Monkey Rock is a granite formation that — with a little imagination — looks like a sitting monkey gazing out over the lake. The short climb from Tunnel Creek Road in Incline Village gains just enough elevation to open up a sweeping view across Crystal Bay and the North Shore.
It's a steep but brief effort, which makes it a perfect sunset hike or a leg-stretch when you don't have a half-day to spare. The route also connects into the Tunnel Creek / Tahoe Rim Trail network for those wanting more.
| Distance | ~1.7 miles round trip via the direct route (longer from lower trailheads) |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | ~500 ft |
| Difficulty | Moderate (short but steep) |
| Trailhead | Tunnel Creek Road, Incline Village — shares its metered/paid street parking with the East Shore Trail. Coming from the south, Sand Harbor's lot works too (reservations may be needed in summer) |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs allowed; shared with mountain bikers |
| Season | Spring through fall; can be muddy or snowy in shoulder seasons |