Activity Overview
A 2.4 mile ride up the Heavenly Mountain Gondola will leave you breathless as you take in panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. On your way up, stop at The Observation Deck - a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation platform, located at 9,123 feet.
Things to Do
During the summer months, take the Gondola to the Observation Deck and see some breathtaking shore-to-shore views of Lake Tahoe and the mountains that surround it.
You can hike an additional mile to the peak on marked trails at the second Gondola stop.
New in 2014, there are lots of fun activities at the top of the mountain (second Gondola stop). Activities include 3 challenging ropes courses, a free small play structure, summer tubing, and 2 zip lines with amazing views of the lake. Activities are an additional cost and you can purchase tickets at the base or when you get to the top.
Enjoy lunch - lunch options are available at the top of the mountain, or at the base (we recommend the Driftwood Cafe, but there are a number of options).
Shop - there are lots of fun stores to shop around in at the Gondola base, including a fantastic candy store, and all sorts of sportswear shops.
Grab a shaved ice - the Heavenly Donut stand right outside the Gondola sells donuts and giant shaved ices.
There are a number of Casinos right next door to the Heavenly Gondola area if that is your thing.
Heavenly Gondola Observation Deck Insider Tips
- Bring your camera!
- Dress in light layers as the temperatures are cooler at the top of the mountain. (On really hot days, the Gondola may get a bit warm on the way up).
- There is a small snack bar on the observation deck, along with a few covered tables and aidirondack chairs.
- There are rangers on the deck to answer questions and to help take group photos.
- The ropes courses at the top are really fun! There are three course levels to choose from. The staff is really knowledgeable and we all felt very safe.
- If you aren't up for actually doing the ropes courses, it is still fun to watch others take on the challenge.
- The zip line actually crosses the state line between California and Nevada. There is also a cool sign (on the left of the Bear Lodge Building) that has the state of California shape on one side and the state of Nevada shape on the other that is cute for photo ops.
