ActivitiesHikingSand Harbor Lakeside Trail

Sand Harbor Lakeside Trail

East Shore, hiking, easy

Short lakeside walk at Nevada's most beautiful beach. Water clarity exceeds 70 feet. Popular launch point for kayak tours and clear-kayak rentals.

In short: Sand Harbor Lakeside Trail is an easy hike on Lake Tahoe's East Shore: 1.2 mi round trip, a high point of 6,240 ft. The season is Apr – Nov, no permit is needed, dogs are not allowed.

Distance, round trip
1.2 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
High point
6,240 ft
Difficulty
Easy

Where it is

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Trail details

  • Crystal-clear water
  • Granite boulders
  • Stunning beach
  • Wildlife spotting
Trail
Sand Harbor Nature Trail
Season
Apr – Nov
Permit
None needed
Parking
Nevada State Parks, $10, $15 summer weekends
Dogs
Not 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 parks.nv.gov (opens in a new tab)