Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

465 m

Junction of Tahoe East Shore Trail and Lakeshore Trail

Highlight • Trail

Main junction in the trail system along the Northeast side of Lake Tahoe, and Incline village.

Tip by

2.26 km

Monkey Rock

Highlight • Viewpoint

To reach Monkey Rock from here, leave Tunnel Creek Trail in the western direction and follow the signs. Once you are at the rock, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. It is said, that the rock, looking like a monkey, got its facial features carved in by a local.

Tip by

3.70 km

Balanced Rock at the Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail

Highlight • Natural Monument

This isn't the famous Balanced Rock nature trail, with a giant boulder poised atop a narrower rock as if it had been set there by aliens. But it's still a beautiful view of the shore and yes, there is (technically) one rock balanced on another.

Tip by

5.03 km

Memorial Point Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Memorial Point Overlook is located between Incline Village and San Harbor and offers spectacular views over Lake Tahoe and its large granite formations. Memorial Point hosts a very short trail to the shore, where you will find information boards about the flora and fauna of the area.

Tip by

5.03 km

Tahoe East Shore Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor is a must for anyone visiting North Lake Tahoe. There is one hill as you leave/enter Incline Village, but the rest of the trail is flat and follows along Tahoe's east shore, with incredible views around every corner. Eventually you'll end up at the fantastic Sand Harbor State Park, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and water before heading back to Incline Village.

Tip by

6.50 km

Hidden Beach, Lake Tahoe

Highlight • Beach

Hidden Beach actually isn't that hidden anymore but located about one mile south of Incline Village. But that doesn't make it less beautiful and you will love to go for a swim and enjoy the boulder-shoreline.

Tip by

6.54 km