How Experiencing Awe Changes You

Awe. It’s a feeling we all seek. It takes your breath away. It blows your mind. It makes you grateful to be alive and, according to new research, that’s just the start. Experiencing awe, it turns out, has lasting and measurable benefits, according to a recent study by Dr. Paul Piff at the University of California, Irvine, which examined the effects of awe in one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world—Lake Tahoe.

The results were as astounding as the lake itself. After multiple studies involving over a thousand participants, Dr. Piff and his team found that the effects of awe included measurable improvements on overall well-being, contentment, connection to the world, and care for the environment. 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. “Our study of awe showed focusing on an epic view for just two minutes can significantly increase happiness,” Dr. Piff says.

Learn more about this groundbreaking research in the three-part video series, “Beyond Awestruck: The Scientific Search for Connection,” and see below to discover ways to experience some of Lake Tahoe’s most awe-inspiring places for yourself.

The Awe List

When Dr. Piff’s team went looking for places to inspire awe, they had plenty of Tahoe gems to choose from, including these.

Van Sickle State Park Trail

This easy-access escape features serene forest scenes and sprawling views of the lake. And your visit could do a lot more than fill an afternoon—according to Dr. Piff’s research, even two minutes in a forest setting produced mood changes. Bonus: From the park you can also access the Tahoe Rim Trail, a truly awe-inspiring trail that travels 165 miles around the whole lake.

Heavenly Gondola

One of Tahoe’s most all-encompassing views is also the site where Dr. Piff’s team collected extensive data on the effects of awe. And for good reason—it’s one of the best places to see Tahoe’s towering mountains set against the lake’s endless blue waters.

Clearly Tahoe Kayak Experience

What better way to experience the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe than on a clear glass kayak? Dr. Piff says watching his kids experience the awe of this one-of-a-kind experience made him appreciate the lake in a whole new way.

Fallen Leaf Lake

The quieter shores of Fallen Leaf Lake give visitors the chance to experience the serenity of the mountains just a short drive from town. Awe can be found everywhere, from scenic camping spots to summit hikes and on the water itself.

Zephyr Cove Beach

This iconic Tahoe location is home to awe of all kinds, whether you’re relaxing on the mile-long sandy beach or paddling along some of the lake’s most rugged stretches of shoreline.

Rubicon Trail

This path travels 8.2 miles along Tahoe’s rugged shoreline, revealing jaw-dropping lake views along the way. Rubicon Point, an outcropping at the site of an old lighthouse, is a fitting place to take in the awe of Tahoe’s past and present.

Timber Cove Marina

Location, location, location. Timber Cove, situated on the South Shore, affords both sunrise and sunset views. Between the easy access, glorious lake views, and awe-inspiring light shows, this is a must-visit place to start or end the day.

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.