The Best Activities to Do on Mother’s Day in Truckee-Tahoe

Mom’s deserve to be spoiled. It’s that simple. So, this Mother’s Day, we have put together the ultimate guide on what activities to do with your mom for Mother’s Day Weekend, along with the best gift ideas all found at Tahoe Mountain Sports.

Take Her on a Local Hike

Show your mom an awesome time this Mother’s Day with a local hike that ends with a picturesque view. Don’t forget a backpack, water, your trail hiking shoes, and a camera. I personally like to bring peak beers when I hike with my mom as well!*

Picnic Rock – This is a 3.1 mile round trip hike with 700ft elevation gain and stunning views of Lake Tahoe from the top. You will hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail for part of the hike, then turn left towards the top to summit to Picnic Rock. Dogs are allowed on leash. Park at the top of Highway 267 and cross the road. The trail head veers up to the left after the green gate.

Glacier Way to Donner Rim Trail – This hike is close to town and is about 4 miles with a mellow elevation gain. It overlooks Donner Lake, Castle Peak, Johnsville Canyon, and more. Dogs are allowed. Park in the Glacier Way Parking Lot and start the hike right passed the green gate. Follow it up to a picnic table overlook of Donner Lake. Keep going up along the rim to the right and follow that until you reach the Drifter Hut. If it is open, sign the notebook before you leave!

Gift Idea

Darn Tough Hiking Socks and a Tahoe hiking trail book.

Make Her Brunch on a Donner Dock

Brunch on Mother’s Day is always a good idea. Brunch on Mother’s Day with a great view is even better! You can either prepare a great meal ahead of time or bring the grill down for some fresh eggs and bacon. Don’t forget the champagne and orange juice for mimosas! Stop by TMS to grab a couple camp mugs and a Hydroflask Double Insulated Bottle to keep the beverages cold. While you are there, check out all the camp cookware to make Mother’s Day brunch easy as possible. Find the perfect Public Donner Dock, bring a blanket and some chairs, and cook your mom a great breakfast. *Don’t drink and drive!

Gift Idea

TMS has a few different styles of sun hats and shirts that your mom would love for sunny days ahead. A Camp Chair would also be a great gift for a Mother’s Day spent on the docks (and a summer ahead full of camping!)

Go For A Run Along The Pyramid Trail

If your mom is a runner, we recommend the Pyramid Trail. This is a new trail to the area and stretches from Lake Tahoe all the way to Pyramid Lake, North East of Reno. It is the perfect spot for a beautiful mid day trail run. Our favorite section of the trail, with the most scenic vibes, is from Hirschdale to Farad. The full section is 7 miles, but is an out-and-back, so can be whatever distance you choose. The trail moseys along the Truckee river with serene views, cool bridges, and not too many crowds. Park here at the end of Hirschdale Rd. and head east towards Farad and Verdi. Learn more about the different sections, signage, parking, and more to plan the perfect run with your mom on Mother’s Day. 

Top 10 Easy Runs in Truckee

Gift Idea

Women's Running Shoes and women's running vests

Relax with a Beach Day on Lake Tahoe

Treat your mom to a sunny day on the beaches of Lake Tahoe. It is the perfect place to read, swim (weather permitting), soak in the sun, relax, and just catch up with her. Bring a couple chairs, a cooler, snacks, towels, and paddle boards if you have them! 

Top Beaches for Relaxing on Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor – There is a $10 entrance fee and we recommend getting there early as parking fills up extremely quickly during the hotter months. The waters are turquoise and crazy clear on the East Shore. There is also a gift shop and Kokanee Bar and Grill. No dogs allowed.

Moon Dunes – Moon Dunes is in the heart of Kings Beach. This is a great place for relaxing on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Park along the highway in designated spots only. No dogs allowed. Chambers Landing – This West Shore beach is in between Tahoma and Homewood. Park along the access road. Dogs allowed on leash.

Gift Idea

Active swimwear or comfy sandals

Take Her On A Bike Ride

The Olympic Valley Bike Path is a heavily used (for good reason!) paved trail that starts in the Olympic Valley towards Highway 89 and runs along the Truckee River south into Tahoe City. It, then, continues further south along the shores of Lake Tahoe. It is a very mellow ride with only 400 feet of elevation gain for the full out and back. From Ol Park to Tahoe City is about 5 miles (10 miles round trip), but is an out-and-back so you can go as far as your mom wants!

Park at Olympic Valley Park, cross the Hwy 89 at the crosswalk, and start your ride. There are tons of spots to stop along on the river and check out the teal clear waters and take in the views. The halfway/turn around point is in Tahoe City, so you could take her shopping at some local shops or to a restaurant for lunch.

Gift Idea 

Treat your mom to a Garmin Smartwatch. She will be able to track her activities, listen to music, and reach all her fitness goals.