VISITOR INFORMATION

OPENING DAY: SAT. MAY 31, 2025

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center staff is knowledgeable in area information and can assist with your recreation planning. On-site staff consists of a mix of local volunteers, Forest Service and Great Basin Institute employees. Many have lived and worked in the Tahoe Basin for decades and love to share their insights with visitors.

The visitor center building interior is small, yet offers interpretative displays and exhibits, as well as a gift shop. In 2025, visitor center staff cannot make any campground reservations or sell annual beach parking passes, however staff can check availability for campers. America the Beautiful passes, wilderness permits or other federal passes are not currently available at TCVC.

CONTACT

Visitor Center

+1 530-543-2674

Email

tcvc@gbininstitute.org

Addresss

Visitor Center Rd, CA-89NSouth Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

HOURS OF OPERATION

May 31 – Oct. 2025

2025 SCHEDULE:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 9am – 4pm
Thursday – 9am – 4pm
Friday – 9am – 4pm
Saturday – 9am – 4pm
Sunday – 9am – 4pm

2025 SERVICES

Gift Shop

Visitors are welcomed to make purchases in the gift shop during hours of operation. Available items include outdoor gear and apparel, maps, Lake Tahoe souvenirs and gifts, as well as pre-packaged snack foods. Guide books and Smokey Bear swag are TCVC gift shop staples.

Parking & Restrooms

The Visitor Center parking lot has ample space, with RV and trailer capacity. Parking is free and is generally accessible from May to mid-November. No overnight parking or camping is permitted.

Flush restrooms are also available, however only accessible during visitor center hours of operation.

Wifi & Cell Reception

Currently, public wifi is not available. In addiiton, cell phone service is highly unreliable, especially around the visitor center patio. For best reception, head towards the lakeshore or towards Highway 89. If necessary, visitor center staff can make a phone call on your behalf.

Bear Canister Rentals

Bear canisters are available for rent from June to October. Visitors pay a usage fee, in addition to a refundable deposit. Bear canisters are mandatory for all overnight back country trips into Desolation Wilderness, per Forest Service mandate. All canisters are 10 liters and suitable for most overnight trips and party sizes.

Canisters are first come first served! A valid credit card and ID required at the time of rental.

STREAM PROFILE CHAMBER

ABOUT

First opened in the late 1960s, the Stream Profile Chamber provides a unique, educational experience within the Tahoe Basin. Built adjacent to the creek, water was diverted to fill a pond for wildlife viewing. Visitors walk underground to see a profile of the creek, creating a natural aquarium effect. Animals such as beavers, bullfrogs, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon can all be viewed at certain times of the year, not to mention a diversity of waterfowl.

Due to vandalism, the Stream Profile Chamber was closed for a number of years. The facility officially reopened in 2024, thanks to work done by the National Forest Foundation.

2025 HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday & Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Sunday

10am -3:30pm