, rain gutters, eaves, vents,

By owning a home in a Wildland Urban Interface (the zone where natural environments intersect human development), Tahoe residents take on the extra responsibility of protecting their homes from wildfire. Although the thought of losing a home is scary and tragic, there is a lot residents can do to increase their home’s wildfire resiliency.

In January 2021, a team of California and Nevada scientists and practitioners published the Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide. Filled with specific recommendations for each component of the home, the guide empowers residents to address their home’s vulnerabilities.

siding, skylights, windows, decks, chimneys and fences. These recommendations range from routine maintenance (removing pine needles from roofs and gutters), to DIY projects (installing 1/8th-inch metal mesh screening to vents), to full retrofits (replacing a wood-shake roof ).

The Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide is beyond informative. It’s empowering. It allows residents to look at their home, see what they can do to protect it, and feel more in control of their wildfire risk.

The Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide is free and can be downloaded at tahoelivingwithfire.com.  The guide was funded by CAL FIRE California Climate Investments. Contributing agencies to the Guide include University of Nevada, Reno Extension; University of California Cooperative Extension; Tahoe Resource Conservation District; Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities; Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team; and Tahoe Living With Fire.

May 19-June 1, 2021 FEATURE

THE SCOOP ON DOG POOP

The view south along the Pacific Crest from Andesite Peak.

F I LT H Y, S T I N K Y A N D A S TO X I C A S I N S E C T I C I D E S S TO RY BY P R I YA H UT N E R

Priya Hutner holding four bags of dog poop on Donner Lake. | Priya Hutner

I

t's a beautiful day in Tahoe as I set out for a late afternoon walk in the woods. Three miles into my walk, I hold four bags of dog poop left sitting along the trail. The following day it’s a bike ride in Carpenter Valley and more bags than I can count. I don’t think I am alone feeling frustrated. Both dog owners and non-dog owners alike are quick to lament the sight of poop bags littering the area, and no one wants to step in Fluffy’s remains left on the trail filling their grooved trail runners with stinky poop.

Just once, I’d like to catch a person leaving that plastic bag of dog poop on the trail steaming in the sun.

I wonder, do they quietly look around before covertly place the fresh poop bag behind a rock or under a tree with the promise of retrieving it after finishing a walk?

Alas, it is often forgotten to be left behind filled with your adorable pooches’ poop for someone else to pick up. This is a daily occurrence on every beach and welltraveled trail in the Tahoe Sierra.

WILDLIFE POOP VS. DOG POOP There’s no question that Tahoe is a dog-friendly region. And when it comes to dog poop, many dog owners don’t see the difference between dog poop and coyotes or a bear pooping in the woods.

When I spoke with Amy Berry of the Tahoe Fund in February about the amount of trash in the winter, I mentioned to Berry that I’d rather see dog poop left on the ground than plastic bags lying around the woods, which breaks down into microplastics that enter our lakes and waterways. Berry disagreed, saying that the dog waste left on the ground is a bigger problem.

Dog waste is categorized by the EPA in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, oil, grease, toxic chemicals and acid drainage from abandoned mines.

“Dog poop contains toxins that leach into the lake, the source of our drinking water. Most people think of dog poop like bear poop. It’s natural, so just leave it in the woods. Most dogs eat a diet of processed food that is not the same as bears eating berries. It is important to pick up dog poop to prevent the toxins from getting into our water source,” explains Berry.

“We need to avoid making a false equivalence with wildlife scat. Food sources for dogs and bears are completely different. Leaving pet waste in the environment is like importing nutrients, which are bad for water quality,” adds Laura Patten, senior science policy analyst for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, which keeps a close eye on pollution in the Tahoe Basin. “The best way to avoid contributing to the problem is to clean up after your pet each and every time. Then make doubly sure that the poop bag ends up securely inside of a trash can, preferably at your home.”

WHY DOES DOG WASTE MATTER? “Pet waste is one of many small sources of pollution that can add up to larger problems for Tahoe’s water quality and clarity. It’d be a real shame if dog poop was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” says Patten. The League reports that volunteers picked up nearly 1,000 dog poop bags left behind in 2020.

Berry also notes that dog waste is labeled a nonpoint source pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This places it in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, oil, grease, toxic chemicals and acid drainage from abandoned mines.

According to the EPA, animal waste contains two main types of pollutants that harm local waters:

nutrients and pathogens. When this waste ends up in water bodies, it decomposes, releasing nutrients that cause excessive growth of algae and weeds. This makes the water murky, green, smelly and even unusable for swimming, boating or fishing. In addition, dog poop is full of bacteria and parasites. One gram of dog poop can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria.

“Excess nutrients stimulate aquatic growth. Waste that goes into the system is nutrient rich, aquatic plant growth gets so high that it can have a really adverse impact on the ecosystem,” explains Beth Christman, director of restoration programs for the Truckee Watershed Council.

According to Erin Ellis, community engagement director for the Truckee-Tahoe Humane Society, there are roughly 125 dogs per square mile in the region. With about 197 miles in the region (excluding Lake Tahoe) that equates to 24,625 dogs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that a typical dog excretes three-quarters of a pound of waste per day. That’s 274 pounds of poop per dog a year, which equates to about 6.74 million pounds of dog poop a year in the Tahoe-Truckee area.

BAG IT, BURY IT OR FLICK IT? Nonprofits around Tahoe agree that plastic bags filled with dog poop and waste on the trail wreak havoc on the environment. Plastic bags pollute the environment and break down into microplastics that enter our water system. Plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose and therefore slows down the decomposition of the waste inside. Compostable dog bags are better, but some are also slow to degrade.

However, leaving the waste on the ground is a detriment to local watersheds, making it imperative to bag the waste it and dispose of it even if it has to be carried home.

With an influx of new residents and about 15 million people visiting Lake Tahoe every year, the region continues to battle the trash issue and poop bags are just another form of trash.

“I am a dog owner. I clean up after my dog and carry the filled bag with me when I walk or hike.

Leaving the plastic bags on the trail is an environmental nightmare,” says Truckee attorney Alison Bermant, who has an adorable chocolate lab named Layla.

While Bermant picks up after her pooch on paved trails and beaches, if she’s hiking on a remote trail Bermant, she says she doesn’t use a plastic bag. She believes there is a difference between walking dogs on paved trails and in neighborhoods as opposed to remote hik-

ing trails, a sentiment that most local dog owners share.

“When I am hiking in a remote area, I believe in flick it or bury it. The solution to pollution is dilution. What’s the difference between dog poop and goose poop around the lake? In most places around the Tahoe region, there is nowhere to dispose of the plastic baggies and that is a problem,” says Bermant.

What is the best practice when hiking in a remote part of the woods - bury it or flick it off the trail?

“The best way is to treat it just like you would with human waste if you’re out camping and bury it,” explains Berry. This is a last resort if dog owners are unwilling to carry it out.

Berry explains that Tahoe Fund is also working with the Washoe and Placer Counties, the Town of Truckee and City of South Lake Tahoe to add more receptables in high traffic areas.

“We are trying to put them everywhere,” she says.

One challenge Berry explains is that any dog waste containers need to be bear proof. If a receptable is put out that says to only put dog poop bags in, people will put other garbage in it, too.

The Clean Tahoe organization was also recently hired by Placer and Washoe counties to increase litter services on the North Shore, and have already been doing more on the South Shore. The Take Care Tahoe Program has been doing outreach to try to get people to pick up after dogs with catchy slogans like: “Be #1 at picking up #2.”

Dog Bag tips Be prepared | Always carry biodegradable dog bags. Tie bags to the dog’s leash while on a walk and keep a roll of bags in your car.

Pick it up | To pick up poop, put your hand in the bag and pick up the poop then invert the bag and tie it off.

Pack it out | A lot of trailheads don’t have garbage cans, so take the poop bags home to dispose of.

Berry suggests hooking the bag under the back or front windshield wiper of the car. The bag will be secure there until it can be disposed of. Watch a video demo at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Local organizations work hard to educate people, many through signage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be working. How often do people see garbage left beside trash cans or under signs asking people to take their trash?

“We have to recognize that it’s their responsibility as a dog owner to deal with their dogs. They can’t just leave it. It’s not OK. If they are going to take the time to bring their dog out on the trails, paved or dirt, they need to carry the burden of their poop with them,” says Berry.

While Bermant is responsible when walking in neighborhoods, she was experienced first-hand the poop problem in her own neighborhood often finding dog waste by her mailbox and on her property just feet away from a bear box that invites people to put their plastic bags in the box.

She even went as far as to install a dog poop bag dispenser in front of her house, but hasn’t really helped the situation.

And so goes the continued dilemma of where to put trash and dog bags in Tahoe. With little or no trash receptacles on many trails or paved paths, this leaves dog owners to either carry their stinky bags on their hike or leave them behind to pollute the area. With the summer season approaching and speculation that the Tahoe Sierra will receive even more visitors than last year’s record-breaking summer, it will only compound an already strapped infrastructure. 

13

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Your relationship life is receiving some fresh, springtime activations. These are activating both your desires and your ambitions. Yet, you may have to give more in terms of learning new skills and acquiring new tools. You may also choose to hire out and take full advantage of the expertise of others.

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21) FIRE

EARTH

AIR

WATER

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Keeping busy behind the scenes continues.

Positively, you are inspired and enthusiastic to engage in creative projects that you have never tried before.

Meanwhile, Mars in Cancer is leading you to dig deep somehow and this includes more effort than usual.

Themes of security are featured.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) Breaking through barriers of any kind to lay claim to a fuller scope of your creative power is a central theme now. You may even choose to leave long-standing involvements both in your personal and perhaps in your professional life too. You yearn to expand your horizons and to reach for distant shores.

Some of your choices may take you and others by surprise.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23) Last week’s New moon sowed seeds of material ambition and professional power. You yearn to make some of your dreams come true and are willing to reach out to others you deem allies. This could well lead to new professional relationships and friendships too.

Returns for past efforts are indicated which could boost your confidence supportive of dreams coming true.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) Last week’s New moon sowed seeds of material ambition and professional power. You yearn to make some of your dreams come true and are willing to reach out to others you deem allies. This could well lead to new professional relationships and friendships too.

