Sugar Pine Point Nature Trails

Multiple Trails
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Flat
Mileage (one way): Vary per trail

Sugar Pine Point State Park Hiking and Nature Trails
Explore the many trails that wind their way through this park’s awe-inspiring forest of sugar pine, aspen, juniper, and fir trees. Bring your camera! The lakefront setting at historic Ehrman Mansion is stunning. Pack a picnic and enjoy the grass near the mansion or at the Lake’s edge.

Lakefront Interpretive Trail
Length: ¼ mile
Terrain: flat, paved
This flat, paved trail starts at the North Boathouse and follows the shoreline to the South Boathouse. Guide brochures describe 10 points of interest along the trail and are available at the Nature Center.

Rod Beaudry Trail
Length: ½ mile
Terrain: flat, paved
This paved trail winds through the forest and features interpretive markers along the way with descriptions of the area and its history. It starts between the Park Office/Caretaker’s House and the Nature Center and ends at Highway 89.

Dolder Nature Trail
Length: 2.1 mile loop
Terrain: flat
Stroll through a mixed forest around the Edwin L. Z’Berg Natural Preserve. This unmanaged sub-alpine meadow habitat has been protected so that it can evolve with little to no human intervention. The trail also features beautiful lake views, a sandy beach, and the chance to visit a navigational lighthouse—the highest lighthouse (in elevation) still in operation in the world!

Lake Shore Trail
Length: ½ mile
Terrain: paved, grades exceed 10% in some areas
Walk along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and bask in its beauty. The trail starts at the western-most parking lot. Restrooms are available.

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Please Note: The next three trails, General Creek Trail to Lily Pond, Campground Trail, and West Shore Bike Trail, are in a separate location from the one’s listed above. You need to go to Sugar Pine Point State Park’s General Creek Campground just a short distance north on Highway 89.

General Creek Trail to Lily Pond
Length: 5.1 miles
Terrain: wide dirt road, narrow trail
This historical trail was part of the 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail. The trail is clearly marked and starts next to General Creek Campground campsite #150, behind the wooden gate, and heads up North Fire Road. Stay to the right (do not cross General Creek) and the main road will eventually turn into a trail where you can follow the signs to Lily Pond. The Lily Pond hike can be used to access Lost Lake or the Desolation Wilderness Area, but hikers must have a wilderness permit to venture to these destinations.

Campground Trail
Length: ¾ mile
Terrain: flat and paved
Meander through General Creek Campground on this relaxing trail that connects multiple campground loops.

West Shore Bike Trail
Length: 1 mile in the park (full length: 21.4 miles)
Terrain: paved
One mile of the West Shore Bike Trail is in Sugar Pine Point State Park, starting at the north and south of the entrance road to the park. The full West Shore Bike Trail starts in Truckee, CA and parallels Highway 89, going through Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, and Sugar Pine Point State Park. This is a great way to enjoy a leisure bike ride or stroll with the whole family. You can’t miss the path along Highway 89 from Sugar Pine State Park to Tahoe City.

Directions to Sugar Pine State Park: Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 20 miles or south from Tahoe City approximately 13 miles to Sugar Pine Point State Park.

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