Lake Tahoe – Easy Hike to Spectacular Views: Cave Rock Hike
When you’re driving along the east side of Lake Tahoe, you’ll inevitably reach a tunnel that burrows through a massive volcanic rock. It’s great fun to drive through the tunnel, but you’ll get a spectacular view if you climb to the top. This is Cave Rock and here’s my mini-post about the mini Cave Rock Hike! I’ve done the hike twice: March 2018 and August 2020. It was fun to compare the photos and see how I used the same exact rock to take pictures! Hilarious.
Before I even get into the post, I wanted to mention that there is a bit of a scramble and steep drop-offs at the top of Cave Rock. If you are bringing children or have a fear of heights, please use extra caution and only do what you’re comfortable with. Even if you do not do the final scramble, the trail has gorgeous views.
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The Short Cave Rock Hike
The first part of the trail is a sandy, gradual climb. In August, it was a warm sunny day, and this section was baking! The gradual climb is where the bulk of the .9 roundtrip miles comes from but only takes about 10 minutes. During this section, you’ll see cave rock get closer and closer on your left until you’re directly facing it.
Once you reach the rock, there is a scramble to the top. I did not find this scramble particularly difficult, but it requires an “all-fours” approach, meaning I was using both hands and legs. Before starting this scramble, be sure to secure all items – snacks, water bottles, phone, tripod, etc. You don’t want to litter accidentally! My mother, who has a fear of heights, did not do this scramble the first time. However, the second time, she was able to make it up and stay in one spot. But after the scramble, you’ve made it to the top of Cave Rock!
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars – I’ve already gone twice and would go again
- Intensity: Casual clothes, stable shoes
- Location: The bike path is 3 miles in length from Incline Village to Sand Harbor
- Cost: Free, finding parking might be challenging
- Restrooms: none!
- Timing: 30 min to 1 hour
- Distance: .9 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: about 165 ft
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
- A short hike makes it easy to do at any time of day.
Lowlights:
- Steep drops make this hike unnerving for people with a fear of heights.
Views from the Top
The top of Cave Rock is somewhat flat with 180-degree views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains! It is stunning to be up there with the uninterrupted views. It’s fun to visually find where some areas you know might be, such as Emerald Bay, DL Bliss, Maggie’s Peak, etc. It’s harder than you think! And obviously, the top of Cave Rock is a beautiful spot for photos. Please be careful and move slowly around the top of Cave Rock to take pictures. There is a great rock to dangle your feet from, which is not dangerous but looks like it could be with the proper cropping.
Even in the height of summer, there was only one other couple when I visited in August 2020. And they ended up leaving not long after we arrived. Having Cave Rock to yourself is wonderful, but if you arrive at a busy time, I recommend chilling for a bit. I feel like most people come for a photo and leave, so if you stick around, you’ll likely have it to yourself.
Visiting at different times of year will also give a new vibe. When I went in March 2018, most of the mountains had a dusting of snow, and it was gorgeous. Yes, it was chilly, and we had to keep an eye on the clouds, but I loved the view. We also never saw anyone else on the trail, so this could be a phenomenal winter hike.
The Return Trip
And when you’re ready to leave, make sure to take a look around and grab any trash. Since this is a public and easily accessible spot, I worry about it closing down or completely trashed. Fingers crossed it does not! You’ll need to do the same scramble on the way down. If you’re nervous, I recommend facing the rocks and doing one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be back at the base of the rock, then the gradual decline back to your car!
Getting to the Trailhead
On the south side of the tunnel, you’ll want to make a turn onto Cave Rock Drive. Head up the hill, and there will be a tiny parking area for about three cars on the first hairpin turn. Right at the hairpin turn is the trailhead! When I visited in August 2020, construction was happening, and bulldozers were parked in these spots. Instead, we parked up the road and were able to walk through to the trail. Surrounding the trailhead is a residential area, so please be respectful when parking.
Trailhead address: Cave Rock Trailhead, 669 Cave Rock Drive, Glenbrook, NV 89413
Trailhead coordinates: 39.0420, -119.9465 (39° 02′ 31.2″N 119° 56′ 47.4″W)
GOING AGAIN IN 2022
During my 2022 family vacation to Lake Tahoe, I took my sister up the Cave Rock Trail. My mother tried to warn her how terrifying it was, but we went anyways and my sister had no problems at all! Hah! We went mid-day on a Thursday and encountered very few crowds because people don’t stay long at the top. They typically come for the photo and leave, which may be different for sunset. We took our time because I just had to get a picture sitting on the same rock as the last two visits.
After the “hike,” we rewarded ourselves with a stop at Clydes Coffee shop. They have great coffee and a delectable selection of pastries each morning. Certain types of pastries tend to run out, so the earlier you can get there, the better. When we visited after the hike, they had warm apple strudel with fresh cream. It was tasty!!
Cave Rock – What to Bring With You
Cave Rock Hike is very short, so you won’t need much. You can bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, and snacks. Or leave it in the car for when you return! It’s up to you.
- Download the Alltrails Map
- Day Pack – I used a small 18L backpack from Amazon. Consider the Gregory May 16 or small Osprey pack for a more comfortable experience.
- Shoes – I’ve done this hike in a variety of shoes, as you can see in the photo. One time I hiked in sandals like Teva or Chaco; in winter, I hiked it in my Sorel Snowboats, and most recently, I wore a full-on hiking boot – the brown Columbia Newton Ridge. I do think more grip is best, especially if you are nervous about heights. My sister wore the Keen Targhee II Mid.
- I also use a layered socks system to prevent blisters, which includes a sock liner, like this EcoMade one, with a thicker one on top like the theEcoMade midweight or Marino Wool midweight
- The brown/brick/orangish shorts I wore 2022 are the Topo Designs River Short.
- The dark blue rain jacket I’m wearing in the winter photos is the Patagonia Torrenshell.
- Water bottle – You cannot go wrong with a handy dandy Nalgene
- Sunscreen – I use this sunscreen for my face, and this one for my body
- Small tripod for photos
Other Things to do at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a loved and familiar destination for my family and me. Here are other activities that I’ve done and written about in the area over the years:
- East Shore Bike Path – Bike and Swim in Lake Tahoe
- Maggie’s Peak Hike – Tough Hike with Incredible Views
- Rubicon Trail – Connecting Emerald Bay and DL Bliss State Park
- My Favorite Lake Tahoe Beaches – Kick back or take a swim
- Monkey Rock Hike – 2.5 Miles to Uninterrupted Views of Lake Tahoe
- How to Cozy Cabin Experience – We stayed in Truckee in the fall with snow!
- Full details of a Full Boat Rental with Action Watersports of Tahoe
- Eagle Lake Hike – 2-Mile Hike through Alpine Scenery
- Sunset Sail and Sparkling Wine with Sail Tahoe Blue
- Rifle Peak Hike – Insanely strenuous hike… but worthwhile? Still deciding
- Clear Kayak Stargazing Tour with Clearly Tahoe
Overall Thoughts: Cave Rock Hike
Cave Rock is a delightful little hike that I love to do whenever I am at Lake Tahoe. Perhaps this next time, I will go for sunrise or sunset because I’ve only gone mid-day. Enjoying it mid-day is proof that you can pop this hike into any part of your Lake Tahoe itinerary! It’s also a good option for winter hiking, so long as you keep an eye on the clouds and make slow steps to ensure there is no ice on Cave Rock. I wouldn’t recommend this hike if there is snow covering the initial gradual section.
I’m always looking for more activities to do around Lake Tahoe. I end up going to Tahoe roughly every year, so what should I check out next?? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
