After September 4, 2023, the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram operates weekends through fall, with select openings in October before the winter season takes over. The eight-minute ride whisks you and your dog up 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp at 8,200 feet, delivering views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and Lake Tahoe that justify the journey alone. The tram itself welcomes dogs on leash, and once you’re at the top, the real adventure begins.

High Camp spreads across wide-open meadows where your dog can actually move around after being confined during the ride. Several hiking trails branch out from here, including the option to trek to Shirley Lake where dogs can wade in and cool off. The 5-mile hike back down to the base takes about three hours if you’re moving steadily, though you can take your time and ride the tram down for free if your dog needs a break. On the trails themselves, dogs don’t need to be leashed, which gives them room to explore, though common sense about safety applies.

The elevation and summer sun hit harder than you’d expect at this altitude, so bring more water than you think you’ll need—a portable bowl is essential. A shade umbrella during rest breaks makes a real difference for your dog’s comfort. Dogs must stay leashed when you’re inside any buildings or on the tram, so plan accordingly if you’re grabbing food.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the outdoor restaurant near the pool welcomes dogs underneath tables, and you can eat while watching the view stretch out below you. Down at the base, the Village at Squaw has multiple dog-friendly dining spots if you want to decompress after the day. The tram operates Friday through Sunday after early September, so plan your visit around the weekend schedule. Weekday crowds thin out by fall, but availability becomes more limited as the season shifts toward winter operations.