How to Visit Sustainably

Purple lupines in a field at sunset, with a pier and mountains in the background.
Two people hike a sunny trail in a forested mountain landscape.

Visit Responsibly, Leave Inspired

When you visit Truckee-Tahoe, you're not just here to explore, you're part of a community that values sustainability, connection, and care for the land. Whether you're here for crisp mountain air, endless trails, or fresh powder days, thank you for choosing Truckee. Together, we can help protect this special place—here’s how:

Store interior with bag stating, "TRUCKEE IS MY HAPPY PLACE."

Pack Your Reusables

Bring a refillable water bottle, coffee mug, takeout containers, and shopping bags. You’ll find Truckee Mountain Filtered Water stations around town—fill up, skip the plastic, and taste some of the cleanest tap water in the nation.

Local Tip: The Town of Truckee banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles (under one gallon). Luckily, our tap water is delicious and comes straight from the Martis Valley—fresh, cold, and up to 1,000 feet deep.

What you need to know

Three people with backpacks near a parked TART Connect shuttle on a sunny street. Go care free in Truckee

Go Car Free

Skip the hassle of driving and parking. Truckee makes it easy to get around without a car. 

  • Use TART Connect, a free, on-demand shuttle that picks you up and drops you off anywhere within town. Just download the app and ride like a local!
  • Rent an e-bike, walk, or explore the 22+ miles of scenic paved paths that connect downtown, parks, neighborhoods and trailheads.

Why it matters: Fewer car trips mean cleaner air, less traffic and a more relaxed, small-town experience for everyone.

Read our car free guide

Kids jumping off a dock into a lake, sunny day, shadow visible.

Leave no Trace

When exploring outdoors, pack it in, pack it out—including trash, food scraps, and dog waste. Keep nature wild and clean for everyone who follows.

Local Tip: Bring a small bag to take out your own trash and consider grabbing a few stray items you see along the way. It’s an easy way to give back and leave Truckee better than you found it.

Brown bear standing against a tree in a forest setting in Truckee, California

Respect Wildlife & Stay Bear-Aware

Truckee is home to bears and other wildlife. Never leave food in your car or leave trash unsecured. Admire animals from a distance—don’t feed or approach them.

Read our wildlife guide

Tahoe Luxury Properties - Mountain Vacation Home Rental

Reduce Energy Use

Before heading out for the day, turn off lights, heaters, and appliances in your lodging accommodations. Unplug chargers when not in use. Small actions make a big difference.

Starry sky with Milky Way; person holding flashlight in a field.

Keep it Dark for the Stars

Truckee-Tahoe is home to some of California's most remarkable night skies, where the Milky Way, meteor showers, and thousands of visible stars can still be experienced on clear evenings. But these increasingly rare views depend on all of us.

Discover where to view the stars, how to enjoy the night sky responsibly, and what we're doing to help protect this natural resource for future generations.

Local Tip: If you're staying in a vacation rental, turn off outdoor lights before bed. You'll help protect wildlife and be able to view a sky full of stars.

Explore Dark Skies

Three cyclists in a forest, wearing helmets, stopped on a sunny trail in Truckee California

Be Kind, Keep it the Truckee Way

We take pride in what we've built and preserved. Our wild places, our welcoming community, and our one-of-a-kind character. As a visitor, you're part of the rhythm here. Share the trail with a smile, leash your dog, embrace a slower pace and park with care. Kindness, patience, and respect go a long way.

Local Tip: Want to feel like a local? Embrace the Truckee vibe—laid-back, thoughtful, and just a little quirky. We’re glad you’re here.

Dog Friendly Adventures

People on a deck by a river, toasting with drinks, under a red umbrella.

Buy & Support Local

Support Truckee-owned shops, restaurants, guides, and services. Booking direct and shopping at our locally owned businesses keeps our town vibrant and sustainable.

Buy Sustainable Truckee Gift Card

Modern lounge with green sofa, wooden chairs, dining table, and a wall-mounted TV. SpringHill Suites Marriott in Truckee California

Stay Sustainably, Book Locally

Look for Sustainable Truckee Certified Lodging that supports energy savings, water conservation, and waste reduction. Booking local helps our community thrive.

Local Tip: Book direct instead of using third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. It supports local businesses and can save you up to 15% in hidden fees.

Book Truckee Lodging