Enjoy Relative Seclusion at Hidden Beach Near Incline Village
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach…
2 minute read | may contain affiliate links
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach!
Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this secluded gem offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and beach-goers alike.
In this article, we'll take you on a virtual journey to this picturesque oasis, unveiling its breathtaking views, turquoise waters and the myriad of experiences it has to offer.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable lakeside adventure that will leave you in awe. Let's dive in and discover the hidden paradise of Hidden Beach.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Getting To and Parking For Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach doesn’t get nearly as crowded as those nearby, like Sand Harbor and Crystal Bay. A big reason for that is you can’t drive up to it.
To access it, you’ll need to park at the Tunnel Creek or Bullwheel lots at the north end of highway 28 near the Tunnel Creek Cafe.
Parking fees are associated with these lots and are hourly (the rates for 2023 are pictured above). If the lots are full, you can get there with the East Shore Express Shuttle.
To reach Hidden Beach, you’ll need to hike for about a mile on the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
The trail is paved and the grade never exceeds 8%, making it easy to push a stroller or pull a wagon (to haul all of your lake day essentials with).
At first, the trail runs along the opposite side of the highway, but will eventually take you to the shore side via a tunnel.
Beautiful murals, each depicting different perspectives of Lake Tahoe, adorn the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.
When you get to the opposite end of the tunnel, you’ll want to bear left to get to Hidden Beach. Shortly thereafter, you’ll see the shore access sign on your right.
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is reached via the shoreline access trail (pictured above). The trail is short, taking less than a minute to reach the sand.
The beach is roughly 750 feet long and features rocky alcoves and an abundance of granite boulders dotting the shore.
As stated above, Hidden Beach doesn’t get all that crowded. People mostly pop-in and pop-out while hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
Hidden Beach may not be as popular or even as scenic as nearly Sand Harbor, but the relative seclusion you’ll enjoy more than makes up for it.
If you have an inflatable SUP (paddle board) or kayak, you’re allowed to use them here. You can also bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed.
I hope you’ll consider spending a beach day at Hidden Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil Lake Tahoe beaches I’ve ever been to and I have no doubt you'd enjoy it too.
If you’re interested, check out a few more of my posts about nearby attractions:
Also, if you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe (or any lake/beach for that matter) consider reading my list of 25 lake day essentials:
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How to Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe
You may be asking why I’m making a post about Lake Tahoe and putting it in the “Nevada” section. Many people don’t actually…
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
Welcome to my comprehensive guide on visiting Skunk Harbor, a hidden(ish) gem nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Tahoe.
Skunk Harbor offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and a tranquil hiking trail that’ll leave you in awe of its natural splendor.
Located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, Skunk Harbor is a welcomed break from the hectic, overly touristy southern portion of Tahoe.
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a sense of serenity, surrounded by towering pine trees, crystal-clear turquoise water and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
In this guide, I’ll cover many topics such as parking, the hiking trail, the cove itself and what to expect along the way. Let’s get into it!
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Trail Stats
Location: Lake Tahoe (east shore)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: All year, but difficult to access in winter
For: Hikers
Restroom: None
Parking: Two small pull-out style lots along the highway
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out
Popularity: Medium to high
Mileage: 2.8-miles, RT
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 567 feet
Condition: Maintained, easy to follow
Features: A cove with clear waters and a historic cabin
Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed
Drones: Allowed, per the B4UFLY App
Hazards: Hike out is steep and sun exposed
Our Visit(s): 2016, 2017, 2019 and July 2023
Skunk Harbor Parking
Lake Tahoe in general is notorious for its parking issues, but the eastern shoreline along Highway 28 is in a league all its own.
There are two small, pull-out style lots along the side of Highway 28 specifically for Skunk Harbor. However, they’re difficult to spot as they’re not signed.
Your best bet is to utilize a GPS device to locate them. That way you’ll know when they’re coming up.
If you’re coming from Carson City or the south shore, keep an eye out for the gate pictured above. Just past that gate is the first lot with a second, slightly larger one further up.
If you’re coming from Incline Village, you’ll know you’ve gone too far if you’ve reached Spooner Lake. Turn around a try again.
There is no parking fee (yet) but as of June 2023 and for the foreseeable future, construction on Highway 28 could damper, or even block your ability to park here.
There is ongoing efforts to improve the parking situation along this stretch of the lake. I’d wager that once they're done, there will be parking fees implemented.
