ActivitiesHikingEast Shore Trail Trailhead

East Shore Trail Trailhead

East Shore, hiking, easy

Paved and accessible trail connecting Spooner Lake to Sand Harbor along Tahoe's dramatic east shore. Passes Bonsai Rock — the most photographed spot on the lake.

In short: East Shore Trail Trailhead is an easy hike on Lake Tahoe's East Shore: 4.2 mi round trip, 100 ft of elevation gain, a high point of 6,240 ft. The season is Apr – Nov, no permit is needed, dogs are allowed.

Distance, round trip
4.2 mi
Elevation gain
100 ft
High point
6,240 ft
Difficulty
Easy

Where it is

Loading map…

Trail details

  • Paved lakeside path
  • Bonsai Rock
  • Family-friendly
  • Incredible lake access
Trail
Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail
Season
Apr – Nov
Permit
None needed
Parking
Free, Spooner Lake or Sand Harbor
Dogs
Allowed

Go with a guide. Walk the basin with a local guide, on a trail matched to your group and the season.

Guided hike

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Campfires
Metal rings only
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Know before you go

Permits
Desolation Wilderness needs a permit for both day hikes and overnight trips. Most other trails in the basin need none.
Parking
Lots at Eagle Falls, D.L. Bliss and other popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends. Start early or go midweek.
Altitude
Trailheads start around 6,300 feet and the highest summits top 10,000. Carry more water than you would at sea level and take the first day easy.
Weather
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off exposed ridges and summits by early afternoon.

Read the hiking guide

More hiking within 5 miles

Nearest campgrounds

See its pin on the mapAll hiking placesMore on tahoeoutdoorstv.com (opens in a new tab)