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The BEST Lake Tahoe Sunset at Cave Rock

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If you live in California , you would surely know by now how gorgeous Lake Tahoe is! The most perfect blue waters, picturesque Sierra Nevada range surrounding the lake and numerous outdoor activities make it a perfect getaway in winter or summer for residents of California and Nevada (Lake Tahoe is shared between California and Nevada). I highly recommend visiting Lake Tahoe if you visit this part of the US. Driving around the lake would make a great road trip. Wouldn’t it be even more epic if you got to view the most beautiful sunset at Lake Tahoe? All the sunsets in Lake Tahoe are pretty amazing from any spot along the beach. As a rule of thumb, beaches along the east and southeast side of the lake have amazing sunset views as the sun sets in the west (duh!). And if that east side spot is also on an elevation, then you’ve hit the sunset view jackpot! So where is THE BEST place to watch sunset in Lake Tahoe?

The answer is Cave Rock Park!

This is hands down the best spot to watch the sun set over the lake! Check these photos and decide for yourself. 😀 

 

Also check out –

25 incredible things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer

 

More things to do in California – 

3 most amazing days in San Diego 
Epic day trip to Santa Barbara
Ultimate Channel Islands itinerary
Mendocino weekend trip
Wine tasting in Dry Creek Valley and Healdsburg

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WHERE IS CAVE ROCK?

If you drove to the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, you might have passed through the Cave Rock tunnel past Zephyr Cove. Cave Rock is a rock that was formed millions of years ago and is something of a wonder that still stands today. To watch the most beautiful sunset over Lake Tahoe you need to hike up the rock! 🙂

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Here is all the information you need to know to watch the most epic of sunsets in Lake Tahoe and spectacular views of the lake! It is a short hike up the mountain but it is not that difficult and also not as dangerous as it looks in the photos. An elderly lady hiked up the rock to watch the sunset and she had a blast. As with anything, use caution and be mindful during the hike and after you reach the top.

HOW TO GET TO CAVE ROCK?cave_rock_during_sunset

Here is the exact location and everything you need know before your visit.

LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/xXZJ7q3edMJ9Rtbt7

LENGTH OF THE HIKE: ~1-1.2 mile round trip

DIFFICULTY: Medium. Mostly easy except the short hike up the rocky path towards the end.

PARKING: 5-6 parking spots available so be early. We went at 6.30pm for 8pm sunset and got the last parking spot. However, we noticed a few people park in the neighborhood and walk to the trailhead.

THE HIKE

  • Follow the dirt trail to the right of the parking lot. It is easy to spot as there is only one trail.
  • The trail is pretty easy until you reach the rock.
  • Going up the rock needs a little bit of scrambling but it is not hard. 
  • Once you reach there, enjoy the epic sunset and sweeping views of Lake Tahoe from above.

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There was one other person when we had arrived and soon about 20 others trickled in. The other side of the rock is not as steep and there is some room to scatter around so it wasn’t too crowded.

As I mentioned before, be cautious and mindful. Even though it wasn’t that scary, it doesn’t hurt to be careful and avoid dangerous situations. 

This Lake Tahoe sunset in particular was pretty memorable! I will forever cherish the memory of the sky on fire on that particular evening, the golden lava like water and the magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains from Cave Rock.

SUNSET ON THE BEACH 

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Now for those who cannot hike up the rock for various reasons, I have another place where you can see beautiful Lake Tahoe sunset. That is Zephyr Cove beach. The added bonus is that it is not as crowded as the other beaches and doesn’t need any hike. We watched the sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky orange, yellow and purple. We loved sitting on the beach; listening to the sound of waves and watching people surf in the waves. For a relaxed and enjoyable sunset, head to Zephyr Cove beach. 

Tag me on Instagram if you visit Lake Tahoe and head to Cave rock or Zephyr Cove to watch the sunset. Now I want to know – where did you watch the most epic sunset?

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Aswani-Kurra-A-Charming-Escape

Hi there!

I am Aswani Kurra. I am an engineer, dreamer and part-time wanderlust, writer and wine lover. I always had an urge to write, create and travel. So I created this space to satisfy my creative itch and combine all my skills to help you plan your Charming Escape.

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19 Comments

  1. Taylor Deer on November 4, 2019 at 11:35 am

    Such stunning captures! Lake Tahoe is so high on my USA bucket list.

    • Aswani on November 5, 2019 at 11:45 am

      It is so beautiful Taylor! You will love it!

  2. Beth on November 4, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Wow! These photos are incredible! You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area ❤️🙌

    • Aswani on November 5, 2019 at 11:45 am

      Thank you Beth! Indeed, I am. 🙂

  3. Laura on November 6, 2019 at 11:02 pm

    I can’t wait to catch my first sunset at Lake Tahoe, these pictures are beautiful!

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you so much Laura!

  4. Coni on November 6, 2019 at 11:42 pm

    What a gorgeous spot to enjoy a sunset! I love to discover little treasures, especially when they are hidden in plain sight, like in the way to a known destination. I also love when you have to work for it, as in hike to get there -it makes the reward so much sweeter!

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Right? Always love to work for a view, makes it so worth it 😀

  5. Shannon on November 7, 2019 at 7:33 am

    This place looks so dreamy! I want to do a road trip out west, and now Lake Tahoe is on my bucket list 🙂

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      Definitely add it to your list! You won’t regret it! 🙂

  6. Hannah on November 7, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    Beautiful photos! I live in Sacramento so I’m near Tahoe but I need to go more. I have got to check this part out!

    Hannah the Mad Dog

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you Hannah! Tahoe is a great place anytime of the year!

  7. Andi on November 8, 2019 at 12:01 am

    Lake Tahoe holds a special place in my heart lots of family trips up there. It is perfect for reunions and other celebration and you are almost guaranteed a beautiful sunset almost every night! You took some great shots which illustrate just that!

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      It is a special place for sure Andi! Thank you for taking the time to comment 🙂

  8. Sharon on November 8, 2019 at 12:31 am

    Lake Tahoe is beautiful. And those sunset shots of you are stunning!

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you Sharon! Glad you liked them 🙂

  9. World of Lina on November 9, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    Omg wow! All your photos are truly amazing, well done 😍

    • Aswani on December 7, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you!! 🙂

  10. Beatrice on April 9, 2023 at 5:04 am

    Beautiful pics and quotes!

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