Driving to Lake Tahoe is scary and difficult if you are not an experienced driver. Additionally, the road becomes extremely dangerous and difficult to navigate during winter.
A rather infamous road paves Lake Tahoe with a bad reputation. It is known to be extremely dangerous due to the steep slopes on which they are carved.
These roads are some of the most dangerous and scary ones in the USA, especially due to their steep drops. For any driver, the first ride to Lake Tahoe will be nothing short of a bone-chilling experience.
When planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, you need to gather a lot of information on the route. A small mistake may cost you not only money but also your life.
I usually drive down to Lake Tahoe from Utah for holidays, so I know the road conditions here. Although I have become a seasoned driver, I have had my fair share of troubles and scares on the road.
In this article, I will share every information about the roads to Lake Tahoe to help you prepare for the ride. You can carefully go through this article and then decide if the ride is worthwhile for you.
Is It Easy To Drive To Lake Tahoe?
It is not very easy to drive to Lake Tahoe. The roads are primarily without guard rails, including a series of steep drops and curves that are dangerous to navigate.
Lake Tahoe can be both a dream and a nightmare. The scenic beauty of the roads is unmatched, and it has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Additionally, the various lakes you cross add to their scenic beauty, and the deciduous trees that dot the landscape. However, the road to the Sierra Nevada is also dangerous for drivers.
Sure the roads are breathtaking, but the danger on the road is imminent even to the most seasoned driver. The roads are carved into the steep slopes of Sierra Nevada and don’t have a lot of safety features.
The guard rails are missing in many places, and their numbers diminish the higher you climb. Emerald Bay is one of the most dangerous sections, with hundreds of meters of vertical drop.
Driving down these roads on a windy day is a living nightmare. This 2-lane road has too many steep drops and turns that can quickly get out of hand if you are nervous.
Winters here are one of the worst seasons when the most accidents happen. The snow can make the roads extraordinarily slippery, and when coupled with light rain, the roads can be the deathbed of any car or driver.
I myself have often had some brush-ins with death when driving home from Christmas. One good thing about these roads is that most people know the dangers.
They are extra careful when driving down these precarious roads that can scare the living daylights out of anyone.
On a bright and cloudless day, the drive might not appear too bad for a good driver. However, the sheer nervousness and anxiety will be enough for you to make stupid mistakes along the way.
What Is The Safest Route To Lake Tahoe?
| Origin | Route |
| Bay Area | Hwy 80 E to Hwy 50 East |
| Los Angeles | I-5 N to Exit in Sacramento onto Hwy 50 to South Lake Tahoe |
| Sacramento | Highway 50 East |
Traveling from Los Angeles will take you quite a while. The total journey time without stops will easily take around 8 hours.
The best route to Lake Tahoe from Los Angeles would be via I-5 N road. You need to travel up to Sacramento and then reach Highway.
You need to take the 50 highway from Sacramento to reach South Lake Tahoe. Going Lake Tahoe from the South will be the safest route.
You can also travel from the Bay Area using the 80 highway and join the 50 highway. It is recommended to drive during summer to avoid icing conditions.
The road to Lake Tahoe is long and dangerous, so you are bound to get nervous. I recommend you make some rest stops on the way and spend some time in nature before hitting the roads again.
Avoid traveling at night when the visibility is extremely low. The nonexistent guardrails are a big problem, so you must have a clear vision when driving down the road.
Do I Need Chains To Drive To Lake Tahoe?
Yes, you need to have chains when traveling to and from Lake Tahoe. They are a must-have, especially for the winter season.
The chain requirements for driving to Lake Tahoe mostly depend on weather conditions, namely icing or snow conditions.
There are three levels of requirements. Each level has different assignments of Chains.
Level 1 needs chains or traction devices on the drive axle of all vehicles. Levels 2 and 3 require Chains on all wheels.
At levels two and one, small vehicles may avoid using chains. However, at level 3, all vehicles must use chains on all wheels.
You should never avoid these instructions as they may save your life on the road. These dangerous roads can be a nightmare, so it’s best to take proper precautions when traveling.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Lake Tahoe?
You will need at least 2 hours to drive around Lake Tahoe. They drive us 72 miles long and would require plenty of stops for rest.
Driving around Lake Tahoe is not a big deal. The entire drive is only 3 hours without any stops.
However, the time will significantly increase when you take breaks along the way. The scenic beauty of the road is unbelievable, so it’s best to allot an extra hour for fun stops.
Final Remarks
You now know that driving to Lake Tahoe is not child’s play. It takes a good, seasoned driver to navigate around those steep roads.
You can take the trip with certain precautions in mind if you are brave enough. Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve talked about.
The road to Lake Tahoe is pretty dangerous, especially in winter. Additionally, you need to be a skilled driver and level-headed to reach your destination in one piece.
My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.
