TAYLOR CREEK VISITOR CENTER
Wildlife viewing, nature interpretation and outdoor recreation in Lake Tahoe!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center serves as the informational gateway to outdoor recreation experiences in the Tahoe Basin and as an interpretative center for local flora, fauna, and human and natural history. Since 1964, the USDA Forest Service and its partners have seasonally operated the site to promote education, recreation and environmental stewardship. Visitor services typically start around Memorial Day and end in October; however, the grounds remain accessible throughout the year for winter recreation.
The Stream Profile Chamber is now CLOSED for winter. This facility is set to reopen spring 2025!
CONTACT
Visitor Center
+1 530-543-2674
tcvc@gbininstitute.org
Addresss
Visitor Center Rd, Hwy 89N South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
CLOSED for Winter
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
The parking and portable bathrooms are available through mid-November, however all other visitors services are now closed for the season. Trails are accessible year-round.
Stay in the loop!
RECREATING AT TAYLOR CREEK
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is bike-friendly and is accessible from the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path. Several outfitters rent bikes along highway 89. Bike use is not permitted on the Rainbow Trail or along the visitor center patio.
Taylor Creek’s trails are all fairly flat and easy. Due to sandy soils, some are difficult for biking. For longer and more adventurous routes, Visitor Center staff can help guide you to nearby destinations, such as Desolation Wilderness or the Tahoe Rim Trail. (No pack or motorized use permitted at Taylor Creek.)
Visitors may use the established picnic area, the Lake of the Sky Amphitheater, or the visitor center patio for picnicking. Large groups are best accommodated at the amphitheater.
Fishing is regulated by the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. A valid CA fishing license is required to take fish anywhere in the Taylor Creek region. As a Lake Tahoe tributary, fishing in Taylor Creek is prohibited from Oct. 1 to June 30 to protect spawning trout.
Taylor Creek is an excellent place to observe Lake Tahoe’s wildlife. Thanks to habitat diversity, a variety of species call the Taylor Creek area home. Mornings are often the best time to spot wildlife
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Student Programming
Taylor Creek is a great location for Fall Field trips. As the seasons change, non-native Kokanee salmon return to spawn in the creek each year. Rangers, volunteers and GBI staff lead third grade students through a life cycles program along the Rainbow Trail, while looking for wildlife. Registrations for this popular program are OPEN! Teachers may complete an inquiry form, or can email tcvc@thegreatbasininstitute.org for more information
Amphitheater Presentations
In July and August, Taylor Creek hosts various education and living history programs at the Taylor Creek Amphitheater. Come out and spend your evening learning about bats, looking at the stars, or conversing with Mark Twain!
Backcountry Info
Desolation Wilderness
Established in 1969, the Desolation Wilderness encompasses roughly 64,000 acres of mountainous terrain. Many backpacking routes traverse this region, with sections of the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail being the most well-known. Before embarking on an overnight trip, it is important to understand wilderness regulations.
Permit Info: All overnight trips must have a permit. Permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov. A limited number of permits are available at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit’s Supervisors Office (530-543-2694), or through the Eldorado National Forest.
*At this time, NO PERMITS are available for purchase at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. In addition, visitor center staff cannot print a pre-purchased permit on your behalf.
Campfire Permit: NO CAMPFIRES are permitted in the Desolation Wilderness. However, portable propane stoves are allowed for cooking. To use a camp stove in wilderness, visitors must obtain a free, CA campfire permit. Campfire permits are available at the visitor center.
Bear Canisters: All overnight backpackers must carry a bear canister. Canisters may be rented and returned to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
