Sugar Pine Point State Park
Bordering Lake Tahoe for almost two miles, Sugar Pine Point State Park is the largest state park at Lake Tahoe. Explore its 2,000 acres filled with sugar pine, aspen, juniper, and fir forests, plus 3.5 miles that extends into the Desolation Wilderness Area. Discover beachfront trails, gorgeous hikes, campground, swimming holes, and boating opportunities. Reconnect with the past at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, an early 1900s summer retreat. Take the challenge of fishing for Mackinaw, Kokanee Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.
Location, Fees, and Operating Hours
Sugar Pine Point State Park can be found on the west shore of Lake Tahoe just 10 miles south of Tahoe City, CA, on Highway 89.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted here, and you can expect day-use parking fees to start around $8. For camping fees and park hours call the park office at (530) 525-7982.
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For current tour times and ticket prices call (530) 525-7232.
Activities and Adventures
Sugar Pine Point State Park is meant to be explored and discovered! You can grab a map and head out on your own, or take advantage of guide services and programs.
Start your summer adventure at the Nature Center and Gift Shop, located in the Tank House and open daily from June to the end of August, plus weekends in September. Immerse yourself in the region’s geology and natural history with hands-on exhibits, interpretive displays, and an educational theater. This is also the place to get recreational guides and books.
Walk on the Dolder Nature Trail, which circles the Edwin L. Z’berg Natural Preserve and other easy nature trails. Check out the Junior Ranger Program for children between the ages 7 to 12. This summer program is led by the park staff and offers wonderful activities that foster an appreciation of our cultural and natural heritage. The park has many Hiking and Nature Trails that can be explored on your own with an informative brochure, or with a live guide in the spring, summer, and fall when staff is available. Overnight adventurists head to the General Creek Campground with its 175 sites that are open year-round.
The Beach
Sugar Pine State Park’s beachfront encompasses 7,000 feet. Enjoy swimming and fishing at the pier. Gently sloping lawns shaded by towering trees provide the perfect lakeside picnic spot. Bicyclists love to ride the West Shore Bike Trail. Play a game of tennis on the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion’s tennis court, or tour the Pine Lodge’s two boathouses to see the boats that helped start Lake Tahoe boating events. Boaters can launch, moor, and rent boats at nearby marinas, such as Obexer’s Boat Company, located in Homewood. Unfortunately, boats cannot be beached or moored overnight at Sugar Pine Point State Park due to space limitations. Within just a few miles drive are other great Lake Tahoe beaches you might want to check out while visiting the area.
Love camping? Then book your next campsite at General Creek Campground, one of the largest in the Lake Tahoe basin. The scenic forest setting, paved roads, bike path, hiking trails and campground amenities make this an ideal Lake Tahoe campground.
Snow Activities
Wintertime brings a whole different kind of exploration with Guided Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe Excursions. Beginner and intermediate cross country skiers enjoy the easy terrain at Sugar Pine Point State Park. With 18.7 kilometers to explore, you will discover five color-coded trails that range from one to three miles in length. Sugar Pine is rich in Olympic history. Yes, you heard it right, the VIII Winter Olympics were held here in 1960. Check out the General Creek Trail, which takes you to the center of where the men’s events took place. The biathlon as well as the men’s cross country events were held here.
Activity schedules and interpretive guides are available online or by calling the park office (530) 525-7982 (snow phone), (530) 525-7232 (information). The two groomed cross-country ski trails can be explored on your own as well, and ski and snowshoe lessons are available on many weekends during the winter. This park is not dog friendly.
General Creek Campground is also the only site for winter camping on Lake Tahoe. There several other great cross country skiing trails and downhill ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe basin to keep you busy this winter.
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Map / Directions
7360 W Lake Blvd
Tahoma, CA 96142
