nature · Lake Tahoe, United States
Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra
A filming location from Top Gun: Maverick in Lake Tahoe.
Michael Nevins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
The scene
The white-knuckle low-level training runs, threading between ridgelines and down into valleys, were flown over the granite of the High Sierra around Lake Tahoe, with the lake basin among the terrain used.
How to visit
You cannot fly the canyon run, but the Sierra scenery is yours to drive and hike. Loop the lake for viewpoints over Emerald Bay, ride a summer gondola for the aerial angle, or take a scenic flight to see the granite country the way the cameras did.
- Emerald Bay and its island are the postcard stop on the west shore.
- Nevada's Sand Harbor has the clearest turquoise water on the lake.
Where to stay
Hotels near Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra
Same hotels, same prices, Stay22 just sends you to whichever site is cheapest today, and we earn a small commission if you book.
Make a day of it
Tours, tickets & getting there
Affiliate links, booking through them supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Good to know
- What was filmed at Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra?
- The white-knuckle low-level training runs, threading between ridgelines and down into valleys, were flown over the granite of the High Sierra around Lake Tahoe, with the lake basin among the terrain used.
- Can you visit Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra?
- You cannot fly the canyon run, but the Sierra scenery is yours to drive and hike. Loop the lake for viewpoints over Emerald Bay, ride a summer gondola for the aerial angle, or take a scenic flight to see the granite country the way the cameras did.
- Where is Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra?
- Lake Tahoe & the High Sierra is a real filming location in Lake Tahoe.