U.S. 50 East - Meyers to South Lake Tahoe


U.S. 50 east
At the base of the grade from Echo Summit, eastbound U.S. 50 enters the Lake Tahoe Basin, which is largely administered by the National Forest Service and the state parks of California and Nevada. Photo taken 07/28/12.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Chiapa Drive. Photo taken 07/08/07.
The next left from U.S. 50 east is with North Upper Truckee Road north through rural, residential areas. North Upper Truckee Road travels north to Washoe Meadows State Park, then turns into Lake Tahoe Boulevard east, looping back to California 89 and U.S. 50 at the wye intersection in South Lake Tahoe. Photo taken 07/28/12.
The next right from U.S. 50 connects to South Upper Truckee Road south. Like the northern branch of Upper Truckee Road, the southern branch parallels the Upper Truckee River. Photo taken 07/28/12.
U.S. 50 crosses the Upper Truckee River on this 1941 bridge, which was expanded to its current capacity in 1984. The next right is with Pomo Street. Photo taken 07/28/12.
A Lake Tahoe Basin tourist information kiosk is ahead on the right. Turn off here for visitor information, maps, valuable coupons, and restrooms. Photo taken 07/08/07.
The next intersection along U.S. 50 east is with California 89 south to Markleeville and California 88/Carson Pass. Photo taken 07/28/12.

