Our trip was for 7 days and 6 nights. We chose to go to Heavenly Resort in October, because it’s not crowded, not too cold and not too hot for hiking. All of our activities are great fun for all ages. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to ride the Gondola to the top, because they were shut down for service repairs ahead of the ski season. That will be on our next trip there. Ok here we go!

Hiking Tips

The hiking trails that we went to were within 20-30 min. drive from the resort.

• Always bring water with you and some snacks for the hike.
• You can go swimming in the lake, but make sure the water is not freezing temperatures.
• Charge your phones and turn on the GPS. Download ALL TRAILS app as a guide on trails. You can get a map from a park ranger.
• Bring a light jacket and backpack.
• Get decent hiking shoes. No dress shoes or high heels.
• Don’t worry about wildlife, most of these hikes were crowded with people with dogs.
• Don’t eat heavy food before the hike. Something light will do.
• You will need sunscreen. Sunglasses and hats recommended.

On Arrival

We flew into Sacramento airport, picked up our rental SUV, and drove up to Tahoe. We made sure we had ample time to drive to Tahoe before sundown, because we were not familiar with the road and navigating it was easier in the day. Along the way, we stopped and ate at the Mel’s Diner in Placerville. There is a historic old town called, “Hang Town”. After 2 cattle or horse thieves were hung back in the 1800’s there you can check out, but we were eager to get to the resort. The drive up was nice and scenic. There are few locations you can pull over for photo ops. Just watch for traffic.

Don’t worry there are plenty of shops (and dispensaries) near the resort in case you forget something. You don’t need to drive down the mountain for anything or bulk up on the way. Once we checked in we walked to Raley’s grocery store. Got some food and called it a night to get a head start the next day.

Family Lodging Recommendations

Marriott Timberlodge, in South Lake Tahoe. Hands down the best place to stay if you want the full experience with the whole family.
It’s next to the Heavenly Mountain Resort on the Nevada state border. You can walk from your hotel room to the gondolas, to all the restaurants and shops, the casinos, and some hiking trails. It’s a central location to everything and in walking distance. Free valet parking with Time share (in our case.) At the time it was $30 /day for other guests. You got 10% off at local vendors and restaurants and shops. Ask front Desk for discount card.

We flew On Southwest Airlines

You can change flights without extra fees if plans change. They allow 1 carry-on and 2 checked bags no extra fees per person. (50 lbs. max weight each for checked bags). You can either fly into Reno or Sacramento. The drive from Reno is about an hour and the ride from Sacramento is 2 hours. We flew into Sacramento because it was cheaper. The drive goes by fast because it is a scenic drive once you get into Lake Tahoe