My favorite place in Tahoe is the North Tahoe Regional Park (NTRP) and the miles of trails that surround it in Tahoe Vista, CA. The park itself is outstanding, complete with several sections of newer playground equipment and swings for different ages, 5 baseball fields, a phenomenal and meticulous soccer field, several very well kept tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a huge covered ramada with a massive open barbeque and tons of picnic tables for parties & events, and renowned disk golf course…and the view! The view of the lake from the park is simply exceptional. However, with everything that comes within NTRP, my personal preference is what surrounds it. The North Tahoe Regional Park has miles of well maintained trails for dog-walking, running, hiking and mountain biking. There are many trailheads scattered throughout the park and while most interconnect and loop back to the park, some trail off to different neighborhoods in west Kings Beach, Kingswood Estates and Tahoe Vista. There is also a beautiful 1.5-mile paved bike path perfect for the leisurely ride or stroll with the baby. And the fun isn’t just during the summer…the park staff grooms cross country trails and sledding hills in the winter. This park is a hidden gem for families tucked away on the side-streets of Tahoe Vista. Just west of Kings Beach along North Lake Blvd, go north National Blvd (only stoplight in Tahoe Vista) ½ mile, and look for the North Tahoe Regional Park sign on the left. Make a left on Donner Road for about another ½ mile and you are there… just park and play!

It’s a short drive from Northstar. More information and trail maps can be obtained from the North Tahoe PUD at 530-546-4214 or by visiting http://northtahoeparks.com/

*Photo Credit: Daphne Hougard photo taken at ribbon-cutting ceremony to open NTRP’s new playground in 2011