South Lake Tahoe Shuttle: Kirkwood typically runs a daily shuttle from the major hotels and casinos. This is quite convenient for a day trip.
Driving to Kirkwood is more common, but somewhat more challenging. Highway 88 is less maintained by CalTrans compared to Highways 80 & 50. That said, for a skilled mountain and snow driver, the ride is quite scenic and “fun” to pour through the mountain corners.
There are 2 tricky sections including the Carson Spur, and Carson Pass. Both are prone to white out conditions with heavy snow and blowing winds. Further, when it has snowed more than 6 in, CalTrans will typically perform snow safety on these cliff areas, often bringing down a small, controlled avalanche. This will cover the roads and typically they stay closed for 2-6 hours. CalTrans tries to time these controlled avalanches to ensure the road opens before 9 am and or reopens before 4 pm – however, mother nature tends to dictate
Driving to Kirkwood Depends on Where You’re Coming From….
Reno / Tahoe Airport This is quite an easy drive, and unfortunately you will need to rent a car as there is no formal transportation service or airport shuttle. The good news is that most condo’s do offer underground parking, which is quite convenient. You’ll want to get on HWY 395 South to Minden / Gardnerville, then head up into the mountains on HWY 88 West until you reach Kirkwood- Total drive time is about 90 mins
South Lake Tahoe
Take HWY 50 West from the Casino’s to HWY 89 South, then turn right onto HWY 88 when it comes to the “T” at Pickets Junction. Then follow HWY 88 West until you reach Kirkwood – Total drive time is about 45-60 mins.
Sacramento
Take HWY 99 South to HWY 104 West in Gault. Head out 104 through Ione until you hit HWY 88 East. Turn Left on 88 East until you get to Ridge Road, just a couple miles before Jackson. Take a left on Ridge Road at the light and continue until you come back and meet up with HWY 88 East in the town of Pine Grove. Continue on HWY 88 East until you reach Kirkwood. – Total drive time is about 2 hours.
San Francisco & North Bay
Take HWY 80 East to Sacramento. As you reach West Sacramento, stay left on the HWY and merge onto HWY 50 to So Lake Tahoe. In about 10 miles you’ll see the exit for HWY 99 South toward Stockton. Take HWY 99 South to HWY 104 West in Gault. Head out 104 through Ione until you hit HWY 88 East. Turn Left on 88 East until you get to Ridge Road, just a couple miles before Jackson. Take a left on Ridge Road at the light and continue until you come back and meet up with HWY 88 East in the town of Pine Grove. Continue on HWY 88 East until you reach Kirkwood. – Total drive time is about 3.5 – 4 hours.
San Jose & South Bay
Take HWY 580 East to Stockton, you’ll follow into HWY 5 North to Stockton. Continue past Stockton and Hammer Lane about 10 miles until 8 Mile Rd. Take 8 Mile Rd East to HWY 88 West. Turn Left on 88 East until you get to Ridge Road, just a couple miles before Jackson. Take a left on Ridge Road at the light and continue until you come back and meet up with HWY 88 East in the town of Pine Grove. Continue on HWY 88 East until you reach Kirkwood. – Total drive time is about 3.5 – 4 hours.