Welcome to Truckee-Tahoe, where natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant local culture come together in harmony. Our mountain town is more than just a destination; it’s a place to connect with nature, people, and with the moment.
Sustainable tourism plays a crucial role in protecting the pristine environment that makes Truckee so special. By adopting mindful travel habits, we can all help ensure this cherished region remains a haven for generations to come. From small choices like using refillable water bottles to more impactful actions like choosing eco-friendly accommodations, every effort counts.
Ready to make a difference? Let’s explore ten simple ways you can travel sustainably in Truckee and leave it even better than you found it.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly lodging
Make your stay in Truckee-Tahoe as eco-friendly as it is adventurous by choosing from a variety of Sustainable Truckee Eco/Green Lodging options. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin or a boutique hotel, you can easily find eco-conscious accommodations through our booking engine.
The Sustainable Truckee Eco/Green Lodging program helps properties reduce their environmental impact while setting the standard for sustainable hospitality. Participating businesses and homeowners meet strict criteria in four key areas:
- Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures and guest education on mindful water use.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting to protect the region’s dark skies.
- Waste Reduction: Elimination of single-use plastics, with a focus on recycling and composting.
- Sustainable Transportation: Easy access to TART Connect, Truckee’s microtransit system, and EV charging stations.
Each property also provides tips for low-impact travel, allowing you to contribute to a more sustainable future for Truckee-Tahoe during your stay.
2. Go Car Free
Reduce your carbon footprint and get a more authentic experience of what makes Truckee special. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you ride a bike along the scenic paved trails to our historic downtown. Skip the hassle and stress by taking our FREE bus and shuttle network to access hikes, mountain biking, or even the beach.
- Take the Amtrak Train to Truckee
- Take the Reno Airport Shuttle to Truckee: North Lake Tahoe Express
- Use TART Connect: FREE on-demand shuttle service to get around Truckee-Tahoe
- Use FREE Ski Area Shuttles: Get to Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, & Sugar Bowl
- Bike & Walk 26+ miles of scenic paved trails: View interactive map
- Rent a BCycle e-bike in Truckee
Read our full guide on visiting Truckee-Tahoe without a car.
3. Pack Your Reusables
Truckee has led the way in sustainability, banning single-use plastic bags in 2013 and launching new initiatives to reduce waste.
25¢ Disposable Fee (Since Jan 2024): Restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores now charge a 25¢ fee for each disposable cup or takeout container. To avoid the fee and reduce waste, bring your own reusable mug, bottle, or container, or choose to dine in.
Pro tip: Many lodging providers offer Truckee’s Green Box, a reusable container for takeout and leftovers.
How You Can Help
Reducing waste in Truckee is as simple as remembering to BYO - bring your own:
- Mug for your morning coffee
- Water bottle to stay hydrated with delicious Truckee Tap
- Reusable bag for shopping
- Container for leftovers or takeout meals
Forgot something? No problem! Truckee’s local shops carry a variety of high-quality reusable items that double as functional souvenirs. By choosing reusables over disposables, you’ll not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner, greener Truckee.
4. Drink Truckee Tap
Skip the middleman and fill up a reusable water bottle with that oh-so delicious Truckee tap water. Truckee’s water comes from the Martis Valley groundwater basin and is arguably some of the best in the world. The water is typically 500-1,000+ years old, requires very little treatment, and comes out of the tap cold and refreshing. If you didn’t bring your own reusable water bottle, buy one from one of Truckee's many local shops.
5. Know the Local Initiatives
When it comes to making sustainable choices during your visit to Truckee, knowledge is key. Visit Truckee-Tahoe offers several resources to help you make eco-friendly decisions that support the local community and protect our natural environment. Check these out:
Sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide
Visit Truckee-Tahoe has created a comprehensive 12-page Sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide (available both in print and digitally) that outlines how you can make sustainable travel choices before and during your stay. The guide covers important topics like protecting Truckee's night skies, planning a car-free visit, supporting local shops and restaurants, voluntourism opportunities, and much more. It’s an excellent resource to help you enjoy a sustainable and impactful visit.
Support local businesses while contributing to environmental stewardship through the Sustainable Truckee Gift Card. This community-based card can be used for a variety of services, including lodging, dining, shopping, outdoor adventures, yoga, fitness, and even massages. Plus, 25% of every card sold is matched by Visit Truckee-Tahoe for Sustainable Truckee stewardship projects, helping to fund local initiatives that benefit the community and environment.
Sustainable Truckee Programs & Sponsorships
Sustainable Truckee is a strategic initiative created and funded by Visit Truckee-Tahoe for stewardship programs, services, and sponsorships that protect and enhance Truckee. Since 2020, funding has supported projects such as Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors, Visitors Guides to Wildfire Preparedness, all-inclusive (adaptive) Trails for EveryBODY™ and more. Learn more!
