Recreational Activities

Home | Recreational Activities | Visitor Center | Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Visitor Center Nature Trails

If you need directions and information on what activities and programs are available, or just want to talk with a "ranger," then the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center is the place for you.

The Visitor Center is located 3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89. Operated by the Forest Service, it offers information, self-guided nature trails, naturalist-led activities, and the popular Stream Profile Chamber.  You can also pick up wilderness permits and get hiking information.

We have listed below all the self-guided nature trails available at the Visitor Center.  If you want to know more about the Rainbow Trail and Stream Profile Chamber, please follow the link provided below.   When you are enjoying these walks, please remember to stay on the trails and not cut across the meadows. Trash cans are available at the Visitor Center for litter. Dogs on leashes are permitted on all trails and in the picnic area but not in the Stream Profile Chamber. For safety and resource protection, bikes are not allowed on all the self-guided nature trails.

Map of Taylor Creek Visitor Center
(PDF 159 KB Disclaimer)

Accessibility Information for the Rainbow Trail

The Rainbow Trail is an easy, paved, 1/2 mile nature trail.  The entire trail, including the Stream Profile Chamber, is wheelchair accessible.  The Visitor Center does have one wheelchair they are happy to provide to anyone needing this assistance.  Please be aware that there are two entrances to the Stream Profile Chamber.  One is much more gradual than the other and provides better access for wheelchairs.  There are three trails leading to the Stream Profile Chamber, please take a moment to check out both entrances before proceeding.

For people experiencing a visual impairment, we have an audio tape presentation of the Rainbow Trail available. 

Rainbow Trail

Discover wildflowers along the way to the Stream Profile Chamber and learn the importance of marshes and meadows to the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Easy walk - 1/2 mile. 

The Stream Profile Chamber

Watch trout and other aquatic life through the window of this underground viewing chamber at Taylor Creek. The Chamber is located 1/4 mile down the Rainbow Trail. 

We also suggest that you visit the Rainbow Trail and Stream Profile Chamber during fall for the Kokanee Salmon spawning run. From the Chamber windows you will be able to watch the bright red salmon digging their nests and defending them from marauders.

Lake Of The Sky Trail

Starting behind the visitor center, follow this easy 3/8 mile walk past the amphitheater to the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Interpretive signs along the trail relate the first impressions famous Tahoe visitors like Mark Twain and John Muir had of this grand alpine lake.

Forest Tree Trail

Discover the Jeffrey Pine, the most dominant tree in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The life cycle of this pine, from germination to decomposition, is interpreted along this enjoyable trail. Easy walk - 1/4 mile.

Smokey's Trail

Safe campfire construction is the theme on this trail that begins just outside the Visitor Center. Children who walk the trail and can remember the procedures for a safe campfire will receive a reward from the Visitor Center. Easy walk - 1/8 mile.

Tallac Historic Site Trail

From Kiva Picnic Area, stroll along the historic promenade and past the remains of Lucky Baldwin's Tallac House, gambling casino, and Tallac Hotel. Then enter the grounds of the Baldwin-McGonagle, Pope and Valhalla summer homes. Ask for the Tallac Historic Site brochure.  Easy 3/4 mile walk through the historic site. 

Call the Taylor Creek Visitor Center for more information on Summer Programs  (530) 543-2674.

Please be aware the Taylor Creek Visitor Center Map and Lake of the Sky Journal are in a PDF format. Larger files can take several minutes to open. If you have difficulty accessing this map please contact us.  The PDF format requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.  If you need the Acrobat Reader, please select the link provided below.  Selecting this link will take you to Adobe's web site.  From there, you can download your free copy of the Acrobat Reader program.  Once you've downloaded the Acrobat Reader you will need to return to this page.

Get Acrobat Reader