Returns for past efforts are indicated which could boost your confidence supportive of dreams coming true.

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22) Deep changes were activated by the Taurus New Moon. Some of these are directly linked to financial realities. In other respects, the emphasis is on new perspectives and changes in your philosophy.

On other fronts yet, the influences are directed precisely at your public and professional life. Getting and or giving special training is likely and ideal.

Health continues to take the spotlight. Since health encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, there is every opportunity for improvement.

The emphasis is on building upon and strengthening your overall foundation. Gaining knowledge from others is indicated and will help you to see what was previously hidden.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19) The Taurus New Moon activated your creative sectors. With Jupiter entering Pisces, a boost of imaginative thinking will inspire new designs. Other factors suggest that the time has come to bring longstanding dreams out from the back of your mind and down into reality.

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19) Over the coming weeks, you may be surprised and delighted to receive returns on investments made a long time ago. While it will remain important for you to know where and how you need to ‘pay your dues,’ you will feel more confident doing so.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) Directing your attention to a variety of inspirational activities should be apparent by now.

Your energy levels should be running higher than usual, as well. With your creative juices flowing so abundantly, you could experience a very productive cycle with both practical and purely inspirational returns. Use this window of opportunity to complete projects initiated previously for best results.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) The flow finds you busy on a variety of fronts.

You feel determined to get to the bottom of things, literally and figuratively. Renovations remain likely.

This trend will continue through mid-June especially.

This includes keeping-up with the latest intel, to which you will want to respond, as well as be informed.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21) Gemini time activates interests in variety, and you will be happy to align with it. Doing the rounds as opposed to trying to complete any one project is likely.

In the deeper reaches, your entire philosophy of life is changing to adapt to the changing times.

When someone becomes dull during the winter, I guess he could be jejune in January.

CryptoQuip

Hocus Focus differences: 1. Sign is different, 2. Badge is missing, 3. Pocket is added, 4. Stripe is missing, 5. Kerchief is different, 6. Pen is missing.

14

2 0 2 1 · T A H O E · S I E R R A

11TH ANNUAL GUIDE TO South Lake Tahoe | Truckee & Northstar | North Lake Tahoe & Olympic Valley | The Lost Sierra | Reno | Sparks | Carson Valley & Carson City | Washoe Valley

Court Leve | Tahoe Donner

COVID safety precautions are still in place in both California & Nevada and masks are still required indoors. Check in advance for each course’s guidelines and safety protocol.

15

2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE | TheTahoeWeekly.com

YARDS

PAR

*Courses open unless otherwise noted.

HOLES

Tahoe Sierra Golf

DRIVING RANGE

ADVERTISEMENT

18

7,177

72

18

7,466

72

•

18

6,781

72

•

18

7,518

72

•

(530) 587-0886 | CoyoteMoonGolf.com Opens May 21

GRAY’S CROSSING

(530) 550-5804 | GolfinTahoe.com

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA OLD GREENWOOD PONDEROSA

(530) 562-3290 | NorthstarCalifornia.com Opens early June

(530) 550-7024 | GolfinTahoe.com

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course | Kayla Anderson

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR

COYOTE MOON

9

3,022

35

18

7,010

71

•

18

7,002

72

•

9

3,418

36

•

INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP

18

7,106

72

•

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

INCLINE VILLAGE MOUNTAIN

18

3,527

58

•

Bijou Municipal Golf Course

18

6,931

71

9

2,691

33

9

2,002

32

18

7,529

72

•

18

6,741

71

•

18

4,034

66

THE DRAGON AT NAKOMA GOLF RESORT

18

7,015

72

•

FEATHER RIVER PARK RESORT

9

2,822

35

•

GRAEAGLE MEADOWS

18

6,725

72

•

Lake Tahoe Golf Course

18

7,411

72

•

18

6,421

72

•

18

6,955

71

•

Lake Tahoe Golf Course meanders about the floodplains of the Lake Valley State Recreation Area, just a few miles from the lake’s southeastern shore. On-in-one par 4s, sharp doglegs, forced carries or layups, territorial trees and bottomless bunkers make for technical gameplay. | laketahoegc.com

THE CLUB AT ARROWCREEK | THE LEGEND

18

7,039

72

•

THE CLUB AT ARROWCREEK | THE CHALLENGE

18

7,455

72

•

LAKERIDGE GOLF COURSE

18

6,715

71

•

18

6,555

71

•

(775) 828-6633 | WashoeGolf.org

18

6,695

72

•

(775) 851-3301 | WolfRunGolfClub.com

18

7,100

72

•

9

1,391

27

THE RESORT AT RED HAWK | HILLS COURSE

18

7,106

71

•

THE RESORT AT RED HAWK | LAKES COURSE

18

7,410

72

•

WILDCREEK GOLF COURSE | THE CREEK SIX

18

6,700

72

•

9

1,420

27

•

18

6,020

71

•

18

7,218

72

•

(530) 587-3501 | PonderosaGolfCourseTruckee.com

SCHAFFER’S MILL

(530) 582-6964 | SchaffersMill.com Opening TBA

TAHOE DONNER GOLF

(530) 587-9443 | TahoeDonner.com Opens May 28

NORTH LAKE TAHOE & OLYMPIC VALLEY

BROCKWAY GOLF

(530) 546-9909 | OldBrockway.com

Tee time: (775) 832-1146 | Pro shop: (775) 832-1146 | GolfIncline.com Tee time: (775) 832-1146 | Pro shop: (775) 832-1150 | GolfIncline.com Opens May 24

LINKS AT SQUAW CREEK TAHOE CITY GOLF

Pro shop: (530) 581-6637 | SquawCreek.com

Opens May 28

(530) 583-1516 | GolfTahoeCity.com

•

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

BIJOU

(530) 542-6097 | CityofSLT.us Opening TBD

EDGEWOOD TAHOE LAKE TAHOE

Pro shop: (775) 588-3566 | EdgewoodTahoe.com

(530) 577-0788 | LakeTahoeGC.com

TAHOE PARADISE

(530) 577-2121 | TahoeParadiseGC.com

THE LOST SIERRA (530) 322-3333 | NakomaGolfResort.com

(530) 836-2328 | FeatherRiverParkResort.com (530) 836-2323 | PlayGraeagle.com

GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB PLUMAS PINES

(530) 832-4200 | GrizzlyRanchGolfClub.com

(530) 836-1420 | PlumasPinesGolf.com

WHITEHAWK RANCH

(530) 836-0394 | (800) 332-4295 | GolfWhitehawk.com

RENO, NEV. (775) 850-4471 | TheClubatArrowCreek.com (775) 850-4471 | TheClubatArrowCreek.com

(775) 825-2200 | LakeRidgeGolf.com

SIERRA SAGE GOLF COURSE WASHOE GOLF COURSE WOLF RUN GOLF CLUB

(775) 972-1564 | SierraSageGolf.org

Bijou Municipal Golf Course is a nine-hole executive course featuring five par 4s and four par 3s. It opened in 1920 and was designed by Virgil Gilcrease. It is a short, gettable course, with a casual atmosphere, great for working on distance control and dialing in your clubs. There are no water hazards on the course, however, the well-placed bunkers are plenty enough to keep you honest with your shot placement throughout your round. | cityofslt.us

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course South Lake Tahoe’s most prominent golf club is none other than Edgewood Tahoe. It is the only course in the Tahoe Basin that shares its fairways with the shores of Lake Tahoe, giving it a one-of-a-kind feel and aesthetic. Edgewood opened in 1968 and was designed by George Fazio. Golf Digest regularly rates it among the top 100 in the nation. | edgewoodtahoe.com

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course Tahoe Paradise Golf Course is an 18-hole, executive-style, mountain course 4 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Designed by Fred R. Blanchard, it features a challenging variety of par 3s and 4s ranging from 95 to 372 yards. Family-style vibes, stunning views of Mount Tallac and green fees that won’t break the bank, are all sure to keep you coming back again and again. | tahoeparadisegc.com

THE LINKS AT KILEY RANCH

(775) 354-2100 | KileyLinks.com

(775) 626-4599 | RedHawkGolfandResort.com

(775) 626-4599 | RedHawkGolfandResort.com

(Yardage & par based on 3 rounds of play)

(775) 673-3100 | WildcreekGolf.org

WILDCREEK GOLF COURSE | EXECUTIVE COURSE (775) 673-3100 | WildcreekGolf.org

CARSON VALLEY, NEV.

CARSON VALLEY GOLF COURSE DAYTON VALLEY GOLF CLUB

(775) 265-3181 | CarsonValleyGolf.com

(775) 246-7888 | DuncanGolfReno.com

EAGLE VALLEY | EAST COURSE

(775) 887-2380 | EagleValleyGolf.com

18

6,618

72

•

EAGLE VALLEY | WEST COURSE

(775) 887-2380 | EagleValleyGolf.com

18

6,851

72

•

EMPIRE RANCH GOLF COURSE | COMSTOCK /RIVER

18

6,840

72

•

EMPIRE RANCH GOLF COURSE | SIERRA /RIVER

18

6,733

72

•

EMPIRE RANCH GOLF COURSE | SIERRA /COMSTOCK

18

6,573

72

•

(888) 227-1335 | EmpireRanchGolf.com

(888) 227-1335 | EmpireRanchGolf.com (888) 227-1335 | EmpireRanchGolf.com

GENOA LAKES GOLF CLUB | LAKES COURSE GENOA LAKES GOLF CLUB | RANCH COURSE SILVER OAK GOLF COURSE SUNRIDGE GOLF CLUB

(775) 782-4653 | GenoaLakes.com

18

7,359

72

•

(775) 782-7700 | GenoaLakes.com

18

7,258

72

•

18

6,392

71

•

18

6,914

72

•

18

7,166

72

(775) 841-7000 | SilverOakGolf.com

(775) 267-4448 | PlaySunridge.com

WASHOE VALLEY, NEV.