Visitor Guides
Visit Truckee-Tahoe has developed a series of helpful guides that focus on sustainability and preparedness for specific seasonal challenges in the area. These include:
- Visitor's Guide to Wildfire Season
- Visitor's Guide to Sustainable Transportation
- Visitor's Guide to Black Bears and Food Storage
- Visitor's Guide to Planned Power Outages (PSOMs)
- Visitor's Guide to Winter Power Outages
- Visitor’s Guide to Boating, Water Recreation & Sustainability
- Visitor's Guide to Winter Weekend Traffic
6. Support Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is a powerful way to make a difference in Truckee-Tahoe. Shop local, book lodging direct, and keep dollars within the Truckee-Tahoe community. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Purchase a Sustainable Truckee Gift Card to support local businesses and sustainability efforts. This card can be used at 60+ businesses in Truckee, and 25% of every card sold is matched by Visit Truckee-Tahoe to fund local stewardship projects. Use this card at restaurants, breweries, boutiques, lodging, grocery stores, yoga and massage studios, adventure guiding companies, and many more.
Local Farmers’ Markets
Visit Truckee’s farmers' markets to shop for fresh, seasonal produce and goods. By buying locally, you’re supporting sustainable agriculture.
Sustainably-Minded Shops
Truckee is home to shops that prioritize eco-friendly products, from outdoor gear to locally made goods. Be sure to check out RMU, Trout Creek Outfitters, Tahoe Mountain Life, Wild & Ruff, and Juniper Boutique for sustainable shopping options.
Learn about sustainably-minded shops!
7. Practice Responsible Recreation
Following Leave No Trace principles is key to preserving Truckee’s natural beauty while ensuring everyone can enjoy its outdoor spaces. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines provide helpful tips for respecting the environment and fostering an inclusive, safe space for all. Please follow these key guidelines from The Recreate Responsibly Coalition.
- Know Before You Go
Some areas may be seasonally closed or have limited access, and winter weather can create hazards. Always research your destination, weather, and road conditions before heading out. - Plan and Prepare
Know your limits and pack accordingly - bring extra layers, waterproof clothing, and safety gear for backcountry activities. Always have a Plan B in case your destination is inaccessible. - Build an Inclusive Outdoors
Everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of identity or ability. Be mindful of your actions to help create a welcoming environment for all. - Respect Others
Parking can be limited, so always park in safe, legal spaces. When skiing, riding, or traversing off-road, practice Skiing Kind and Treading Lightly for a positive experience for everyone. - Leave No Trace
Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Indigenous communities. Follow Leave No Trace Winter Use Principles to minimize your environmental impact. - Make It Better
Keep Truckee’s winter playgrounds clean by packing out all waste, including pet waste. Take action to protect our climate - today’s snow is tomorrow’s water.
8. Support the Dark Sky Movement
One of Truckee’s precious resources is its access to the great outdoors including a sky teeming with stars. And from that, it hosts some of the best places to stargaze. The town of Truckee has joined the Dark Sky Movement and invites you to do the same!
Why It Matters
The Dark Sky initiative works to reduce light pollution, preserving the beauty of the night sky. This benefits both local wildlife and our community.
How You Can Help
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Use properly shielded outdoor lighting
Learn more about the Dark Sky Movement!
9. Visit During Off-Peak Times
Visiting Truckee-Tahoe during off-peak times not only enhances your experience but also helps reduce strain on local resources. Traveling outside of the busy winter and summer seasons means less crowded trails, accommodations, and dining options, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable stay.
Why you should visit in fall and spring:
Both fall and spring offer unique beauty in Truckee-Tahoe. In the fall, vibrant colors blanket the landscape, and the crisp air is perfect for hiking and biking. Spring brings fresh blooms and quieter streets, ideal for exploring the area without the crowds.
10. Participate in Eco Friendly Activities
Truckee-Tahoe is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature without leaving a heavy environmental footprint. From peaceful winter hikes to thrilling mountain bike rides, there’s an adventure for everyone that aligns with sustainable travel.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Truckee while respecting local wildlife and habitats. Stick to designated paths to help protect the landscape.
- Biking: Whether you’re cruising the roads or tackling mountain trails, biking is an eco-conscious way to experience the area
- Snowshoeing: In winter, snowshoeing is a peaceful way to discover snowy trails and forests, all while leaving a light footprint.
- Winter Activities
- Summer Activities
Donner Memorial State Park Guided Tours, Rides & Walks
Located just five minutes from Downtown Truckee on the east end of Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park is open year-round and offers weekly, drop-in interpretive programs where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the Truckee-Tahoe region. In the winter, check out their guided snowshoe tours, and in the summer, they offer guided paddling tours, mountain bike tours, junior ranger programs, historical tours, campfire talks, and park cleanups.
View Weekly Interpretive Programs & Events
By making eco-conscious choices, you can help preserve the beauty of Truckee-Tahoe for future generations. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting local businesses, or enjoying outdoor adventures responsibly, every action counts. Let’s work together to keep our mountain town thriving.
