Spending Time Outdoors is Great. Experiencing Awe is Even Better.

Until recently, “awe” was not something that academic researchers studied. But when Dr. Paul Piff, a social psychologist at the University of California, Irvine, became interested in the experience of awe, he had a radical idea. What if you could actually measure it? What if you could design a research project that produced evidence-based data about the effect of awe on the people experiencing it? The result was an unprecedented study led by Piff and his team, who traveled to one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world—Lake Tahoe—and interviewed more than a thousand people.

Good news for everyone who likes the outdoors: The study shows that feeling awe produces measurable improvements on overall well-being, contentment, connection to the world, and care for the environment. And that’s just the start. Whether people were on the hiking trail, along the lakeshore, on the water, or looking out from stunning viewpoints, their feelings of awe had lasting effects. Learn more about this groundbreaking research in the three-part video series, “Beyond Awestruck: The Scientific Search for Connection.”

Here are some of the key findings shared by Dr. Piff.

• Focusing on an epic view for two minutes can increase happiness by 33%.
• A quick hike can make you 9% more refreshed, calm, and re-energized.
• Going kayaking can reduce anxiety by 7%.
• Awe experiences boost life satisfaction by 8%.
• Experiencing awe boosts environmental stewardship by more than 20%.
• Experiencing awe increases connection to the world by 12%.

Convinced? Do Your Own Experiment on These Awe-Inspiring Tahoe Hikes.

The Tahoe Rim Trail

The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the country’s best “short long” trails, as it can be done in less than two weeks—no need to quit your job—and the views-per-mile can’t be beat as it circumnavigates the lake and surrounding mountains. For thru-hikers, it’s a great way to experience the High Sierra landscape, but it can also be completed in smaller chunks. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association breaks it into 14 individual day hikes.

Mount Tallac Trail

It’s hard to miss Mount Tallac standing watch over the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tahoe. No other mountain in the region strikes that awe-inspiring balance of towering height (9,738 feet) and proximity to the shoreline, and the view from the top is just as spectacular. This imposing peak is a popular yet strenuous hike. The five-mile trip to the summit tackles almost 3,300 feet of elevation as it wanders through tall pines, past serene alpine lakes, and atop open ridgelines, culminating in the most dramatic views of Lake Tahoe found anywhere.

Round Lake via Big Meadow

The hike to Round Lake via the Big Meadow Trail is like a Tahoe highlight reel, meandering through the aptly named meadow toward the lake, passing shady forests, pockets of wildflowers, and quiet creek crossings. Surrounded by rugged High Sierra cliffs, Round Lake gives hikers a remote backcountry feel after only three miles of one-way travel. The trail slowly gains its 1,200 feet of elevation after a quick series of steep switchbacks.

Lake Tahoe is a jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, awe-inducing experience. (And there is research to prove it.) Visit Lake Tahoe shares the wonder of this iconic alpine lake with the world and works passionately to preserve its grandeur and good times for endless generations. Explore things to do, places to stay and all the reasons to visit the South Shore of Lake Tahoe 365 days a year at VisitLakeTahoe.com.