Why Palisades Tahoe, CA, Is the Ultimate Summer Playground for Families and Adventurers

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Oktoberfest. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Summer is officially on at Palisades Tahoe, California, and the mountain is rolling out a packed lineup of music, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly eventsโ€”because who says the stoke stops when the snow melts?

Aerial Tram: Views, Vibes, and Vertical

The legendary Aerial Tram is back in action starting June 20 (weather and conditions permitting), ready to whisk you and your crew,ย including your pup,ย over jaw-dropping Lake Tahoe and Sierra views. In just 10 minutes, youโ€™ll be gliding up to High Camp at 8,200 feet. Ikon Pass holders ride free, and every Summer Sightseeing Aerial Lift Ticket comes with a $5 food voucher. Not a bad way to kick off your day above the lake.

Aerial tram rides. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

High Camp: Where Summer Adventure Hits Its Stride

Your tram ticket is your all-access pass to High Campโ€™s summer playground. Think mountaintop roller skating, disc golf, and, once the snow finally lets go, hiking trails that deliver panoramic lake views. Itโ€™s the kind of spot where you can let loose, breathe deep, and take in the high-alpine energy.

Washoe Cultural Talks: Learn the Landโ€™s Story

Palisades Tahoe teams up again with the Washoe Tribe to offer free Washoe Cultural Talks at High Camp. Join tribe members for stories, artifacts, and a closer look at the deep roots of Olympic Valley and the Sierra. Talks kick off at 10 a.m. on June 27, July 18, August 23, September 26, and October 10.

Hiking trails. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Summer Hiking: Walks with a Wild Side

Guided Naturalist Walks depart from High Camp every day the tram is in operation. These free, 1.5-mile loops through the meadow are a chance to geek out on local plants, animals, geology, and history. Two daily departuresโ€”11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.โ€”so you can fit a walk between all your other mountain missions.

Via Ferrata: Climb Tahoeโ€™s Iconic Tram Face

Ready to get vertical? The Via Ferrata is open for summer, letting you scale Palisades Tahoeโ€™s most famous rock face with the help of fixed cables and local guides from Alpenglow Expeditions. No experience neededโ€”just bring your sense of adventure and a healthy respect for heights.

Via Ferrata. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

More Ways to Play: Treetops, Bikes, Mini Golf, and More

Kids Adventure Camp: Mountain Magic for Groms

Starting June 16, Kids Adventure Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 5โ€“13. Itโ€™s unplugged, hands-on mountain funโ€”nature crafts, scavenger hunts, tram rides, and more. Pricing starts at $160/day or $700 for a five-day block. Ikon Pass holders get 10% off with code IKONSUMMERKIDS (child must be a passholder; bring your pass for check-in).

Bluesdays. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Events: Live Music, Yoga, Bingo, and Big Races

Weekly Staples:

  • Bluesdays: Free blues concerts every Tuesday, 6:00โ€“8:30 p.m., June 24โ€“August 26.
  • First Street Yoga: Free outdoor yoga every Wednesday, 5โ€“6 p.m., July 2โ€“August 20. No registrationโ€”just show up.
  • The Great Bingo Revival: Family-friendly bingo with prizes every Thursday, 5โ€“7 p.m., July 17โ€“August 21.
  • Sunsets Live Music Series: Free local music on select Fridays, 5โ€“7 p.m., July 18โ€“August 22.

One-Offs and Must-Do Events:

  • Big Blue ยฝ Marathon (June 14): Race from Palisades to the Truckee River.
  • Broken Arrow Skyrace (June 19โ€“22): Elite and recreational runners tackle epic Sierra trails, vertical climbs, and post-race celebrations.
  • TrailCon (June 24โ€“25): The heart of trail runningโ€”panels, keynote, Hall of Fame, vendor village, and more.
  • Western States Endurance Run (June 28): The original 100-miler, from Palisades Tahoe to Auburn.
  • Wild Lotus Yoga Festival (July 11โ€“13): Yoga, meditation, and music in the Village.
  • Tevis Cup (July 20): The oldest 100-mile endurance trail ride on horseback.
  • Brews, Jazz & Funk (August 16): Live music and beer from 10+ breweries.
  • Alpen Wine Fest (August 31): 40+ wineries, live music, and mountain views.
  • Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings (September 5): Six bands and six restaurants battle for โ€œBest Wingsโ€ and โ€œBest Band.โ€
  • Adventure Van Expo (September 20โ€“21): Vendors, live entertainment, food, and beverages.
  • Oktoberfest (September 27): German beer, music, dancing, and games.
  • Made in Tahoe Festival (October 11โ€“12): Artisans, workshops, and live performances celebrating all things local.

Full summer schedule available at Palisades Tahoe. All events are subject to change.

Deals & Packages: Save While You Stay and Play

If youโ€™re looking for a summer thatโ€™s equal parts mountain adventure and laid-back Tahoe vibes, Palisades Tahoe is the place to be.

Wine Fest. | Photo: Palisades Tahoe

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