TOIYABE GOLF CLUB

16

(775) 884-4957 | ToiyabeGolfClub.com

TRUCKEE&&NORTHSTAR NORTHSTAR TRUCKEE Coyote Moon Golf Course OPENS MAY 21 A high-elevation roller coaster ride and true test of one’s skill reading the natural topography of the land, shot placement and ball-flight control. Located minutes from downtown Truckee, the course is carved into 250 acres of climbs and drops, bends and tunnels, with breathtaking views in a heavily wooded alpine zone, featuring towering pines and eccentric granite outcroppings. The layout sports countless elevation changes, both vertically and horizontally, with well-guarded greens and strategically placed hazards throughout. | coyotemoongolf.com

Courtesy Coyote Moon Golf Course

SPARKS, NEV.

May 19-June 1, 2021 | 2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE

The Golf Club at Gray’s Crossing Gray’s Crossing opened in 2007 and was once a private golf facility; though now open to the public, it still has a private feel and look to it. Expect lofty ancient pine trees, native landscapes, wide fairways and relatively easy-to-find greens. The National Audubon Society recognized Gray’s Crossing as an Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary. | golfintahoe.com

Northstar Golf Course OPENS EARLY JUNE A tale of two nines. The Northstar Golf Course offers two unique golf experiences. The front nine, weaving its way around Martis Valley, is fairly flat, exposed, traditional and straightforward. The back nine immediately immerses players into mountainous terrain and winds its way through shaded hallways between the tall trees. The course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and is an approachable endeavor for golfers of all ages and skill levels. | northstarcalifornia.com

OLD GREENWOOD

Old Greenwood Golf Course

www.TahoeMountainClub.com

Meticulously maintained, with all the feel of a professional club. Old Greenwood Golf Course is a pure golf haven handcrafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus in 2004. The course has been given a Top 10 ranking for Best New Public Access Golf Course by Golf Digest and was ranked the 4th Finest New Upscale Public Course in America by Golf Magazine. The practice facility here is second to none in the Reno-Tahoe area and offers customized learning opportunities, as well as a fully immersive golf academy. | golfintahoe.com

Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

18 holes | par 72

7,518

122-144

66.1-75.5

HOME OF THE PGA TOUR’s Barracuda Championship, Old Greenwood is a mountain masterpiece. As a Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed course, Jack’s highest level of personal attention was woven into every detail.

Ponderosa Golf Course Originally brought to fruition by the townspeople and designed by Bob Baldock, Ponderosa Golf Course is Truckee’s oldest golf course, opening for play in 1961. It’s a fairly short nine-hole course and, with the exception of one severely uphill par 3, is quite flat. However, no hole is a streamline conquest; the fairways are tight and, though hitting driver is always tempting, it can easily lead to driving right through the short grass into a monster pine or onto the adjacent fairways. Overall, it’s a great and affordable place to sharpen your game. | ponderosagolfcoursetruckee.com

experience PGA Tour quality in one of the most spectacular places on earth.

Tee Times available up to 30 days in advance with daily NCGA rates and multiple twilight windows for locals. Membership in Tahoe Mountain Club unlocks an exclusive way to enjoy all that living in Tahoe has to offer. With an impressive collection of amenities, evolving programming, and new seasonal membership offerings, now is the time to join!

Nestled among 600 acres of towering pines and beautiful mountain vistas that provide the perfect backdrop for an epic day of golf. No wonder Old Greenwood has been ranked as one of America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. Play where the pro’s play and

Schaffer’s Mill Golf & Lake Club Set amongst the lush Sierra foothills, Schaffer’s Mill is a semi-private golf facility co-designed by John Harbottle and two-time major winner Johnny Miller. The front nine is sunny and open in an expansive meadow under the peaks of Northstar and is generally flat, while the back nine is of a hillier nature with a healthy dose of ups and downs tee to green. It is a relatively long but manageable course. | schaffersmill.com

Tahoe Donner OPENS MAY 28 Golf is back this year at Tahoe Donner, having recently completed a $2.2 million course renovation in 2020 for more fun and improved playability. Golfers will enjoy all new greens, expanded and redesigned forward tees, and an improved pace of play. Plus enjoy $25 skills clinics, a driving range and more.

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR NORTH LAKE TAHOE & OLYMPIC VALLEY Incline Village Championship Course In the 1960s, Robert Trent Jones and his son of the same name descended on the Tahoe region and set out to etch their names into the history books. In 1964, Trent Jones Sr. laid out his grand design for the Incline Village Championship Golf Course, carving into the mountainside a course that would stand the test of time and set it apart in humble fashion among all others in the Tahoe Basin. A bright green maze reminiscent of an alpine rainforest features picturesque views of Lake Tahoe, raging creeks and plenty of healthy-sized pine trees throughout. | inclinegolf.com

Old Brockway Golf Course | Katherine E. Hill

GRAY’S CROSSING www.TahoeMountainClub.com Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

18 holes | par 72

7,466

111-140

64.0-74.3

PRISTINE COURSE CONDITIONS and the firmest greens in the area highlight the experience at Gray’s Crossing. A Jacobsen/Hardy design that proves fun yet challenging, Gray’s is perfect for the golf enthusiast looking to play a public course that has a traditional private club feel.

Evergreen pines line the fairway as this Tahoe Mountain Club course weaves through beautiful mountain meadows with Mt. Rose as the backdrop. Local and NCGA rates available all season

long at both Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing, $25 rates for Juniors after 4pm.

Adjacent to the golf shop at Gray’s Crossing you will find PJ’s Restaurant offering a fresh summer menu and an outdoor dining experience with the best views around. Open daily from 8:00am-8:00pm. Perfect for every day casual dining, magical enough for your special occasion. To inquire about our wedding and corporate event offerings, call 530-550-5099.

12915 Fairway Drive | Truckee, CA 96161 | For tee times at Old Greenwood, call (530) 550-7024.

11406 Henness Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | For tee times at Gray’s Crossing, call (530) 550-5804.

For more information on both courses, visit www.GolfinTahoe.com.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

17

2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE | TheTahoeWeekly.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Incline Village Mountain Course OPENS MAY 24 Incline Village Mountain Golf Course is Nevada’s highest elevation course. It was built in 1968, designed by the legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who has put his stamp on courses such as Chambers Bay in Washington, which hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. It’s an 18-hole executive layout, but despite its moderate yardage and true to the nature of Jones’ golf philosophy, this is not a course that is easily conquered; pars here are won in a chess-like game of risk and reward. | inclinegolf.com

The Links at Squaw Creek OPENS MAY 28

COYOTE MOON GOLF COURSE www.CoyoteMoonGolf.com Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

18 holes | par 72

7,177

120 to 140

64.1 to 73.6

COYOTE MOON GOLF Course is one of the finest mountain golf experiences in the country. Residing in the beautiful Lake Tahoe area, Coyote Moon sits on 250 acres of secluded, rolling hills amidst towering pines, enormous granite outcroppings, wildflowers and the beautiful Trout Creek. The vistas, plus fresh mountain air, equals near perfection.

Coyote Moon Golf Course is a challenging, but fair test of Lake Tahoe golf. Most tee shots offer ample landing areas, as there are only a few forced carries. From the landing areas, most holes funnel to medium-sized, undulating greens that are well protected by trees, sand and water. The golf course was designed by Brad Bell, a former PGA Tour player, well known for creating highly praised courses.

The Links at Squaw Creek is a daunting par 71 mountain track set in the heart of Olympic Valley. Designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, it rests amongst a habitat of protected wetlands and resident wildlife. The terrain is host to deep roughs, mature pine trees and off-camber fairways. Systematic climbs, steep descents, blind shoulders and puzzle-like greens are all surprisingly manageable with a slow approach and contemplative club selection. Sandy’s Pub will reopen on May 27 with a new smokehouse theme for all to enjoy. | squawcreek.com

Old Brockway Golf Course Old Brockway Golf Course is a nine-hole gem tucked into the forest, just a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe’s shores in Kings Beach. Designed by John Duncan Dunn, it opened for play in 1924 and was a favorite place to play for many celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s. The course still maintains its old-fashioned feel: narrow fairway corridors, small greens and wild times. | oldbrockway.com

Tahoe City Golf Course Now more than 100 years old, the Tahoe City Golf Course has never ceased to provide great golf at a reasonable price. The nine-hole, par-33 course is in downtown Tahoe City. Despite its compact stature, it provides fun and challenging play for both experts and novices. In the middle of the 20th Century, the course was a popular hangout for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. It is one of the only courses in the area where dogs play for free. | golftahoecity.com

10685 Northwoods Blvd. | Truckee, CA 96161 Advertisement

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR THE LOST SIERRA The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort

A 9-hole Golf Tournament An exciting scramble with a twist!

June 16, 2021 Tahoe City Golf Course Cost: $240 per team (4 players) Get your tickets and book your tee time today at http://bit.ly/SwingIntoSummerClassic

Nakoma’s course is outright beautiful and no matter how you might play, you’re sure to leave here satisfied. It’s just an hour from Tahoe, designed by Robin Nelson, famous for his work on The Dunes at Mauna Lani. Golf World once designated this course as one of America’s Top 75. Come out and take on holes such as Dragon Lagoon, Dragon’s Tail and Teeth of the Dragon. | nakomaresort.com

Feather River Park Resort Just outside Blairsden and Graeagle, Feather River Park Resort golf course opened in 1985 and was designed by Bert Stamps. It sits in a prime spot amongst the Mohawk Valley offering up stunning views and a nine-hole, par-35 golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. | featherriverparkresort.com

Golf for Schools Cards Chamb er | CV B | Resor t Associa t ion

Swing into Summer Golf Classic is part of Tahoe City Solstice Festival

This event is a fundraiser for the Tahoe City Downtown Association

Golfing for Schools Cards are now on sale for $345. Cardholders enjoy one round of 18-holes at participating courses including Coyote Moon, Old Greenwood, Resort at Squaw Creek, Tahoe City, Northstar, Tahoe Donner and Gray’s Crossing.

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION. | EXINED.ORG

18

Courtesy Plumas Pines Golf Course

For tee times, call (530) 587-0886 or visit www.CoyoteMoonGolf.com.

