Heavenly Gondola Tours and Activities

Heavenly Mountain Gondola featuring tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbour
Heavenly Mountain Gondola showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Heavenly Mountain Gondola featuring a gondola, wild flowers and a hotel
Heavenly Mountain Gondola featuring a bay or harbour, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a hotel, a gondola and wild flowers


Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

The Heavenly Gondola provides some of Lake Tahoe’s most staggering vistas. Hop in the gondola cabin and rise slowly for 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) up the mountainside as you watch over brilliant blue lake waters and dense green forests. In winter, pristine white snow blankets the landscape. Enjoy views from the Observation Deck, have drinks or a meal in the café and discover hiking trails, zip lines and varied family adventure activities.

The state-of-the-art Heavenly Gondola carries eight passengers in its cabin. Start your journey into the sky at the lower station at 6,360 feet (1,940 meters) of elevation. The gondola climbs up the mountain peak to a midpoint of over 9,100 feet (2,770 meters). Disembark here and walk around the 14,000-square-foot (1,300-square-meter) Observation Deck, where you can appreciate sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. Look west to identify California’s Mount Tallac, Pyramid Peak and Desolation Wilderness. See Nevada’s Carson Valley to the east.

Relax at this level with a sunny picnic, a drink in Café Blue, shopping at the sports shop, plenty of photo opportunities or a spectacular sunset. Set off from here for a peaceful hike in the glorious surrounding nature. Several lake-view trails of varying difficulty start from this spot.

For a bit of adventure and exhilarating fun, continue on the gondola to Adventure Peak. Try the climbing walls, ropes courses, tubing hill or coaster ride. Enjoy a thrilling race down one of the zip-line courses at 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour. For a more serene ride, jump on the Tamarack Express chairlift to access yet more hiking or skiing trails and even better aerial views.

In winter, the Heavenly Gondola is an integral conveyance for skiers, leading to Heavenly’s vast network of lifts and runs. The ride begins in Heavenly Village near the California-Nevada state border, just east of South Lake Tahoe. There are fees to ride the gondola and participate in the peak’s adventure activities. Discounts are available for teens, seniors and children. Check the Heavenly website to find out which activities and services are available at the base, midpoint and peak during your visit.

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Popular places to visit


Top Heavenly Gondola Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
50 Highway 50, Stateline, NV
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort

Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort

4 out of 5
55 Highway 50, Stateline, NV
Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Inn At South Lake Tahoe

Inn At South Lake Tahoe

2 out of 5
968 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Inn At South Lake Tahoe
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe

Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
18 US Hwy 50, Stateline, NV
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

3 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe

Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe

2.5 out of 5
4127 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
4143 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 out of 5
931 Park Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Heavenly Gondola

At Heavenly Gondola, visitors can enjoy a range of thrilling activities including skiing, snowboarding, and live music. Explore the stunning Tahoe adventure options, utilise local tour services, and discover nearby recreation destinations and ski resorts. Whether you're looking for an exhilarating day trip or a relaxing escape, Heavenly Gondola is the perfect spot for an unforgettable experience in South Lake Tahoe.

Shopping

Right at Heavenly Gondola, you can explore The Shops at Heavenly Village, a vibrant spot filled with entertainment and family-friendly vibes, merely 161m away. If you're up for a drive, Langtree Square offers a broader selection, located 19.3km away, perfect for a more extensive shopping experience.

Recreation

At Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking views, just 1.1km from Heavenly Gondola. For a fun-filled family outing, head to Heavenly Village Mini Golf and experience adventure close by, or glide across the ice at Heavenly Village Ice Rink, only 161m away.

Adventure

Heavenly Ski Resort, located 4.8km from Heavenly Gondola, offers thrilling skiing and adventure vibes. The Aerial Tramway, 1.6km away, provides stunning views and family-friendly outdoor experiences. Gunbarrel Express, 3.2km from the Gondola, is perfect for ski enthusiasts seeking excitement in the snow.

Nightlife

In Heavenly Gondola, the nightlife buzzes with excitement, featuring vibrant bars like the Loft Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and live music. Nearby, the casino scene at Harrah's Lake Tahoe offers thrilling gaming and lively entertainment, ensuring a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Heavenly Gondola

At Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe, you'll find a wealth of attractions perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore stunning beaches, scenic national parks, and vibrant entertainment venues. Don't miss the breathtaking gondola vistas and the charming Heavenly Village. With countless top attractions around Lake Tahoe, there's no shortage of activities to make your holiday memorable, whether you're after exhilarating experiences or relaxing beach outings.

  • Heavenly Ski Resort: Located 4.8km from the Heavenly Gondola, this renowned ski resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences amidst stunning mountain scenery. With its diverse terrain and vibrant après-ski atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for both adventure seekers and leisure snow lovers.
  • Zephyr Cove Beach: About 6.4km away, Zephyr Cove Beach welcomes visitors with its picturesque shoreline and tranquil lake vibes. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking, this beach is a fantastic spot to relax and soak up the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
  • Emerald Bay State Park: Situated 14.5km from Heavenly Gondola, this breathtaking national park is known for its stunning vistas, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures. Explore the lush scenery and capture unforgettable moments at one of Lake Tahoe's most photographed locations.

Best time to go to Heavenly Gondola

The best time to visit Heavenly Gondola is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June56.7°F (13.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Heavenly Gondola

To save money on your trip to Heavenly Gondola, plan your visit in April or between October and November when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on a Tuesday. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels. Consider booking a package deal that combines accommodation with flights and activities for extra savings. Look out for great deals and affordable accommodation to make the most of your stay while enjoying the stunning scenery without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Heavenly Gondola are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Heavenly Gondola is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Heavenly Gondola is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable accommodation options appear first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Heavenly Gondola accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.