Shore Thing

Pedal the East Shore Bike Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe

08.16.2023

Called “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway” and opened in 2019 after years of arduous planning and work, the Tahoe East Shore Trail lives up to the hype with unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada shoreline, with access points to beach enclaves and coves.

The paved 3-mile multi-use and car-free trail has you pedaling from Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Beach, making it much easier to get to the beaches along this stretch of shoreline! It’s also one of the few places in Tahoe where you can take your dog (they are allowed on this path, leashed).

Cruising this trail you’ll see Crystal Bay early on as you get a beautiful perspective of the lake and its water-color variations—from turquoise to royal blue. Massive granite boulders around the shoreline are like frames to postcard scenery; some are nice spots for taking a seat or sunbathing. After a mile you’ll reach Hidden Beach, a crystalline oasis with a panorama of the surrounding mountains. Keep going to Memorial Point Scenic Overlook and on to Sand Harbor Beach and State Park.

BONUS: There’s a dedicated parking lot near Tunnel Creek Café, allowing easy access from your car to the Tahoe East Shore Trail. There are also bathrooms and bike repair stations along the route. 

The Tahoe East Shore Trail is open sunrise to sunset. Three self-pay parking lots along State Route 28 in Incline Village have parking near Ponderosa Ranch Rd. (map). You can also check if the East Shore Express and Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit are offering summer service to the trail. The trail is dog-friendly.

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