Photo: Heavenly Mountain Resort
Photo: Jeff Lee
Photo: Wen Clemnt
Heavenly Mountain Resort
★4.4(5,767 reviews)$$Adventure
🕑 4-6 hours for a full day of activities including tramway, hiking, and adventure park; 2-3 hours if just doing the tramway and scenic viewing👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The zip lines and obstacle courses have height/weight requirements that typically suit elementary-aged kids and teens, while the tramway ride and easier hiking trails work well for all ages. Adventurous tweens and teens will especially love the mountain biking and challenging ropes courses.🧡 Saved by 36 families
About
Heavenly Mountain Resort transforms into a summer adventure playground with an epic aerial tramway that whisks families 2.4 miles up to breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Beyond the scenic ride, kids can tackle thrilling zip lines, navigate obstacle courses at the adventure parks, explore mountain biking trails, and enjoy family-friendly hiking with stunning alpine scenery at every turn.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic aerial tramway ride with floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe
- ✓Epic Discovery adventure park with zip lines, climbing walls, and mountain coaster
- ✓Tubing hill and ridge rider mountain coaster for thrilling downhill fun
- ✓Easy to moderate hiking trails with kid-friendly distances and incredible photo opportunities
- ✓Observation deck at 10,000 feet elevation with interpretive displays about the Sierra Nevada
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tramway tickets online in advance during peak summer season to avoid long ticket lines and potential sell-outs on weekends.
- 2.Start your visit early (arrive by 9:30 AM) to beat crowds and afternoon thunderstorms that are common in summer months.
- 3.Layer clothing even in summer,temperatures at the 10,000-foot summit can be 20-30 degrees cooler than at lake level, and mornings are especially chilly.
- 4.Pack sunscreen and reapply frequently; the high altitude means stronger UV rays that can burn quickly, especially on kids.
- 5.Check height and weight requirements for adventure activities before your visit so kids know what to expect and aren't disappointed.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM) during summer for smallest crowds and clearest views. July and August offer the warmest weather and most reliable operating conditions, though early September provides beautiful fall colors with fewer visitors.
What to Know
Tramway tickets and adventure park activities require separate paid admission (check current pricing online as rates vary by season). On-mountain dining options are available, but bringing snacks and water is recommended for kids, especially if hiking.
Seasonal Notes
Summer operations typically run late May through September/early October depending on weather. Winter transforms the resort into a premier ski destination (December-April). Some activities like the adventure park and mountain coaster may have limited availability in shoulder seasons, so confirm operations before visiting.
Nearby Eats
Base Camp Pizza Co. at the resort base offers kid-friendly pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches with outdoor seating. For a quick family meal in South Lake Tahoe (10 minutes away), try Freshies Restaurant with its extensive kids' menu and casual atmosphere.
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