May 19-June 1, 2021 | 2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE

Graeagle Meadows Golf Course Opened in 1968, designed by Ellis Van Groder, Graeagle Meadows Golf Course sits among the vast Mohawk Valley. The course digs itself farther and farther away from civilization, as your round goes on and plays host to an abundance of wildlife. The native landscape can be deep and chaotic and missing fairways can result in adventurous outings. Finesse of the short game is of importance here. | playgraeagle.com

Grizzly Ranch Golf Club One of the newer courses in the area, Grizzly Ranch Golf Club was designed by Bob Cupp and opened in 2005. From the moment you step off the first tee, you will notice that this is a long course, playing at more than 7,400 yards from the back tees. It’s mainly flat and open, tempting you to make the big shots, though cautionary play can at many times be beneficial because ideal landing zones are often filled with one hazard or another and generally require some creative thinking.

The Lake House will be offering a new menu of artisan sandwiches, lite bites and a full bar. | grizzlyranchgolfclub.com

Plumas Pines Golf Course The course opened in 1980 and was sculpted by Homer Flint. It follows the Feather River around a sharply groomed, vibrant green oasis. Water can be found on almost every hole and fittingly so. There’s no shortage of forced carries and must-hit fades and draws. It’s a fairly short course, but is filled with tight corners, huge pine trees and quick-putting surfaces. | plumaspinesgolf.com

TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Course

Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

18 holes | par 72

7,002

123-135

68.8-74.1

www.TahoeDonner.com/Golf

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club is a championship-caliber course in the serene Mohawk Valley in Clio. Designed by Dick Bailey, the course opened in 1996. It has since racked up several honors and is consistently ranked amongst the Top 10 to 20 courses on many editorials’ Best Public Golf Courses of California lists.

With Sierra peaks in nearly every direction and several streams moseying through the playing field and into lush ponds and even waterfalls, there’s not a spot on the course lacking a beautiful view. | golfwhitehawk.com

GOLF IS BACK at Tahoe Donner!

Experience your new favorite course.

Coinciding with their 50th anniversary, Tahoe Donner just completed over $2M in course renovations in 2020. Reopening on May 28, be among the first to experience enhanced playability, improved pace of play and an overall enriched mountain golf experience.

Tee Times and Rates Enjoy a twilight round for just $95 – including a golf cart – or a prime-time tee time starting at just $130 in the early and late seasons. Discounts are available for Tahoe Donner homeowners. Tahoe Donner also features a driving range, new chipping and putting greens, $25 skills clinics and more.

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR RENO The Club at Arrowcreek The Club at Arrowcreek in South Reno is home to two championship golf courses: The Legend Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, a name that speaks for itself in the world of golf, and The Challenge Course, co-designed by 1979 Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller and John Harbottle III. Both courses opened for play in 1999. | theclubatarrowcreek.com

Lakeridge Golf Course This is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. course in the middle of the city. It opened in 1969 and the place still seems to take you back in time to that era. Climbing up the mountainside, Lakeridge Golf Course features wonderful views of the cityscape below. It’s not by any means a long course, with drivable par 4s and reachable in two par 5s, but the greens can be treacherous if not given your complete attention. | duncangolfreno.com/lakeridge

Sierra Sage Golf Course Sierra Sage Golf Course just north of Reno is pleasantly walkable with a comprehensive practice facility with an ample grass tee range. The fairways are wide and open, as there are not many trees in the field of play. The greens are thoroughly maintained, fast and true. The course offers GolfBoards, giving golfers a healthy and fun alternative to walking or taking a cart. | sierrasagegolf.org CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Courtesy The Club at Arrowcreek

Highlights of the course include: • All new greens • Expanded forward tees and tee box improvements • Increased player shot selections through improved drainage and relocated cart paths • Improved accessibility to practice green with new stairways Repeatedly voted the “Best Golf Course in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee” by Sierra Sun readers, Tahoe Donner is one of the premier courses in the Sierra Nevada and offers the most recently renovated course in the area. Located just 30 minutes from Reno and 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, the course is open to the public and Tahoe Donner members.

Set among towering pines, meandering creeks and stunning granite formations, the tree-lined fairways and epic elevation changes embody the best of championship golf in the High Sierra, while the fast and large greens have been regarded as some of the finest in the region. Whether you are a beginner or daily golfer, Tahoe Donner is sure to impress even the most discerning player with its unique course design, beautiful mountain scenery, natural water features and scenic wildlife.

After playing a round, stop by The Lodge Restaurant & Pub overlooking the golf course. Golfer’s Happy Hour is offered daily from 2-4PM. Additionally, the Tee Nine Grill, located next to the Pro Shop, offers breakfast, lunch and a wide variety of beverages.

12850 Northwoods Blvd. | Truckee, CA 96161 | Golf Pro Shop (530) 587-9443 golf@tahoedonner.com | www.TahoeDonner.com/Golf

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19

2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE | TheTahoeWeekly.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Washoe Golf Course This historical golf club was founded in 1917; it’s the oldest 18-hole golf facility in the state of Nevada. Washoe Golf Course is a staple of the Reno community, an old-fashioned, genuine-natured golf experience right in the heart of the city. The fairways are generally wide, flat, forgiving, feeding the greens, though lined with age-old cottonwood trees and seemingly invisible-from-the-tee water hazards. Overall, the greens are small and feature at least one steep drop-off into an abyss. | washoegolf.org

Wolf Run Golf Club

www.OldBrockway.com Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

9 holes | par 36

3,418

113 to 132

66.9 to 71.6

HISTORIC OLD Brockway Golf Course has been family owned and operated for more than 35 years. Old Brockway offers more than 3,400 yards of quality, serene golfing with two par 5s, two par 3s and five par 4s. Enjoy walking through the towering Jeffery pines with lake views on each and every hole.

The Golf Channel rated Historic Old Brockway as one of the Top Ten 9-hole courses in the country. It is our welcoming staff, dedicated crew and beauti-

ful setting that all make Old Brockway a “Lake Tahoe Golfing Tradition.”

Old Brockway Golf Course was built by Harry Comstock and designed by renowned Scottish architect John Duncan Dunn, the golf course architect of Shinnecock Hills, home of the 2018 U.S. Open. Historic Old Brockway features small, turtle-back greens, minimum green to tee walking distances, and tight-knit fairways. It’s known as the best golfing value at the lake.

7900 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA 96143 For tee times, call (530) 546-9909 or visit www.OldBrockway.com.

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Sparks

The Links at Kiley Ranch The Links at Kiley Ranch is a 9-hole, executive-style, par-3 course open year-round and available for play at an affordable rate. It’s a great course to calibrate clubs and sharpen your short game. The greens are fairly straightforward and allow golfers to focus on speed more so than guessing their lines. There is also a large top-notch putting green onsite. If kicking a ball is more your style, be sure to inquire about FootGolf on the course. | kileylinks.com

Redhawk Golf and Resort | The Hills Course The course, once operating as ranch land, was designed by three-time U.S. Open

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR SPARKS

Courtesy Wildcreek Golf Courses

OLD BROCKWAY GOLF COURSE

The home course of the University of Nevada’s men’s and women’s golf teams, Wolf Run Golf Club was designed by John Fleming and opened for play in 1998. It’s a great example of desert mountain golf. The course rolls about the foothills in continuous undulating fashion with fairways edged with hard-packed sand, decorated generously with rocks and sagebrush. It features many drastic changes in elevations, an abundance of sand traps, forced carries and project-like oblong greens that really make for a fun day of putting.

One of the best deals in Reno for a course on this level. | duncangolfreno.com/wolf-run

Redhawk Golf and Resort | The Lakes Course Robert Trent Jones Jr. is known for producing punishing layouts, incorporating minimalism and subtlety and highlighting risk and reward, victory and defeat. This course is a prime example of his determination to truly test a golfer’s abilities in a rich and serene setting. The course plays 7,400 yards and feels every bit of it. As the name suggests, there is plenty of water to deal with out here. | redhawkgolfandresort.com

Wildcreek Golf Courses | The Creek Six & Executive Course Wildcreek’s The Creek Six is a perfect golfing lunch break or three times around for a full 18 holes. There is one Par 3, one Par 5 and four Par 4s that with multiple tee positions can give you an 18-hole track measuring between 5,500 and 6,700 yards.

The Executive Course is a par 27 measuring 1,420 yards. | wildcreekgolf.org

www.PonderosaGolfCourseTruckee.com Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

9 holes

3,022

119 to 120

66.6 to 69.9

PONDEROSA GOLF COURSE offers a family friendly, but surprisingly challenging, 9-hole course, developed by the townspeople of Truckee in 1961. The course, nestled in the heart of Truckee, celebrates the natural Sierra landscape and is characterized by its amalgamation of pine trees.

The course rolls smoothly with straight fairways and a short par 4 until the third hole, a tough uphill par 3 with unexpected gradation

changes and a sloping green. Still, the 9th hole is considered the most difficult, with trees woven as obstacles along the long fairway.

Purchased for private operation in 1968, the course was made public by purchase from the Truckee-Tahoe Airport District in 2008, and is manicured to ideal conditions by the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District. Ponderosa also features practice greens, driving nets, a pro shop and snack bar.

For tee times, call (530) 587-3501 or visit www.PonderosaGolfCourseTruckee.com.

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TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR CARSON VALLEY & CARSON CITY AREA Carson Valley Golf Course Following the East Fork of the Carson River beneath the shade of the wide arms of ancient cottonwood trees, the Carson Valley Golf Course in Gardnerville has served as a great escape for a day of swinging around the clubs since 1965. Playing just more than 6,000 yards from the back tees, hitting driver isn’t always necessary from the tee box. Plenty of water hazards and magnetic bunkers always make for interesting shots at this enjoyable golf course. | carsonvalleygolf.com

Courtesy Genoa Lakes Golf Club | Ranch Course

PONDEROSA GOLF COURSE

May 19-June 1, 2021 | 2021 TAHOE-SIERRA GOLF GUIDE

Dayton Valley Golf Club A short drive from Carson City brings you to the challenging Dayton Valley Golf Club, designed by none other than Arnold Palmer. One of the premier courses in Northern Nevada, it has been hosting PGA qualifier events for more than 20 years.

