Silence in the Mornings

Peace can be found in the mornings at Lake Tahoe

​Waking up with the birds isn’t everyone's desire, but for those who are up for it, there’s much to be enjoyed in the Tahoe basin. You know those beautiful photos of the calm water with no boats? They were most likely taken in the early morning. If you want to capture the same views, set your alarm.

Capture the Sun’s Rays

The sun rises and sets over mountains in Lake Tahoe. If you’re willing to wake before the dawn you can catch both. A quick trip up Kingsbry Grade (Route 207) can get you to some easy access trails. After a hike, you can watch the sun light up the valley, the mountains and then, the lake. Bring your bike and get a ride in while you’re up there. The Stinger Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail are fun rides that are rarely ridden in the mornings. You can also head out to Killebrew Canyon and see the slopes without snow.

Crystal Clear and Quiet

Getting back to that glassy water; unless you’re into Winter water sports, it’s unlikely you’ll ever experience it unless you’re willing to rise early. In my opinion, the early morning is the best time to be on the water. During a weekday you might be able to enjoy the calm a bit longer before the water is roughed up. While the daily zephyrs create waves in the afternoons, it’s the motorized watercraft that result in the mixed breaks on the lake. There’s nothing like a paddle on calm water in the early morning on Lake Tahoe.

Maybe you’d prefer to hike down while everyone else is hiking up. Our household rises early year round, particularly when there’s snow on the peaks. My husband is a dawn patrol diehard which means he skis uphill before the sun rises. These tours afford us the chance to ski fresh snow and untouched groomers while having the mountain to ourselves. Whether heading up Heavenly to access groomed runs before the lifts or hiking to the top of Eagle Falls, beginning before the crowds arrive makes parking easy and can shift the quality of the rest of your day.

Fresh Baked Goods

Warm bagels, fresh coffee and baked goods are only available first thing in the morning. My morning commute often includes a stop at Sugar Pine Bakery or Tahoe Bagel Company to grab a blueberry bread or a warm bagel. You can get the freshest breakfast served by calm and happy servers when you arrive early at the restaurant. Make the first adventure of your day a visit to a local breakfast spot and nourish your body and energy before the rest of the world joins in. Grab a sandwich or food you can pack to enjoy later in the day.

Take your treats with you for a stroll on an empty beach, or a quiet trail, before you engage in yoga or go forest bathing during the time of day when you can feel like you're connected to nature. Want to be the only one at Nevada Beach? Step foot on the sand at 7am. Wishing you had the waterfall at VanSickle Bi-State Trail all to yourself? Start your hike at 6am. Don't want people judging you while you sniff trees and watch the birds flutter around? Begin your day when you hear them chirping.

Views From Above

There is only one hot air balloon in the world that takes off and lands on the water and we have it in Lake Tahoe. While the fishing boats are quietly baiting the mackinaw, the hot air balloon silently floats above the Tahoe Basin. Lake Tahoe Balloons offer one of the most magical experiences in the area. You’ll have to arrive while it’s still dark and dress warmly, but the views you’ll enjoy are unparalleled. 

If you’re into catching your own dinner, you have to do so while the water is quiet. The local guides know where and how to catch that which swims in the depths. From the rivers to the lake, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your line and soak in the peace of the morning while you wait for your reel to spin.

Yours, Alone

Go solo. My husband loves a dawn ski trip and I enjoy a morning paddle. As much as we like to do these things together, it’s also nice to spend time alone. My natural rhythm is to wake with the sun and birds, so I'm often up and out for a run, bike ride or paddle during the Summer months. In the Winter months, an alarm reminds us to wake and play. The best thing about being in Lake Tahoe is you can have a multi-sport day, any day of the year. Book the first tee time of the day, then go for a mountain bike ride and finish your day with a swim in the lake.  You can also ski in the morning, road cycle in the afternoon and end your day with a boat cruise and wine tasting.
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Rising early sets you up for a full day at Lake Tahoe. Access adventure, peacefulness, nature and food. For those of you that are like me and wake with the sun and birds, go outside and play! For visitors, at least once during your stay, set your alarm for before dawn and experience a Tahoe morning.

Locally Curated

Join Jenay for morning adventures that include paddle and beach yoga when you book a scheduled session or request an on-demand experience at Bliss Experiences. She’ll also connect you with local professionals and businesses who are passionate about sharing their love for Lake Tahoe and wellbeing.