The Trail To Skunk Harbor
If you parked in the lot near the gate, the trail begins past the gate along a forest service road. If you parked in the second one, the trail is a semi-steep descent on a dirt path that’ll soon intersect with the main trail.
For a short time the trail is gravel but soon turns to dirt. It’s much wider than your standard hiking trail, though. So it’s perfect for groups and pets.
Before the trail descends towards Skunk Harbor, you’ll be presented with a fork in the trail. Take a slight left to continue on the trail proper (don’t take the sharp left down the forest road).
Shortly after this fork, you’ll walk between a couple of boulder stacks. Here, you’ll get a commanding view of Lake Tahoe and the mountains. Past here, you’ll begin your descent.
You’ll hit a few switchbacks before reaching the bottom. The initial half loop to the first switchback is steep, but they become more level after that.
As you approach the cove, you’ll see a stone stairwell with a trail marker indicating the correct path. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see a small wooden bridge ahead of you.
Skunk Harbor
If you get an early start, you’ll likely have Skunk Harbor largely to yourself. If you come later in the day, though, the cove and its beach will likely be inundated with anchored boats and beach goers.
Early in the season, there won’t be much a beach but as snowmelt eases, it’ll become more exposed. The boulders near the mouth will be accessible as well.
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To the right of where you came in is a old stone cabin that was built in the early 1920’s by a wealthy family who purchased Skunk Harbor.
The interior of the cabin isn’t accessible but can be viewed through the grating in the window. You can explore all angles of the exterior, though.
Behind the cabin is a dirt path that’ll lead you to an overlook of Skunk Harbor. There are a lot of downed trees and boulders here, so you’ll need to navigate those.
From here, you’re able to better see the remains of the cabin’s boating dock submerged in the water.
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I hope you’ll consider hiking to (or boating into) Skunk Harbor during your visit to Lake Tahoe. Get there early and you’re guaranteed to spend a serene morning in nature.
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Hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor
Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a natural gem that beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring…
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Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a natural gem that beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring beauty. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine landscapes, this iconic destination offers an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.
Among the many trails that wind their way through this pristine wilderness, the Tahoe East Shore Trail stands out as an enchanting path that leads hikers on a captivating journey to Sand Harbor State Park.
Stretching along the eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe, the East Shore Trail is a remarkable testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural wonders.
Spanning approximately three miles, this meticulously crafted trail offers an unparalleled immersiveness into the splendor of the surrounding environment.
The pinnacle of this remarkable journey lies at the destination—Sand Harbor State Park. This iconic gem is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations that emerge from the lake's depths.
Whether you're a solo adventurer or a family looking to create memories, hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park promises an escape from the day-to-day normalities.
In this guide, I’ll cover many must-know topics such as where to find parking, the length of the trail, which offshoot trails are the best and more!
Trail Stats
Location: Incline Village, NV
Fee: None for the trail, but there are variable parking fees and entry fees to Sand Harbor
Permit: None
Open: All year, but can be icy in winter
Restroom: At the Tunnel Creek parking lot, multiple throughout the trail and multiple at Sand Habor
Parking: Large(ish) paved lot at the Tunnel Creek parking lot and a huge lot at Sand Harbor
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Mileage: 2.5 miles (one-way) but can add more with the many offshoot trails
Time: 2-3 hours
Condition: Meticulously maintained
Features: The eastern shoreline, many coves/beaches and Sand Harbor State Park
Pets: Dog friendly, but must be leashed
Drones: No signs stating you can’t. The Nevada side of the lake is fairly drone friendly. No drone use allowed in Sand Harbor, though
Our Visit(s): June 2023
Trailhead, Parking & Fees
Construction on the Tahoe East Shore Trail took decades to complete, but officials knew right away how popular it would become. So ample parking was a major focus of the project.
On the north end of the trail are the Tunnel Creek and Bullwheel parking lots. They’re right off highway 28 and are adjacent to the Tunnel Creek Cafe and Monkey Rock trailhead.
In peak season, these lots tend to fill quickly. I arrived at 9:30 am and found only a few open spaces. So plan for an early arrival.
If the lots are full, you can drive to and park at the old Incline Elementary School and take the East Shore Express shuttle in. Fares are $3 per person (half that for seniors and those with disabilities).
Also during peak season, you’ll need to pay to park. Fees are charged per hour and depend on timeframe, day, month, etc. For reference, the photo below shows the fees as of June 2023.