This desert oasis has 40 acres of water features, wobbly fairways and large greens with some of the quickest grass in the area. | duncangolfreno.com/dayton-valley

Eagle Valley Golf Course Opened in 1987, designed by Jack Snyder, nestled in the Carson City foothills, Eagle Valley Golf Course offers two different 18-hole outings. The East Course is a mellow playing field, that is generally open and straight forward, it’s a great course to walk, and to practice big swings. The Eagle Valley West Course is a place more suited for those looking for a challenge. Its desert-links design will continue to test you, hole after hole. | eaglevalleygolf.com

GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB

Empire Ranch Golf Courses

www.GrizzlyRanchGolfClub.com

A tale of three nines — wait a second. Yes, that’s right, 27 holes of golf. The SierraRiver, Comstock-River and Sierra Comstock courses all offer unique challenges of their own surrounded on all sides by gorgeous views of the Carson Valley. Also, onsite is a spacious chipping area and two putting greens. Empire offers a Men’s Club, Women’s Club and membership programs for discounted play. | empireranchgolf.com

Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Ratings

18 holes | par 72

7,411

121 to 143

66.5 to 75.0

GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB, a #1 ranked golf course in the Sierra Nevada, is open from May 1 to late-October. Only a 45 minute drive north on SR 89 to Hwy 70, Grizzly Ranch’s uncrowded town and tranquil mountainous environment welcome golfers to a relaxing golf experience, yet challenging Bob Cupp designed championship course. Stretching more than 7,400 yards from tips, Grizzly

Genoa Lakes Golf Club | Lakes Course The Lakes Course, established in 1993, was co-designed by Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III. The clubhouse is large and opulent. Having hosted more than a dozen U.S. Open Qualifiers, it is year after year voted as one of the best golf courses on the West Coast. Resting on the floor of the Carson Valley, the field follows the banks and canals of the Carson River. True to its name, several lakes scattered around the wetland-lined fairways bring water hazards of various nature into play on 14 holes. | genoalakes.com

Genoa Lakes Golf Club | Ranch Course The saloon-like clubhouse sports a polished wood bar and barbecue joint. Opened in 1998, co-designed by John Harbottle III and two-time major winner Johnny Miller, the playing area is carved into the high desert in a links-like fashion. The front nine dances around the low land before stair stepping a steep mountain bluff, severely exposed to the potential of a howling afternoon wind. | genoalakes.com

Ranch has five sets of tees to accommodate every level of player. The natural turf range, a highlight to the practice facility, is open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $20 – Half-day per person. The Lake House offers a new signature menu of artisan sandwiches, lite bites and a full bar!

For more information, please call the Golf Shop at 530.832.4200, or visit us online at GrizzlyRanchGolfClub.com.

To book a tee time or for group play/fees, call the Golf Shop at (530) 832-4200, or visit www.GrizzlyRanchGolfClub.com.

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Silver Oak Golf Course Set into the side of a mountain, this course has some dramatic changes in elevation tee to green of both the uphill and downhill varieties. Fast greens, with hidden breaks, severe exposure to the elements and plenty of water, make 18 holes at this place full of surprises. Silver Oak also offers Footgolf for those more inclined to kick a ball around the course than hit one. | silveroakgolf.com

Sunridge Golf Club This is a truly unique golf experience beneath a backdrop of the towering peaks of the Carson Range with huge lakes, forced carries and layups, exquisite course maintenance and fairways that blend into the putting surfaces. This place can be your best friend or your worst nightmare — and either way is bound to bring you back for more time and again. | playsunridge.com

TAHOE CITY GOLF COURSE

TRUCKEEVALLEY & NORTHSTAR WASHOE

Washoe Valley

Toiyabe Golf Club Tucked away at the base of the Carson Range, the Toiyabe Golf Club in Washoe Valley was a cattle ranch in the 1800s, known as the Lightning W Ranch. While maintaining the tranquility and beauty of nature’s landscape, Robert Muir Graves designed a course that he states, “offers an extraordinary golfing opportunity rarely available today.” Come challenge the howling Washoe winds and see for yourself. | toiyabegolfclub.com

Toiyabe Golf Club | John Dee

www.GolfTahoeCity.com Course Details

Yardage

Slope

Rating

9 holes | par 33

2,691

120

65.9

The historic Tahoe City Golf Course is a family-friendly golf facility located in the heart of Tahoe City and walking distance to Commons Beach and local shops. A fun and challenging 9-hole, par-33 course with one par 5, four par 4s and 4 par 3s that will have players of every ability using every club in their bag as they walk or ride through towering pine trees enjoying views of Lake Tahoe.

Located on-site, Café Zenon has a full bar and restaurant. Enjoy a scenic patio, two bocce courts, practice areas and a barbecue area available for family reunions, weddings, receptions and barbecues. Due to COVID-19, the TCPUD has implemented a Protection Plan to protect employees and customers while at the TCGC facility.

Please visit our website for details.

251 N. Lake Blvd. | Tahoe City, CA 96145 Call and book your tee time at (530) 583-1516 or visit www.GolfTahoeCity.com

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THE makers

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

Trails & Vistas returns WITH ART HIKES, FIELD TRIPS

T

Diane Welch | Sierra Expeditionary Learning School

THE DREAMING TREE Last year, the art-in-nature Dreaming Tree field trips for local third graders were also cancelled, which prompted Trails & Vistas Tieken Lopez to create another film sharing that childlike wonder to spark conversation. “The Dreaming Tree” film (and its in-person field trips) reinforce the notion that an outdoor classroom is where learning comes to life.

In March, “The Dreaming Tree” film was distributed to 11 local elementary schools to third graders and local students in virtual learning programs. As the kids watched the film, teachers prompted them to write poems and create art to show what nature and the film meant to them. “[The Dreaming Tree] opens with a cultural spokesperson from the Washoe Tribe 22

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

Explore “Reading Forest” exhibit Through November, Taylor Creek Visitor Center will host a public artwork called “Reading Forest” by artist Todd Gilens. Visitors can view 38 drawings along the paths at Taylor Creek that explore forest health, change and resilience at Lake Tahoe. Commissioned by the National Forest Foundation and Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership, “Reading Forest” communicates the work of land managers, forest ecologists and citizens; it is supported by a grant from the US Forest Service. | fs.usda.gov

S TO RY BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

rails & Vistas – the nonprofit performance art organization that hosts art hikes in Tahoe’s beautiful landscape – is back for 2021. Melding arts and culture with a connection to nature, Trails & Vistas uses visual art, storytelling, music, dance, poetry and environmental education to spark an appreciation for natural surroundings.

The art hikes will be on Sept. 11 and tickets for the 2.5-mile hike are on sale now starting at $45 for adults and $15 for kids. Trails & Vistas is also offering Build Your Own Pod private tours.

“For our 2021 signature Art Hikes, we’re keeping groups smaller this year, limited to 16 people. Attendees will be required to wear masks at check in but we’re en-couraging people to build their own pods. We’re excited to welcome everyone back and are pleased that people want to come back and hike amongst the rocks, feel the beauty of the trees, and be grounded again,” says founder and artistic director Nancy Tieken Lopez.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, Trails & Vistas didn’t host its art hikes or World Concert in 2020. Yet they did release the film “Full Circle” to try to keep the Tahoe performance arts alive at a time when people likely needed it the most.

The film is available on the website.

As well, the organization will bring back the popular Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour on Oct. 14 and 15, but the World Concert will not return until 2022.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE

“The Very Wise Lake” released

The Dreaming Tree field trip at Sand Harbor. | Courtesy Trails & Vistas

Culture/Language Resources department and includes musicians, performers, a wonderful presentation by interpretive guide/ historical educator Bill Bowness and even a hip-hop dancer,” Tieken Lopez explains.

“I think there’s something so beautiful (about the film being shared in classrooms) and it gets to the essence of nature when seen through the eyes of a child,” she adds.

“We started the virtual field trip yesterday, and the students loved it. We have only gotten through the first three sections, as they were so engaged. They loved hearing the Native Washoe language and commented that it sounded soft, beautiful, rhythmic. They took time to make connections with how the use of fire can help the land, and not just destroy it. Many of them have witnessed control burns lately in our area, so it was a great connection,” adds Forest Charter School teacher Brook Binley.

“The art kits and the film can be sent anywhere and brings a bit of Lake Tahoe into any classroom. I hope that The Dreaming Tree field trips can go back to being in person, but in the meantime the film can be utilized for education purposes or even gifted to a school in another location,” Tieken Lopez says.

The Dreaming Tree was also shared with residents of Tahoe Forest Hospital’s Long Term Care Center. With the release of the film, residents also received an art kit with a journal in it so that they have a place to record their thoughts when they’re comfortable going out on Tahoe’s trails again.

Email Nancy Lopez at nancy@trailsandvistas.org to learn more about “The Dreaming Tree” film and art kit. | Art hike tickets trailsandvistas.org 

SEPT. 11

Trails & Vistas Art Hikes OCT. 14-15

Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour TBA IN 2022

World Concert

WordWave

submissions sought Valhalla Tahoe is accepting original submissions online to its WordWave One-Act Play Competition until June 1. Manuscripts should have a running time of no more than 60 minutes and writers can enter multiple works. Three winners will have their work directed and produced as a staged reading at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre at the Tallac Historic Site on Sept. 11. Each winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a two-night stay to see their work directed and produced as a staged reading, | Details at tahoewordwave.com

Design a

passholder beanie Sugar Bowl’s Head Designer Beanie Design Contest is accepting submissions through June 11. Create the best design for Sugar Bowl’s 2021-22 season passholder beanie and win a season pass or $500 cash plus $100 toward a Coal Headwear shopping spree.

Artwork submitted by the finalists will be shared online for the public to review and vote for; the winner will be announced on July 1. Find complete eligibility and entry details online. | sugarbowl.com

“The Very Wise Lake” is the third book in author Leah Vis’ Road Trip Tales series. This story weaves facts about Lake Tahoe into a tale of nature, honesty, integrity and community.

