Lake Tahoe is a popular weekend destination for San Franciscans due to its stunning views and outdoor activities. Although the area is best known for its winter skiing and summer lake days, there’s also plenty of beautiful alpine scenery in the surrounding area, perfect for a fall trip to see the leaves change colors.
Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley is just a 30-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe, and it’s perfect for fall leaf peeping this September. The resort sits on 165 acres at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The resort features multiple hiking trails, including an 8.2-mile loop. Fall comes early in Hope Valley, and September is usually an ideal time to see the fall leaves at the resort. You can expect the secluded cabins and yurts to be surrounded by fall colors, while still enjoying all the outdoor activities nearby.
The resort features cozy wood cabins, luxury yurts, a retro airstream, and a campground available for guests. The historic log cabins are refurbished to be upscale while still staying true to the classic log cabin design with cozy fireplaces and charming porches. The 28 cabins can host between two and six people, while larger groups of eight to 10 can reserve the Hope Valley House with three bedrooms and two large porches. If you want to feel a little more connected with nature, you can stay in a yurt, with the option to try the “off the grid yurt” complete with solar panels to charge phones. The other luxury yurts can accommodate up to 6 people, with soaking tubs, king beds, and bathrooms.
The resort also features an upscale restaurant, serving seasonal dishes with cocktails and wine. Near the campground, you can also check out the Hope Valley Bar and Grill for a more casual bite to eat, with fries, a burger, and chicken tenders on the menu. After a day of exploring, you can relax in a large sauna on the property before heading back to your cozy cabin.
Desolation Hotel also has a location in South Lake Tahoe with studios, townhomes, and suites available for guests. You can learn more about Desolation Hotel on their website here. Desolation hotel is approximately a three to four hour drive from San Francisco.