Opened in 2019, the Tahoe East Shore Trail is a beautifully built, paved path that hugs the hillside above Highway 28 from Incline Village down to Sand Harbor. It's wide, gentle and dotted with overlooks, benches and public art, with the lake glittering below almost the entire way.
Because it's fully paved and nearly level, it works for strollers, wheelchairs, casual cyclists and kids — and it's the smartest way to reach Sand Harbor on a busy summer day without fighting for a parking spot.
| Distance | ~3 miles one-way (6 miles round trip) |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | Minimal — gently rolling, ~200 ft |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| North trailhead | Near Tunnel Creek Café / Flume Trail Bikes on Tahoe Blvd (SR-28), Incline Village — metered, paid hourly street parking |
| South trailhead | Sand Harbor State Park — paid entry, reservations often required in peak summer season |
| Bike rentals | Available right at the Incline trailhead (Flume Trail Bikes) |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs welcome on the trail (not on Sand Harbor beach); the trail's bridges get hot in summer — some locals bring dog booties |
| Season | Year-round; can be icy or snowy after storms |