Each book in the series teaches interesting facts about a landmark through a story that captures the heart and imagination. The book is available on the author’s website and amazon.com. | leahvisauthor.com

Sales support

Little Free Library Alpenglow Sports announces a Community Book Initiative for the month of May, during which 100 percent of proceeds will benefit Little Free Library. Ten community members, known for their mountain, community, environmental and/or social leanings, and Alpenglow Sports have assembled 20 titles designed to motivate, educate and inspire, as well as foster dialogue and engagement. Topics include environmental, social or adventure-related issues.

Alpenglow’s book buyer and lead boot fitter Jason Layh came up with the idea for the Community Book Initiative. Each spring, Alpenglow will reach out to 10 community members for two thought-provoking and enlightening titles, for a total of 20 books.

The chosen books are available at the store and the website. | alpenglowsports.com Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE lineup

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

live music | shows | nightlife

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

return to Valhalla

Two- and six-person tables must be reserved for people in the same household or up to three households if everyone is vaccinated. The remainder of the lawn will be open to free socially distant lawn seating. | Tickets valhallatahoe.com

Lake Tahoe Dance Festival returns

The Lake Tahoe Dance Festival will return to live performances from July 27 to 30 featuring world-renowned dancers including Holly Curran, Traci Finch, Chris McDaniel, Christin Hanna, Stephen Hanna and Ashley Bouder.

The festival begins July 27 with a Gala Opening Night Celebration with live per-formances from July 28 to and 30. Ticketing is limited and available by socially distanced, two-person pods. | Tickets laketahoedancecollective.org

live Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

MAY 21 | FRIDAY “The Drowsy Chaperone” Virtual, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Magic After Dark: Robert Hall Unfiltered The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

MAY 22 | SATURDAY “The Drowsy Chaperone” Virtual, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Tim Snider & Wolfgang Timber Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

MAY 23 | SUNDAY “The Drowsy Chaperone” Virtual, South Lake Tahoe

MAY 28 | FRIDAY Summer Concert Series Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

Magic After Dark: Robert Hall Unfiltered The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

MAY 29 | SATURDAY Summer Concert Series Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

MAY 30 | SUNDAY Summer Concert Series Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

festivals | entertainment

David Beck

Concerts, theater

This summer Valhalla Tahoe’s concerts will return with performances on the Grand Lawn, along with a production of “Murdered to Death” and the Tahoe ImPRoV Players in the Boathouse Theatre. Live music kicks off on June 15 and tickets to all of the events are on sale.

May 19-June 1, 2021 THE LINEUP

M U S I C O F T H E M O U N TA I N S S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N

Mountain Folk Micro Fest | Sept. 11 and 12 | Lost Marbles Ranch, Beckwourth | tahoemountainfolk.com

W

ith his latest release, “Mountain Born,” David Beck ruminates on a soulful lifelong connection to the Sierra Nevada.

“Mountains bring you peace,” he says.

“Mountains bring you serenity. They bring you comfort. I hope my music can bring you that wherever you’re at. It’s for the mountain lovers, the conservationists.”

Beck’s rootsy sound takes a cue from contemporary country artists including Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers as the hillside poet explores subdued folk rock lyricism through the eyes of a Tahoe native, his signature baritone voice exploring what it means to be a 21st century mountain man.

Born at Tahoe Forest Hospital in 1982, Beck has been living, working and playing in the Tahoe Sierra all his life. He is collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to couple his most recent release with some local brew.

“You drink the beer and listen to the song,” he says. “I’m trying to pair it like cheese and wine. I suggest listening while enjoying the Contradiction.”

Something of a paradox himself, Beck specializes in place-based narrative compositions delivered in a down-home, yet emotive musical style. He’s Northern California’s answer to John Denver singing praises to the dramatic Western landscape, yet in a slightly darker and more whimsical style.

“I don’t understand why a woman or a man would want to live amongst the chaos in the bottomless pit of flat land,” he sings on “Mountain Man” in a low croon that’s one part John Prine, one part Crash Test Dummies.

Harveys Summer Concert Series returns

Outdoor concerts are returning to Lake Tahoe, which will kick off with Phish on July 20 and 21. The series will run through Sept. 4. Tickets for the Phish and Old Dominion on July 23 and 24 are on sale now through Ticketmaster. | harveystahoe.com July 20-21 July 23-24 July 30 Aug. 21 Aug. 22 Aug. 27-28 Sept. 2 Sept. 3 Sept. 4

| | | | | | | | |

Phish Old Dominion Brantley Gilbert Roger Daltrey Dierks Bentley Eric Church Miranda Lambert Train Alabama

MOUNTAIN FOLK

Songs like “No Friends on a Powder Day” and “Biggest Little City in the World” chronicle the experiences of growing up the area.

“I have found that telling stories from truth and experience sits with the listener,” he says. “I’m not faking anything; it’s who I am. It’s my true nature. I like to tell stories like you’re sitting around the campfire and bring people’s imagination into the music.”

After graduating from North Tahoe High School in 2001, Beck began a career in construction. He learned a lot from his father, pioneering adventure filmmaker Craig Beck. Surfing the seasonal booms and busts of a mountain town, he eventually saved up for a down payment on a house in Cisco Grove. While he always wanted to play music at heart, he was working hard just to make ends meet.

“It was the 40-hour grind,” he says.

“I just wanted to play my acoustic at a restaurant, but it would be impossible because I would work so much. We were paycheck to paycheck.”

Eventually, he left a secure job to go on his own with Beck Construction. He and his wife, Camille, also created a wakeboard and apparel company, Tahoe Native. While managing his own business is a commitment, it provides Beck the flexibility to work on his music.

“When I die, I want people to know I shared as much as I could,” he says. “I’m not just this guy swinging a hammer. I want my kids to know who I really was.

I consider myself a poet and songwriter.

That’s the reason why I’m on this Earth.”

The Becks are expecting their first son in June, who will be named Kai Clayton Beck in memory of Beck’s brother, Clay, a popular ski coach at Alpine Meadows who died in a plane crash in 2008.

Strumming his Martin Backpacker along the John Muir Trail in Inyo National Forest, David Beck draws his musical inspiration from the mountains of California. | Camille Beck

“People come to me and say I’m so lucky,” says Beck. “I am lucky, but I’ve worked my ass off. I’m not a trust fund baby. I’m not one of these people who just sits at a coffee shop and chills. I sacrifice my work to pursue my music. I want people to know that I’m genuine. All I do is work, write music, be with my wife, sleep and eat. I’m a family man. It’s just who I am.”

Watch David Beck sing “Lake Tahoe” with cellist Colombe Tresan by the docks of Donner Lake.

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

On Sept. 11 and 12, the Becks will host the 2nd Mountain Folk Micro Fest at Lost Marbles Ranch in Beckwourth. The onenight festival features live music, local beer, yoga and art as it helps to support Sierra Nevada Alliance and Clean Up the Lake.

In another one of his new songs, “Gravel Road,” Beck talks about the immense changes facing our region and the accompanying threats to the natural world.

“It’s the most change I’ve seen my entire life of my 38 years in Truckee,” says Beck. “The message I would send to any newcomer is: Please tread lightly. We all love the mountains. Let’s treat them fairly.” | David Beck Productions on SoundCloud, tahoemountainfolk.com  Sean McAlindin is a writer and musician living in Truckee, who loves a secret powder stash just as much as a good jam. You can reach him at entertainment@ tahoethisweek.com. Other writings and original music are available at seanmcalindin.com.

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

EAT &drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

Elevate your burger S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R

T

TOP: Hamburger: Grass fed ground beef, parmesan, egg,

spices and bread crumb mix BOTTOM: Chicken Burger: Ground Chicken Burger topped

with sautéed red onions and mayo tamarind dressing

TRY PRIYA’S

GRILLED CAESAR SALAD RECIPE IN THIS EDITION

During a recent dinner with friends (I made them Korean Beef Bulgogi), the topic of burgers came up. I asked them to offer their two cents for their burger happy place. Jodi Hubbell, a health and wellness coach, eats her burger served in a collard green wrap. She tops it off with goat brie, bacon and caramelized onions.

She needs to make me a burger – I love this combination. Laura Green, a massage therapist, adds thyme, sage, chives and green onion into her burger mixture and tops it off with roasted mushrooms. Yum. My burger mix varies on my mood. I enjoy diced onion, Montreal Steak Seasoning, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper and a touch of parmesan cheese added to my ground meat. I also might add ground garlic, fresh chopped parsley, basil or whatever herbs I have on hand. I often add an egg and breadcrumbs to help hold it tgether. Ground chicken burgers are delicious if you’re looking to eat less red meat.

Try our tips for cleaning & seasoning the grill

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

For my plant-forward friends, a black bean mushroom burger is a healthy option.

The trick is to chill it before grilling it.

While vegetarian burgers are all the rage and can be purchased in the supermarket, I prefer making my own. This ensures the burger is prepared with fresh organic ingredients. Most store-bought veggie burgers are highly processed.

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Edible Reno Tahoe

Courtesy “Edible Reno-Tahoe”

he smell of a burger sizzling on the grill tempts the taste buds and is a standard fare for the Memorial Day menu and advent of summer. Whether you are someone who leans toward beef, chicken or veggies, taking your burger to the next level starts with the ingredients you add to the patty and the toppings to finish off your creation. The ingredients and toppings provide an opportunity for creativity that will offer an original and flavorful meal.

Lean ground beef with fat is essential when creating a juicy burger. I use organic grass-fed meat and choose an 80 percent lean to 20 percent fat ratio for burgers. There are many ways to make a burger, including the basic recipe, open the package, add salt and pepper, shape the patty and place it on the grill. Let the toppings elevate this simple burger.

Spices are key. Add garlic, basil, parsley or cilantro to ground beef. Many people claim Worcestershire sauce to be their secret ingredient to a good burger.

Hutner featured in

THE TOPPINGS For toppings on a burger, the sky is the limit. Gruyere, goat gouda and a white sharp cheddar cheese are some of my favorite cheeses to melt on the burger.

Caramelized or grilled onions are a perfect complement to any burger. Thin-sliced Jalapenos or serrano peppers offer a nice kick. Remove the seeds before serving to reduce the heat. Serve with a milder cheese like Havarti or Jack. Fried onions and garlic add a nice crunch.

