South Lake Tahoe Travel Forum

My husband & I will be staying in Reno for a few days the middle of November. We would like to rent a car & take a drive to Lake Tahoe & around the lake area. We would like to go to both North & South Tahoe but I am concerned about the road conditions. I have only been to Tahoe once & the roads look like they could be scarey during the winter. Does anyone know what the normal weather is like in November? We were going to rent just a small car not a 4WD. Is that a bad idea?

Thanks!

Good idea but only if you bring tire chains along. North Shore gets colder than the South Shore. The roads are mostly kept in good condition but can get tricky if it starts to rain and it turns to snow. You would be wise to check with the weather service before heading up either Mt. Rose Hwy or I-80 to Truckee over to Lake Tahoe.

If it snows while you're driving, you will need 4-wheel drive. Most rental companies don't want you using chains on their tires. If I were you, I would rent a 4-wheel drive car, but change it a few days ahead of time if the forecast is for good weather. If the weather is really bad, you should stay in Reno.

We have snow predicted tonight! . . . and it's only October 3.

Check weather and see if you want to do it. They keep the roads pretty well plowed so unless there's a major storm, you should be fine. If you don't buy chains and you need them, you will have to buy them on the road and they will overcharge you like crazy. I'd check ahead to see if the rental company will let you use chains and if you could rent chains with the car. Even if you have 4-wheel drive, you will have to have chains so you might as well get a small fuel-efficient car and save some money.

When chains are required, they are required and you will be stopped. You will see people stopped in the middle of the road putting on chains. There will also be plenty of people to help you put yours on (for a price, of course). If you don't want to deal with it, just stay in Reno and enjoy the city and the views of the surrounding mountains. 8^)

If you can do it, it is a stunning drive!