You can pay via one of the digital pay stations or by texting the phone number in the picture below. If you intend to use the pay station, these are the steps:
Enter your license plate number
Insert your card (you’ll be charged an initial one-hour fee)
Select the amount of hours you want (go with more than what you’ll think you’ll need)
You’ll be charged upfront for the amount of hours selected and be given a receipt
If you’re not feeling up to hiking the trail, there’s a vendor called Flume Trail Bikes located adjacent to the parking lot where you can rent bicycles from. Additionally, if you’re feeling hungry, the Tunnel Creek Cafe is also right next to the parking lot.
Also at the trailhead is your first opportunity at using a restroom. It’s a port-o-potty set up and wasn’t maintained all that well, so come prepared.
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You’ll find the official start of the trail just past the informational display. I highly suggest giving it a read before heading out. It details the history of the trail, its construction and future plans.
The Tahoe East Shore Trail
You’ll start out on the opposite side of highway 28 (or the, “Mountain Side”). This section of the trail is the only one where there’s some elevation change.
When you get up the hill, you’ll be treated to epic views of the north side of the lake. This section is still wheelchair and stroller friendly as the grade never exceedes 8%.
This section is only a half mile or so, but the views are outstanding. It’s also the only section that has some shade provided by the tall pine trees.
As you reach the peak, you can look out ahead of you and get a glimpse of Sand Harbor State Park in the distance. From here, you’ll dip down and realign with the highway.
The second half of the trail continues along the shoreline on the other side. You won’t need to cross the highway, though, as the trail was built to go underneath.
The interior walls of the tunnel are covered in beautiful murals, each side depicting Lake Tahoe and its surrounding mountains.
Coming out of the tunnel you’ll arrive to a clearing where there’s more informational signage, views of the lake and another restroom.
If you’ll be taking the above mentioned shuttle to the trail, this is where they’ll drop you off. So you’ll effectively save yourself a half mile by doing so.
From the tunnel, you’re about 1.5 miles from Sand Harbor. To continue along the trail, go left coming out of the tunnel. This is also where you’ll come across your first offshoot trail.
There are many offshoots leading to a variety of beaches and coves that were once not as easily accessible as they are now. Each one only takes a minute or less to reach.
The first of which is the ever popular Hidden Beach. It’s small in comparison at just 750 feet, but it sees far less people than nearby Sand Harbor.
It’s also dog friendly and aside from parking, there are no fees associated with it. I highly recommend spending some time here.
Continue further down the trail and arrive to the next offshoot; Balancing Rock. There are two entry/exit points here so there’s no need to go back up the same way you came in.
The main feature here is the flat(ish) granite boulder balancing on a smaller pile of granite boulders beneath it in the water. It’s nothing spectacular but still worth a look.
Past Balancing Rock, the next few offshoots I either skipped or simply viewed from the trail (there was a storm coming in that afternoon and I wanted to beat it). Those offshoots include:
Granite Cove
Artist’s Point
Mountain Vista
Dipper Point
At Artist’s Point is another opportunity at using a restroom. This one is shared between trail users and people traveling on highway 28. From Artist’s Point, you’re about a half mile from Sand Harbor.
There are two more offshoots before you arrive to Sand Harbor, both of which I highly recommend visiting as I feel they both rival Sand Harbor in terms of beauty. They are Sunset Cove and Emerald Cove. Both are similar in that they’re dotted with granite boulder shorelines, have crystal clear turquoise water and require a hike down a quick trail.
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If you must choose, I recommend Sunset Cove as it’s much easier to access and has an actual beach, whereas Emerald Cove was lined with boulders.
From here, continue down the trail for another 2/10’s of a mile before getting your first glimpse of the mega popular and beautiful Sand Harbor State Park. As you approach the entrance to Sand Harbor, you’ll start seeing signs stating as such and the fees associated with entering.
To walk or bike into Sand Harbor you’ll need to pay the $2 per person fee. You can pay cash or utilize the digital pay station near the ranger shack. If you’re paying with a card, be sure to select “other” rather than the “day-use” option to avoid over paying. The ranger helped me to avoid that mistake.
Once in the park, you can stay for as long as you like. Your ticket is good until one hour past sunset. There are many beaches and coves to explore.
Sand Harbor has many restrooms available and an on-site restaurant. The larger beach is located at the far end of the park from where you’ll enter.