Consider topping your burger with grilled peach or pineapple ring, or try a Grilled Caesar Salad atop your burger (find the recipe in this edition), which produces a fantastic flavor. Other suggestions include a Caprese burger with water mozzarella, tomato and basil and a touch of balsamic vinegar, a classic mushroom swiss burger, or herbed goat cheese and olives.

While most people opt for ketchup atop their grilled burger, I prefer stone ground spicy mustard. My latest love affair is with Sierra Nevada Stone Ground Stout Mustard. Every so often, a spicy aioli, Siracha mayo sauce, pesto or tamari mayo dressing add a unique twist without overpowering the burger.

THE BUN And lastly, the bun. The bun is everything. Sourdough, Kaiser or ciabatta is top on the list. Be mindful many buns will fall apart with all of the toppings and juice from the burger, so a hardy bun is vital. If you’re on a diet, lettuce wraps can

act as a vehicle for your burger; butter lettuce is best.

I highly recommend an all-out grilled burger bar for your next cookout. Make sure there are plenty of topping choices to elevate your burger. Ask your guests to bring a topping or two. For side dishes, serve baked steak or sweet potato fries (ketchup is totally legit on fries, but ranch dressing goes well with either white or sweets), and a tangy cabbage slaw goes nicely with this affair. And don’t forget the pickles, kosher dill is my choice but bread and butter will do.  Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a local meal delivery and catering company. Priya has been creating and preparing meals from an early age. She has worked in the restaurant industry in New York City, attended catering school, and was the head chef and executive director of a nonprofit spiritual community in Florida. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com. Send your comments, story ideas and food tidbits to priya@tahoethisweek.com.

Tahoe Weekly Food Editor Priya Hutner is featured in the newest edition of “Edible Reno-Tahoe” magazine in a feature on “Battling COVID Cooking Fatigue.”

In addition to being Tahoe Weekly’s Food Editor, Hutner is also the owner of The Seasoned Sage, a meal delivery and personal chef service that focuses on healing foods and healthy, organic dishes. Read more about Hutner in the digital edition available at ediblerenotahoe.com. | theseasonedsage.com

tasty tidbits Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

Tahoe City Farmers Market Commons Beach | Tahoe City | May 20, 27

8 a.m.-1 p.m. | tahoecityfarmersmarket.com

Winemaker Tastings The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe | May 20, 27

5 p.m. | (530) 600-3304, theidlehourlaketahoe.com

Something Extra Class Series Raley’s | Truckee | May 21, 28 12-1 p.m. | raleys.com

38th annual Chili on the Comstock C Street | Virginia City | May 22

SIMPLE BURGER RECIPE From the kitchen of Priya Hutner 1 lb. grass-fed ground beef 1 egg 3 T breadcrumbs 1 T parmesan cheese 2 T onion, finely diced 1 t salt ¼ t fresh ground pepper 1 t fresh basil, chopped fine

Mix ingredients and form into patties.

Heat the barbecue and grill. Serve with your choice of toppings.

10 a.m. | visitvirginiacitynv.com

Grow Your Own - Beans and Peas Zoom | Truckee | May 25

5-6:30 p.m. | chamber.truckee.com

Incline Village Farmers Market Incline Village Library | May 27

3-6 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, laketahoemarkets.com

Grow Your Own - Strawberries Zoom | Truckee | June 1

5-6:30 p.m. Free | chamber.truckee.com

South Lake Tahoe Farmers Markets American Legion Hall | South Lake Tahoe | June 1 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | eldoradofarmersmarket.com

May 19-June 1, 2021 EAT & DRINK

F RO M T H E S E AS O N E D SAG E

Grilled Caesar Salad S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R

Meet the farmers Tahoe Food Hub is hosting a Spring Farm Tour of three farms in the Sierra Foothills on May 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet the farmers who grow our food and taste the food, too. The outdoor, COVID-compliant tour includes lunch. Attendees will meet in Truckee and caravan to the sites in their own cars.

I

first experienced the flavor of this unique salad in a restaurant in St. Augustine, Fla., many years ago. It was love at first bite. The waiter shared the chef ’s recipe with me.

I often make this during the summer.

It’s a light meal to start or add protein and it’s a main meal. It is also a delightful potluck dish to bring to a picnic or barbecue. I add extra fresh ground pepper to this recipe. 

Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary restrictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks.

Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.

Feeding Crane Farm located in Penn Valley, Starbright Acres Family Farm in Grass Valley and Riverhill Farm in Nevada City are the sites featured. All three supply fresh produce to Tahoe Food Hub. The event will close with a prepared lunch made of seasonal ingredients, provided by Three Forks Baking & Brewery Company in Nevada City. Tickets are $40, general admission; $15, children, age 9 and younger. | Tickets tahoefoodhub.org

Famous for our Mexican Dinners (530) 587-3557 10186 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee

Sierra Community House Food Distribution We’re delivering perishable food bags weekly in Truckee & North Lake Tahoe.

Delivery staff and volunteers are following best practices and wearing masks. Please follow social distancing and NOT interact.

To sign-up or cancel, e-mail food@sierracommunityhouse.org or call 775-545-4083; Provide full name, address, phone number, birthdate and number of people in the household.

Find more from The Seasoned Sage

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Grilled Caesar Salad From the kitchen of: Priya Hutner | Serves 4 2 large heads of romaine, cut in half lengthwise ½ C olive oil

be kind be calm be helpful

½ C lemon juice 3-5 cloves of garlic 1 t. salt 1 t. fresh ground pepper ½ C Reggiano parmesan cheese, thinly shaved ½ lemon quartered Sourdough croutons Anchovies, optional

Wash and dry lettuce and set aside. In a jar add olive oil, lemon juice, pressed garlic, ½ tsp. salt and pepper. Let sit for at least an hour; up to four is best.

Brush a small amount of infused oil on both sides of romaine hearts, place on grill for 3 minutes on each side.

Place lettuce on platter, pour small amount of dressing over grilled romaine, add salt and fresh pepper and top with shaved cheese, croutons and fresh lemon slices. Serve with anchovies on the side and extra dressing.

Tip: Try atop your next grilled burger.

EARTH TO TABLE ChristyHill.com 115 Grove St., Tahoe City CA 530-583-8551 25

TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE DIVERSITY OF

Chilean wines S TO RY & P H OTO S BY L O U P H I L L I P S

EST. 1982

Authentic Mexican made from scratch daily

Kings Beach

Indoor & Patio Dining 12:00pm-8:00pm

Full Bar

(530) 546-4539 - 8345 North Lake Blvd. - Across from the State Beach in Kings Beach

Fine Italian Food & Spirits

W Locals Love Lanza’s!

(530) 546-2434 7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach

LanzasTahoe.com

t

e are on the last stop of our South American wine journey and the destination is Chile.

Hard on the west coast of this huge continent, the world’s longest nation at more than 2,500 miles north to south has an incredible diversity of vineyard sites with elevations ranging from 400 feet in its Valle Central to more than 7,000 feet in the northern regions of Limari and Elqui.

Chile’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, with its cooling Humboldt Current flowing up from Antarctica and its diversity of geology and climates make it a southern hemisphere twin to California. It also has

Casilero and Primus Carmeneres, Chile’s Signature Red.

of land and labor, and the industry’s fight to be recognized as a player in quality wine. The latter is a result of Chile’s wine industry selling at bargain-basement prices when it was revived in the 1990s.

What Chile does best is the classicvarietal wines. Cabernets, Merlots and

Chilean wines at all price points are also some of the wine-world’s great values.

Read Lou’s columns on the wines of Rioja, Sicily and Argentina

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

INVENTIVE AMERICAN CUISINE

INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AVAILABLE Sustainable Fresh Fish | Organic Chicken | Local Seasonal Produce

relatively little weather change year to year making for excellent and reliable growing conditions and the ability to excel with many wine grapes.

THE SOULE DOMAIN N o r t h L a k e Ta h o e , C a Nightly, Homestyle classic 4 course meal $29

EST. 1985

Dinner nightly at 5pm | Reservations required | 530.546.7529 9983 Cove St. Kings Beach | www.souledomain.com

Charlie Soule Chef | Owner

NOW AVAILABLE 2nd edition

Wineries of the

Sierra Foothills All sales benefit Tahoe Weekly

Purchase your copy at Amazon.

Bulk orders available at publisher@tahoethisweek.com 26

Chilean Cult Classic Don Melchor.

Chilean wines at all price points are also some of the wine-world’s great values, especially in the lower categories as the fruit is high quality and the winemaking practices tend to let the fruit shine as opposed to the over-manipulation common elsewhere. Some of the reasons for the value-play in these wines are the low cost

Carmeneres from the cooler parts of the Valle Central, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs from the northern high-elevation regions, Syrah and Rhone Blends from a variety of locations.

This leads to my No. 1 tip, which is to look for specific regional designation on the label or ask your vendor about the origin of the wine. Top Cabs, Carmeneres and Cab blends come from the Cachapoal, Colchagua and Maule regions. The better white wines and Pinot Noirs are raised in the Elqui, Limari and Casablanca Valleys.

Syrah and other Rhone reds excel in the southern region of Itata and the cooler areas of the regions mentioned for Cabernet.

At the higher end, the value proposition stays just as true. For collectors or just those seeking an exceptional wine experience, I have two can’t-miss gems that bring Wine Nirvana at a great ROI. A wine that I always had on my lists as a Sommelier is Don Melchor, the top wine from wine-giant Concha Y Toro. The second is the Chilean outpost of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Almaviva. Both of these stars can be had for about $150 retail, and I guarantee they are the equal of Bordeaux or Napa stars at multiple times the price.

I can’t think of a better place to take a deep dive on your wine journey. Cheers.  Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier in Tahoe and his consulting business wineprowest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com.

May 19-June 1, 2021 EAT & DRINK

C O C K TA I LS O N

Smokehouse options

Farmers Markets begin to open

Brenda’s Balcony

Resort at Squaw Creek has announced that Sandy’s Pub will launch its new smokehouse theme on May 27 when the restaurant reopens. The menu will include all new items such as a large craft burger selection, Prohibition cocktails, a beer-pairing menu and a smokehouse section featuring a variety of items smoked on the premises. Patio seating will be available all summer.

