There are so many dog-friendly lodging options, from hotels to cottages and cabins, at Lake Tahoe that we can’t begin to inventory them all. We can certainly point out a few favorites, as well as places to go and things to do with dogs in winter.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing come to mind first, of course, but if you’re not a practitioner, no worries: in the past few years, miles of plowed walking/dog-walking/biking trails have made their debut around the lake. These cleared paths are a real bonus for dog owners who just want a solid walk without strapping on specialized gear. You’ll find them on both the north and south shores, often with lake views that make a simple morning stroll feel like a treat. Whatever you do, it’s all the more enjoyable if you can cozy up overnight with your pup. Think fireplaces, fire pits, maybe a meal out at one of those tented and heated “parklet” restaurants in downtown Truckee or elsewhere.
Circling around the lake, we can call out a few of our favorite dog-friendly places to stay. On the high end: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe or Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Hotel & Spa work well for those who enjoy (and can afford) the red-carpet treatment. On the more rustic side, Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on the West Shore is a long-time favorite appreciated by DogTrekkers for the extensive “where to go, what to do” advice so generously provided.
Zephyr Cove Resort, on the southeast side of the lake in Nevada, is another “cottage and cabin” property that works well for DogTrekkers. It’s right on the lakeshore, and most cabins have kitchens, which can be real money-savers. Warming up a pot of chili after a cold day on the trails hits differently when you’ve got a dog snoozing at your feet by the fireplace. In South Lake Tahoe, we gravitate to the Beach Retreat, another waterfront property. It has a long pier offering not only a bit of paw-stretching exercise but some great views and bike-trail access in the bargain.
A bit off the beaten track but well worth the short detour from Myers (Highway 50) to Highway 88, Wylder Hope Valley Resort (formerly Sorensen’s) is a multi-faceted property with dog-friendly cabins and rental homes in numerous configurations, as well as a bakery and well-regarded restaurant. If location is everything, Wylder has it all: Hope Valley and the Carson Pass area, with miles and miles of dog-friendly trails and open space, are just ball-fetching distance away.
Whichever property you choose, a few winter travel tips for dog owners: call ahead to confirm pet policies and fees, as these can change seasonally. Bring your dog’s own bed or blanket from home — familiar scents help them settle in a new place. And pack a towel or two for wiping down wet, snowy paws before they hit the hotel carpet. Your innkeeper will thank you.