From here, simply head back in the same way you came. If you like, you can utilize the above mentioned shuttle to take you most of the way back. You’ll still need to walk the final half mile, though.
Your Thoughts…
Since this trail is popular and follows highway 28, this isn’t a peaceful hike through the woods. On the flip side, this shoreline is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Tahoe and is a must-see for any visitor.
Up until Sand Harbor, the entire trail is wheelchair accessible and is pet, stroller, bicycle and family friendly.
Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Are you planning a trip to Tahoe soon? Let us know in the comments and in the meantime, check out our other Tahoe related posts below!
Cave Rock Trail: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe
Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view at the end will prove that assumption wrong.
This trail is great for hikers, families and everyone in between. If you happen to be driving through on a trip, it’s an excellent way to stretch your legs for an hour or so.
Note that this post is about the actual trail to the top of Cave Rock and not the state park on the other side of the highway. Those are two different things.
In this post, we’ll cover topics such as parking, how to find the trailhead, what to expect along the trail and more. Let’s get into it!
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Quick Stats
Location: Stateline, NV (Tahoe)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Year round
For: Everyone
Restroom: None
Parking: Tiny lot with enough room for 4-5 vehicles
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy (though there’s some scrambling involved)
Popularity: Medium to high
Mileage: Less than a mile, roundtrip
Time: One hour
Elevation Gain: 137-feet
Condition: Maintained (not signed)
Features: Cave Rock & view of Lake Tahoe
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones*: Allowed on the trail and Cave Rock itself (not within the state park boundaries, though)
Hazards: You’ll need to scramble up Cave Rock to get to the top. It’s nothing too difficult, though.
Our Visit(s): 2016 & 2022
*We refer to the app, “B4UFLY”, to help determine if we’re legally allowed to launch our drone from a particular location. We suggest you do the same to ensure you’re flying responsibly.
Cave Rock Trailhead & Parking
When looking for the parking lot and trailhead for the Cave Rock trail, many people mistakingly go to Cave Rock State Park along the shore of the lake.
Unfortunately, there is no access to the trail from there. That area is for swimming, kayaking and other types of recreating.
For the trail to the top of Cave Rock, you’ll need to drive up Cave Rock road, just off the highway. You’ll see a, “Cave Rock Estates”, sign indicating the correct road.
About a quarter-of-a-mile up the road (as it elbows), you’ll see a tiny, pull-out style lot on the left side of the road. This is the parking lot for the trail (pictured above).
As you can see, there isn’t a whole lot of room. It’s a stretch to even call it a parking lot. There’s room for maybe four or five vehicles.
On top of that, there’s no parking allowed along the street (you could get towed). If there’s no space, you may have to circle around a couple times.
Due to this, we recommend getting here early. We arrived at around 8am and there was just one other couple at the rock.
Cave Rock Trail
The trail is a well maintained, compacted dirt path that’s less than a mile, out and back. You will be walking at an incline but it’s barely noticeable.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to periodic views of Cave Rock and the lake itself. There’s a few spots to get creative with your camera by using the trees to frame the rock.
As you get further up the trail, you’ll see a large set of boulders on the right side of the trail (pictured below).
Shortly after these boulders, you’ll come to an unsigned junction. Keep left (in the direction of Cave Rock) to remain on the trail.
Almost immediately after bearing left, the base of Cave Rock will come into view.
If you or someone in your group isn’t up for scrambling up the rock, you can get a similar view as the one up top.
For an even better view, though, you’ll want to get to the top. To begin, make your way around the rock-wall to begin your climb.
Scrambling Up Cave Rock
There’s no actual trail or path to the top. Take a minute to scan the boulders around you, use common sense and scramble your way up.
If we had to rate it, we’d both say it’s an easy, beginner level scramble. Or the lower end of moderate, at worst. It only took us about five minutes.
The views from the top are simply jaw-dropping, no matter which direction you look. Being up here for sunrise or sunset would be even more amazing.
There isn’t a lot of room up here. So if you’re here on a particular busy day, expect it to be a bit cramped. In our experiences, though, its never been an issue.
When you’re done taking in the views, safely scramble back down the rock and head back to your car. If you’re up for more adventures, see our posts below for a few other Lake Tahoe hikes.
“Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe”
“Hiking To Cascade Falls Near Emerald Bay”
“How To Kayak To Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”
Your Thoughts…
Does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy doing? Have you been to the top of Cave Rock? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!
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