Farmers markets in the Tahoe Sierra are opening for the season and the Truckee Community Farmers Market will return this summer in a new location at the historic downtown railyard parking lot.

Strawberry Chocolate Dream

coming to Sandy’s Pub

Courtesy Jessie & Laurent

Sandy’s Pub is located in Resort at Squaw Creek at 400 Squaw Creek Rd. in Olympic Valley. It serves lunch and dinner daily. | destinationhotels.com/squawcreek

S TO RY & P H OTO S BY B R E N DA S I M P K I N S

W

elcome spring with this yummy adult milk shake. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a winner. 

People will need to practice distancing guidelines and wear face masks. Expect limits on the number of shoppers allowed at a time at most locations and to abide by each markets’ guidelines.

South Lake Tahoe resident Brenda Simpkins started creating cocktails during the shutdown in 2020, which resulted in her book, “Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony.”

The new edition is now available. | Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony on Facebook, brendascocktails@yahoo.com

TUESDAY Truckee Certified Farmers Market Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Oct. 19 at Truckee River Regional Park. | truckeecertifiedfa.wixsite.com

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE DREAM

South Lake Tahoe Farmers Market Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 1 to Oct. 12 at the American Legion Hall parking lot. | eldoradofarmersmarket.com

Tallac Coffee

roasters opens

South Lake Tahoe natives Kyle and Jacob Miller recently opened Tallac Coffee Co. roasters offering a variety of quality, sustainable coffee including the Full Moon light road, Big Mountain medium roast and the Desolation Wilderness dark roast. Beans are available for purchase online. | tallaccoffee.co

Courtesy Brenda Simpkins

Jessie & Laurent, a Bay Area-based heatand-eat-meal delivery service since 1981, is now offering service to Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Jessie & Laurent specializes in fresh meals, from breakfast to dinner, delivered to homes. Meals can be customized for dietary restrictions. | jessieetlaurent.com

THURSDAY Tahoe City Farmers Market Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Oct. 7 at Commons Beach. Parking map available by clicking here. | tahoecityfarmersmarket.com Incline Village Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m., starting May 27, 845 Alder Ave. in the parking lot of the Incline Village Library. | laketahoemarkets.com

Cherry Lemon Drop cocktail. | Brenda Simpkins

FRIDAY Romano’s Certified Farmers’ Market Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 28 to Sept. 17, at Sierra Valley Farms in Beckworth. | sierravalleyfarms.com

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with whipped cream, sprinkles and a fresh strawberry.

Courtesy Tallac Coffee

Meal delivery service opens

3 oz. Tahoe Blue Vodka 2 oz. Cream de Cocoa 6 Fresh Strawberries 1 Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream Whipped Cream Sprinkles

Ski Run Farmer’s Market TBA, skirunfarmersmarket.com SATURDAY Truckee Community Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, June 5 to Sept. 4, in the railyard parking in the historic downtown. | slowfoodlaketahoe.org

P atio L ak ev iew D ining OPEN DAILY 12-8PM

FEATURING: Slow-Roasted Prime Rib | Baby Back Ribs | Full Bar

Steaks | Seafood | Pasta | Gourmet Hamburgers | Kid’s Menu

jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

•

(530) 546-3315

8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

Level 3 (Advanced) Sommelier

Louis Phillips

NO-COST PROFIT CONSULT WineGuru123@gmail.com - (775) 544-3435 We Train Your Staff, Profitize Your Wine, Program, Represent Your Collection Sale and Make Your Fundraiser Money Don’t Get Taken When Selling Your Collectible Wines Most Wine Sales Programs Underachieve, We Can Fix That For You Make Your Non-Profit Fundraiser a Success

SOMMELIER SERVICES

Helping Businesses and Collectors Become More Successful for Over 30 Years

Organic

Meal Delivery Service for Individual & Family Meals

HEALTHY. ORGANIC. LOCAL. WITH

the

Seasoned

Sage

theseasonedsage.com

Call or email today for your

We are open for

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER TAKEOUT, INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

HAPPY HOUR Daily 5pm

Open 10am weekdays, 9am Sat. & Sun. | Dinner Tues.-Sun. 5pm.

(772) 913- 0008

spindleshankstahoe.com

personal menu

400 Brassie Ave. · Kings Beach · (530) 546.2191

Call to set up your

27

the tahoe foodie Dine-In

Outdoor Seating

Take-out

Delivery

Catering

Happy Hour

Private Parties

Disclaimer: Due to Covid and changing regulations please check with restaurants for hours and dining options.

Chub’s Subs

Morgan’s brings you the freshest seafood and produce available. With fresh fish arriving almost daily and locally grown produce when in season you’ll be sure to find something new and delicious. We love traditional East Coast fare; lobster rolls, fried clams, and haddock, and wanted to share these tasty treats with our friends out west. Named Top 24 Lobster Rolls in American on Yelp!

10089 West River St. | Truckee, CA (530) 582-5000 | morganslobstershack.com

KINGS BEACH

TRUCKEE

Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market Seafood

Sandwich Shop

With a beautiful Tahoe lakefront view and 82 all-natural, uniquely crafted hot and cold subs, Chub’s Subs has become a new local favorite!

Open for lunch and dinner, Chub’s offers a variety of options, including gluten-free, vegan, & vegetarian-friendly subs! All ingredients are natural & come on a freshly baked, Rounds Bakery soft sourdough roll. Stop by to try your tasty sub inside, on our outdoor patio, or to-go.

8421 N Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 553-1820 | chubssubs.com Through GrubHub

8338 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-3315 | jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

7739 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-2434 | lanzastahoe.com

TRUCKEE

Mexican

Located in historic Truckee, El Toro Bravo has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails since 1988. El Toro Bravo both in Capitola (50 years) and Truckee (28 years) were started by Delia “Grandma” Rey. Creating a menu from recipes that she grew up with, El Toro Bravo is now into its third and fourth generations as family-owned and run restaurants. When you enter El Toro Bravo you are coming into our home and treated as family. Benvenidos y Gracias!

115 Grove St. | Tahoe City, CA (530) 583-8551 | christyhill.com

10186 Donner Pass Rd. | Truckee, CA (530) 587-3557 | etbtruckee.com

Soule Domain

Fat Cat Bar and Grill All-Natural American

The Soule Domain proudly uses natural, free range, and organic meats and poultry whenever possible. Our local, seasonal produce offers the highest quality of ingredients in our dishes. Chef and owner Charlie Soule brings passionate culinary skills to create twists to traditional dishes while infusing them with influences from around the globe.

9983 Cove St. (Stateline Dr.) | Kings Beach, CA 530.546.7529 | souledomain.com

TAHOE CITY / RENO

Creative American

“The local’s AND traveler’s favorite, Fat Cat Bar & Grill offers the best in fresh, quality ingredients from local and thoughtfully-sourced purveyors.

The restaurant boasts Niman Ranch all-natural beef, multiple protein options and premium craft cocktails in a relaxed ambience for the whole family. Daily happy hour specials, a vibrant nightlife and weekly events make Fat Cat the year-round choice for good fun and great food.

599 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. | 530) 583-3355 1401 S. Virginia St, Reno, NV | (775) 453-2223 fatcatrestaurants.com *Indoor/Outdoor dining & delivery at our Midtown location. *Indoor/Outdoor dining & takeout at our Tahoe City location.

Truckee, CA (772) 913-0008 | theseasonedsage.com

Louis Phillips

Las Panchitas

Meal Delivery

The Seasoned Sage is available to prepare dinners for your family, host your next dinner party or cater your special event specializing in themed-dinner parties, Ethnic cuisine, simple elegant meals, healthy organic dinners, or diet-conscious cuisine. We design and create dinners for all occasion and take the stress out of entertaining.

Specializing in Asian Fusion, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Mediterranean.

KINGS BEACH

TAHOE CITY CRYSTAL BAY / KINGS BEACH TRUCKEE

Italian

Lanza’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista in North Lake Tahoe. Known for delicious, traditional, Italian dishes and huge portions. With a kid’s menu, gluten-free menu and full bar, it’s no wonder Locals Love Lanza’s.

El Toro Bravo

Modern American

Tahoe’s premier dining experience, the restaurant sits just 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe offering diners a panoramic vista. Using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients, Christy Hill offers Modern American cuisine with refined Mediterranean influences. Diners enjoy a chance to explore fine wines from around the world with an extensive list that has received a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1982.

The Seasoned Sage

LAKE TAHOE

KINGS BEACH

Jason’s Beachside Grille located in the heart of King’s Beach in North Lake Tahoe is a family-friendly American restaurant offering lake views on our scenic lakefront deck and grassy sandbar area.

Savor American classics like prime rib, steaks, baked chicken, baby back ribs, salads, and more. Full bar and kid’s menu.

Christy Hill

Lanza’s Restaurant

American

Tahoe & Truckee (775) 544-3435 | wineguru123@gmail.com

Authentic Mexican

Las Panchitas is a family-owned establishment serving traditional Mexican food to locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe since 1982. From tacos and fajitas to a long list of house specials, Las Panchitas serves up meals that are satisfyingly delicious and easy on the wallet. Wash your meal down with a frosty margarita. Made from scratch daily.

8345 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-4539 | laspanchitas.com

Spindleshanks

Sommelier Services

Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Sommelier offering Sommelier Services to a variety of clients including establishing wine collections, representing your collection sale, staff training and more.

KINGS BEACH

KINGS BEACH

Jason’s Beachside Grille

American Bar

Tantalizing every taste bud from breakfast to dinner, Spindleshanks has been serving loyal diners on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for 20 years.

Owner and Head Chef Steve Marks sources the freshest ingredients for his American dishes and draws upon the flavors of Asia, Europe and south of the border to make his dishes memorable.

400 Brassie Avenue, Suite B | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-2191 | spindleshankstahoe.com

Disclaimer: Due to Covid and changing regulations please check with restaurants for hours and dining options.