The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is encouraging guests to visit this fall to experience what many locals think is the best time of year in the region. From cooler weather to colorful foliage around the lake, fall at the California resort means smaller crowds than both the summer and winter peak seasons. To celebrate the season, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is offering autumn-inspired programming, including culinary specials, seasonal spa treatments and on-site recreation. Plus, the property has several recommendations for visitors looking to get out and enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves. Popular direct flights are listed below as well!

Culinary

In addition to the property’s wide variety of on-site dining offerings, this fall will feature some exciting culinary experiences.

Brunch at Manzanita (Sundays, $135/Adults, $74/child) – Every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., guests can enjoy unlimited a la carte dishes for two hours. The menu includes the finest in-season ingredients, diverse flavor profiles and elevated takes on brunch favorites.

S’mores (Sundays + Fridays at 6-7pm) – An elevated fall experience unique to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. From 6 – 7 p.m. on Sundays and Fridays, guests can make their own s’mores with various in-house-made graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolates. All the items are made by the property’s Executive Pastry Chef Ulises Rodriquez. The s’mores can then be enjoyed around the fire pit while listening to and sharing stories with family and friends.

On-Site Recreation

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is excited to offer expanded on-property activities and fun for guests of all ages

Woods Walk (Sundays + Fridays at 10-11am) – Led by the resort’s Outdoor Guide, teenage guests will learn vital outdoor skills, such as compass and map orienteering, celestial and solar navigation, and much more

Build A Buddy (Sundays + Fridays at 12-2pm) – Build your very own black bear from start to finish and give them a heart full a love. All bears will receive a special The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe shirt for the finishing touch. $25/bear.

Festive Fall Kids Craft (Sundays + Thursdays at 3-4pm) – Crafty young guests can use their creative minds to make a fun, autumn-inspired craft.

Backyard Bubble Bonanza (Saturdays at 2-4pm) – Join a giant bubble party, where little ones can compete to see who can fit inside of their bubble the longest.

Karaoke Night (Thursdays + Saturdays at 6-8pm) – Sing along to your favorite songs with other hotel guests at a memorable karaoke night.

Sawmill Lake Guided Hike (Thursdays + Saturdays at 10am – 12:30pm) – Led by the resort’s Outdoor Guide, guests will hike from the backyard to Sawmill Lake, located on the NorthStar mountain. A two-mile roundtrip, the hike offers roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, panoramic views and an array of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Spa Specials

Throughout the fall season, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s expert spa team will provide several autumn-inspired treatments. These special treatments include:

Pumpkin & Yam Enzyme Peel (50 min): Using vitamin-enriched pumpkin and yam, revitalize your complexion with a customized facial cleanse and a Hungarian facial massage to leave your skin hydrated and refined. Includes: Brush cleanse, Facial exfoliation, Massage, Skin Analysis

Cranberry Pomegranate Arm Scrub (treatment enhancement): Polish and hydrate the skin with a calming arm massage using an antioxidant rich cranberry and pomegranate sugar scrub, finished off with a warm towel compress and a hydrating Alpha Hydroxy acid. 

Stunning Fall Hikes

Featuring dramatic scenery, hiking is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the spirit of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the fall with diverse terrain options for every ability level.

Sunset Trail (Less Difficult): From the top of the Tahoe Zephyr chair lift follow the signs to the Sunset Trail head. The .6 mile Sunset trail traverses the West ridge of Mt. Pluto offering spectacular views of the Pacific Crest and the back side of Northstar. Along the way you will come across informational vista points that describe The Northstar Habitat Management Plan, Late Seral Forests, Riparian Wildlife Areas and native bird species.

Sawmill Lake (Moderate): The Sawmill Lake hiking trail is family-friendly 2.3-mile round trip hike. The trailhead is located at the top of the Big Springs Gondola just down the hill from The Ritz-Carlton. The trail meanders through the forest towards Sawmill Lake. The hotel concierge can provide a complimentary pass to access this trail.

Lookout Trail (More Difficult): This 2.4-mile trail offers great panoramic views of the Pacific Crest and Martis Valley. The top of Lookout Mountain offers some of the most spectacular fall views. From the top of The Tahoe Zephyr Chair Lift follow the trail signs North toward Lookout Mountain.

Watson Lake Loop (Most Difficult): The 6-mile hike to Watson Lake from the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Chair lift offers stunning 360-degree views of the Tahoe Truckee area. This trail also starts at the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Chair Lift.

Popular Direct Flights

From the below to Reno (45 mins from property):

– Los Angeles: Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United

– San Francisco: United

– Denver: Southwest, United

– Las Vegas: Allegiant, Frontier, JSX, Southwest, Spirit

– Chicago: United

– Phoenix: American, Southwest

– Houston: United

– Dallas-Fort Worth: American