This sign, which changed between 2007 and 2012, advises of the pending junction between U.S. 50 and California 89, which travels south via the Luther Pass to California 88 and Markleeville. As an alternate to U.S. 50 over the Sierra Nevada, California 88 is an all-weather route west to Jackson and Stockton over Carson Pass. Around 1999, shields were posted for California 89 south, California 88 west, and a forest service highway to become signed as U.S. 50 Alternate, but those shields are no longer found in the field. After the California 88 west intersection, California 89 south and California 88 east travel jointly to Woodfords, where the routes divide. California 88 turns north toward Minden and Gardnerville, Nevada, while California 89 proceeds southeast to Markleeville and ultimately U.S. 395 near Topaz Lake. Ahead, U.S. 50 east and California 89 north join forces for the journey into South Lake Tahoe. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
U.S. 50 enters the unincorporated community of Meyers, which sits at an elevation of 6,330 feet. Photo taken 07/28/12.
This mileage sign provides the distance to Markleeville (24 miles) and Jackson (82 miles) via California 89 south. South Lake Tahoe is only eight miles ahead via U.S. 50 east and California 89 north. The sign was changed between 2007 and 2012. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
Eastbound U.S. 50 meets California 89 at this intersection. Photo taken 07/08/07.
U.S. 50 east & California 89 north
Shortly thereafter is a reassurance shield assembly for U.S. 50 east and California 89 north along with a state scenic route marker. Photo taken 07/08/07.
The next right is the aforementioned tourist information center, situated in the southwestern corner of the U.S. 50 and California 89 intersection in Meyers. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
The California Agricultural Inspection Station stops all westbound traffic, while eastbound traffic continues toward South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. Photos taken 07/28/12.
U.S. 50 and California 89 pass through the community of Meyers. Photos taken 07/28/12.
A flashing warning sign for highway conditions (associated with heavy traffic or bad weather) is posted just prior to the Pioneer Trail intersection. Pioneer Trail offers an alternate route to downtown South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, Nevada (avoiding the wye split between U.S. 50 and California 89 as well as a series of intersections between the wye and Stateline). Photos taken 07/28/12.
The next signalized intersection is with Pioneer Trail, which offers an alternative to U.S. 50 between Meyers and downtown South Lake Tahoe. By staying close to the foot of Trimmer Peak and Monument Peak, Pioneer Trail avoids the lakefront and allows a second route to the Stateline area. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 and California 89 north meet Pioneer Trail. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Another U.S. 50 east and California 89 north reassurance shield assembly is posted after Pioneer Trail. Photo taken 07/08/07.
The highway continues northeast between Pioneer Trail and Elks Club Drive; this view is near Country Club Drive. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 and California 89 north approach Elks Club Drive. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Prior to meeting Sawill Road, eastbound U.S. 50 and northbound California 89 cross the Upper Truckee River. This is the second of three times U.S. 50 crosses the Upper Truckee River; this bridge was built in 1995. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 and northbound California 89 continue toward South Lake Tahoe. Photos taken 07/28/12.
The Lake Tahoe Airport is located off U.S. 50 and California 89. Turn right on Airport Road to the main terminal; the runway parallels U.S. 50. New wayfinding signs were installed along U.S. 50 in South Lake Tahoe as seen in the 2012 picture. After passing by the airport, U.S. 50 and California 89 leave Meyers and enter the city of South Lake Tahoe. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
U.S. 50 and California 89 leave Meyers and enter the city of South Lake Tahoe. Sitting at an elevation of 6,260 feet at the south shore of Lake Tahoe, the city of South Lake Tahoe was incorporated on November 30, 1965. The population of the city was 23,609 as of the 2000 Census. Rapid growth and redevelopment have fueled massive changes to South Lake Tahoe through the years. With new hotels and resorts recently built and constructed near the Nevada casinos, downtown South Lake Tahoe has become quite cosmopolitan. The city plans more changes in the future, with a large convention center and realignment of U.S. 50 out of downtown (near Stateline, Nevada) in the coming years. Photos taken 07/20/09 and by Jeff Royston (01/00).
A more unique welcome sign is found along U.S. 50 east and California 89 north soon thereafter. Photo taken 07/28/12.
A reassurance shield for U.S. 50 (Emerald Bay Road) east omits the shared alignment with California 89 north. Since California 89 follows Emerald Bay Road north out of South Lake Tahoe toward Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay, it seems like California 89 should be posted here as well. Photo taken 07/28/12.
U.S. 50 east and California 89 north approach the turnoff to Kyburz Avenue. Photo taken 07/28/12.
U.S. 50 east and California 89 north are designated as part of the state scenic highway system as identified by this sign. Photo taken 07/08/07.
Emerald Bay Road widens to four lanes as we approach E Street. Photo taken 07/28/12.
The next several intersections are with D Street and C Street. Traffic increases ahead, as U.S. 50 approaches the wye intersection with Lake Tahoe Boulevard and partition with SR 89. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 and northbound California 89 meet C Street. Photo taken 07/20/09.
The routes divide ahead. Stay left for California 89 north to Camp Richardson, Emerald Bay, Tahoe City, and Truckee. Merge right to continue east along U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) toward Stateline and Carson City in Nevada. This guide sign was replaced by 2012 to show the proper name of Stateline, Nevada. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
Trailblazers shows both U.S. 50 east and California 89 north prior to the wye intersection. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
U.S. 50 east and California 89 north split. The truck route turns onto U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) east toward Stateline and Carson City; California 89 proceeds north to Tahoe City and Truckee. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
California 89 north continues north through this traffic signal to follow the western shore of Lake Tahoe. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the Sierra Nevada and is well worth the drive. Photo taken 07/20/09.
U.S. 50 east
This U.S. 50 east reassurance shield is posted along Lake Tahoe Boulevard after the wye intersection with California 89 (Emerald Bay Road). From here, U.S. 50 travels northeast to Trout Creek, then will turn north to Lakeview Avenue, then east from there to the California-Nevada state line. Photos taken 07/20/09 and by Jeff Royston, 01/00.
South Lake Tahoe is a fairly linear city. It hugs the southern shore of Lake Tahoe and follows U.S. 50 and Pioneer Trail as they travel northeast between Meyers and Stateline, Nevada. As a result of this, most traffic follows U.S. 50 (or Pioneer Trail) through town, and most local neighborhood and business access is afforded via traffic signals from U.S. 50. Here, eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Third Street near the Tahoe Keys development. Photo taken 07/28/12.
