The BEST Lake Tahoe Sunset at Cave Rock

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

Beautiful lakes near Lake Tahoe

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

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! 🙂

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?

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.

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 

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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