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Positioned on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is known for its gorgeous fall foliage, enjoyable summer season water actions, and being house to among the best winter hiking trails in the US. Not solely that, nevertheless it’s additionally famed for being the cleanest lake in California, drawing in guests worldwide to take pleasure in its turquoise waters.

Nonetheless, Lake Tahoe could be a busy and costly place, particularly within the peak summer season and winter seasons, which may make it much less interesting for many who favor a quieter or extra inexpensive trip in California.

That being mentioned, there may be one other lakefront mountain vacation spot in California with these all-important Lake Tahoe vibes with out the hordes of vacationers or expensive lodging charges.

After all, nowhere fairly compares to the legendary Lake Tahoe; it is standard and well-known for a motive. Nonetheless, there’s one thing simply as alluring a few smaller mountain city lakefront escape that is a lot much less identified. So, the place is that this magical outdoorsy paradise that is like a “mini” Lake Tahoe, what’s there to see and do there, and when is one of the best time to go to?

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Shaver Lake Is The Excellent Different To Lake Tahoe

Positioned within the Sierra Nationwide Forest, this miniature and lesser-known model of Lake Tahoe is filled with pure magnificence

Nestled within the gorgeous Sierra National Forest close to Fresno lies the small however lovely California mountain city of Shaver Lake. Mendacity at 5,500 ft above sea stage within the picturesque San Joaquin Valley, it is easy to sit back and chill out with household or associates right here. Being surrounded by forest, the Sierra Nevada mountain vary, and its namesake Shaver Lake, this city is standard with outdoorsy adventurers and anglers in search of a fruitful weekend getaway.

As one of many many tiny towns with Lake Tahoe vibes, Shaver Lake is a year-round vacation spot because of its miles of climbing and biking trails, alongside ski resorts and snow parks. This makes it similar to Lake Tahoe in that it is a really perfect vacation spot for summer season tenting holidays, multi-day hikes, and a wintry ski journey with superb mountain surroundings.

The view from the top of Bald Mountain, California just above Shaver Lake, CA, USA
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The view from the highest of Bald Mountain, California simply above Shaver Lake, CA, USA

Nonetheless, with a inhabitants of simply 251, Shaver Lake is a a lot smaller place to go to compared with Lake Tahoe. For context, the Lake Tahoe area has round 40,000 year-round residents and peak season visitor numbers can reach 300,000 people in the region. So, if you happen to’re in search of a “mini Lake Tahoe” with out the crowds or hefty worth tags, a visit to Shaver Lake, simply an hour’s drive northeast of Fresno, is price it.

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What Can You See & Do Round Shaver Lake?

From climbing to fishing to cross-country snowboarding, this small mountain city is all about being outside

As an outside paradise that is just like Lake Tahoe however a lot smaller and underrated, there are many actions to do round Shaver Lake. Standard outside adventures embrace:

  • Climbing
  • Tenting
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Watersports
  • Cross-country snowboarding
  • Canine sledding

After all, this all will depend on the time of yr that you just’re visiting, however there may be at all times one thing to do within the nice outside surrounding Shaver Lake. Wander the paths that weave within the Sierra Nationwide Forest, take a dip within the lake itself, or head to the Tamarack Sno-Park to get your fill of recent powder.

Should you’re not feeling tremendous adventurous or simply wish to keep away from any adversarial climate, take a look at the Museum of the Sierra. This small however well-curated museum dives into the pure historical past and tradition of the Sierra area, and it is excellent for a wet day in Shaver Lake.

Like every good outside journey mountain city, there are additionally loads of bars, pubs, and eating places within the space to replenish you after an extended hike or onerous day on the slopes. For beautiful views when you eat and drink, take a look at Shaver Lake Lodge at the Point.

The Museum of the Sierras is free to go to, however they respect donations. If you would like a guided tour, these are solely out there on the weekends. The opening hours are very seasonal, so take a look at the up-to-date hours on their website earlier than touring.

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When Is The Finest Time To Go to Shaver Lake?

Whether or not you are in search of recent powder, fall foliage, or a warm-weather tenting journey, California’s Shaver Lake is ideal for all seasons

Should you’re attempting to work out when one of the best time to go to Shaver Lake is, all of it will depend on what you wish to do when you’re there. Should you’re in search of a tenting and climbing journey, one of the best instances to go to are within the late spring throughout to the autumn, when the foliage comes alive.

After all, if you happen to come to Shaver Lake throughout the summer season months, that is peak season, and it will be a lot busier. Whereas that is nowhere close to Lake Tahoe’s definition of busy, you will wish to e-book lodging or tenting permits prematurely to make sure entry.

Shaver Lake, California, CA, USA
Shutterstock

Shaver Lake, California, CA, USA

Very like Tahoe, among the finest instances to go to Lake Shaver is throughout the winter months. There’s typically an inflow of snow from December to February, which means that the snow parks and mountain resorts are open for enterprise. The closest ones to the city are:

  • Balsam Meadows Sno Park
  • Tamarack Sno Park
  • China Peak Mountain Resort

Should you’re serious about visiting throughout the spring, it is best to regulate the climate. With the elevation of Shaver Lake being at over 5,000 ft, it may be fairly snowy and icy pretty late into the season.

Though spring is usually a superb time for climbing and biking earlier than the climate will get too heat in the summertime, it is suggested to attend till later within the season until you might have winter climbing expertise and equipment.

Should you’re visiting Shaver Lake within the winter season, be sure you have snow chains in your tires. In any other case, lots of the mountain passes and roads could also be impassable and intensely harmful.

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Naturally, the Lake Tahoe area is house to lots of the best small towns in California for a trip. Nonetheless, if you happen to fancy a visit to Lake Tahoe however the crowds are supplying you with pause, take a look at the “mini Lake Tahoe” of Shaver Lake, close to Fresno.

With outside journey all yr spherical and pure magnificence to rival the ever-popular and world-famous Lake Tahoe space, it is an underrated California mountain getaway a bit extra underneath the radar.

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