The next traffic signal along U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) east is with Tahoe Keys Boulevard. Tahoe Keys was planned in the 1950s and constructed in phases in the late 1950s and 1960s. The waterfront development features water access to homes via canals that were dug to provide boat access from backyard docks. The construction of the canals proved to be very controversial, as some enjoyed the private access to the lake while others bemoaned the environmental damage caused by dredging the area to create the canals near the mouth of the Upper Truckee River. Tahoe Keys consists of 740 acres and was heavily advertised for vacation properties in the 1960s and 1970s throughout California.1 Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 meets Tahoe Keys Boulevard at this traffic signal. Photo taken 07/28/12.
U.S. 50 crosses the Upper Truckee River for a third and final time on this 1995 bridge. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
The next traffic signal along U.S. 50 east is with Sierra Boulevard. Photo taken 07/28/12.
Continuing east, U.S. 50 approaches Carson Avenue and Rubicon Trail . Photo taken 07/20/09.
U.S. 50 crosses Trout Creek on another 1995 bridge. Photo taken 07/20/09.
This view looks southeast from U.S. 50 at the Trout Creek bridge into the riparian open space. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Tulare Avenue and Al Tahoe Boulevard. Turn right ahead to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service center and Lake Tahoe Community College. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 meets Tulare Avenue and Al Tahoe Boulevard at this signalized intersection. For the next mile or so, U.S. 50 travels almost due north toward the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Returning to the smoky conditions of July 2007, the next traffic signal along U.S. 50 east is with Lyons Avenue. This area was under construction for streetscape and other improvements in summer 2012. These improvements were under construction from here east to Fairway Avenue. Photo taken 07/08/07.
The next traffic signal along eastbound U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) is with Tallac Avenue. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Approaching a South Lake Tahoe park and recreation area, this U.S. 50 east reassurance shield is posted along eastbound Lake Tahoe Boulevard just before the route turns due east to parallel the lakeshore. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Lakeview Avenue and turns east once again. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
Soon thereafter, eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Rufus Allen Boulevard. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Takela Boulevard. Photo taken 07/20/09.
The Angora Fire of 2007 brought smoke and haze to the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the normally buoyant summer tourist season was diminished due to poor air quality, news reports about multiple fires in the area, and an ongoing drought. Compare the two pictures here to see the differences in view quality between 2007 and 2012. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/08/07.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Fairway Avenue. This traffic signal was being modernized in summer 2012 as seen in the picture from July 2012. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
A series of motels and lodges line U.S. 50 as we travel east toward the California-Nevada state line. Photo taken 07/08/07.
Eastbound U.S. 50 approaches Ski Run Boulevard. This intersection is significant for two reasons: a right turn leads to the Heavenly Ski Area, and a left turn connects to the Ski Run Marina. Some of the Lake Tahoe cruise ships depart from this marina, including trips from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay and back again several times a day during summer. Photos taken 07/28/12 and 07/20/09.
A wayfinder sign, added in 2012 as part of a larger program to add such signs in South Lake Tahoe, points the way to the Tahoe Queen at Ski Run Marina and Heavenly Ski Area. Photo taken 07/28/12.
Eastbound U.S. 50 meets Ski Run Boulevard at this intersection. Although Heavenly Ski Resort is to the right via Ski Run Boulevard, Heavenly Village and its gondola are ahead via U.S. 50 east toward Stateline. Photo taken 07/20/09.
The next traffic signal along U.S. 50 east is with Wildwood Avenue. Photo taken 07/08/07.
Eastbound U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) meets Pioneer Trail at this signalized intersection. For traffic southwest to Meyers and points west, Pioneer Trail can offer an alternative to U.S. 50 by avoiding the South Lake Tahoe lakeshore between here and California 89. If U.S. 50 is busy, the Pioneer Trail can be a reasonable alternate. Pioneer Trail rejoins U.S. 50 near Meyers. Ahead, U.S. 50 east approaches Heavenly Village and Stateline. Photo taken 07/24/09.
Turn right at Heavenly Village Way to Van Sickle Bi-State Park and a public parking structure. Van Sickle Bi-State Park came into existence when the Van Sickle family donated 542 acres in the state of Nevada to the Nevada Division of State Parks in 1989. In 2001, the California Tahoe Conservancy, in cooperation with California Department of Parks and Recreation, acquired another 156 acres in California to develop what is considered to be the first bi-state park in the United States, as it straddles the state line just south of downtown South Lake Tahoe and Stateline. Development of the park site began with construction of a day use area, which opened to the public in summer 2011. Parking is at a premium in this part of the city. Photo taken 07/28/12.
Entering Heavenly Village in downtown South Lake Tahoe, eastbound U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) approaches Heavenly Village Drive north and Park Avenue south. The Heavenly tram lifts daily to Heavenly Valley and Monument Peak (el. 10,067 feet). The village features upscale shopping, restaurants, and lodging. A parking structure is located north of here via Heavenly Village Drive. When realignment plans come to fruition, U.S. 50 is slated to be moved onto Heavenly Village Drive south to Lake Parkway east.2 Photo taken 07/20/09.
The towering casinos of Stateline, Nevada, come into view as eastbound U.S. 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) passes by Heavenly Village and approaches Friday Avenue at this traffic signal. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Traffic tie-ups and delays are common during the summer months in South Lake Tahoe, as can be seen by looking at the westbound lanes of U.S. 50 just west of Stateline. This view looks east toward Heavenly Village and Stateline as seen from Friday Avenue. Photos taken 07/29/12.
The two casinos ahead are Harvey's Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino and Harrah's Lake Tahoe. Although these two casinos were built as competitors, today they are both owned by Harrah's. U.S. 50 will pass directly between the two casinos. Harvey and Llewellyn Gross opened Harvey's in 1944, built the first high-rise tower in 1961, and bought by Harrah's in 2001. The neighboring Harrah's opened in 1955, and its high-rise tower (with 18 stories with top-level restaurant with lake views) opened in 1973. Photo taken 07/20/09.
Due to anticipated improvements in traffic through between South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, Nevada, plans call for realigning U.S. 50 onto Lake Parkway so it would no longer pass between the two high rise hotel-casinos (Harvey's and Harrah's). This realignment would move U.S. 50 south of its current route and would allow the route to bypass the casinos and Heavenly Village to the south.2 Photo taken 07/20/09.
U.S. 50 leaves the Golden State of California and enters the Silver State of Nevada at the unincorporated community of Statelin. Displayed on the welcome sign as "Lake Tahoe," Stateline, which has a population of 1,215 people as of the 2000 Census, is best known for its clubs and casinos: Bill's, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's Lake Tahoe, Horizon, Lakeside In, and MontBleu. Photo taken 07/20/09.

Sources:

  1. Tahoe Keys a center for recreation - and controversy, Tahoe Daily Tribune, by Adam Jensen, Thursday, October 2, 2008
  2. U.S. Highway 50/Stateline Area Transportation Study (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) - May 2004


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Page Updated September 3, 2012.

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