There is a $2 pedestrian fee to access the lake from Sand Harbor, but there’s no need to pay if you find one of a handful of free lake access footpaths along the way. The southern terminus is Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada’s most popular. The trail begins with an 8% incline (and decline), but after that, it gently undulates over rocky coves and past 16 viewpoints with interpretive signs.
The trailhead is located near Incline Village on State Route 28. There is plenty of parking and the Tunnel Creek Cafe and Flume Trail Bike rentals are conveniently located at the trailhead to support your outing. Though there are four paved bike trails that parallel the lake’s shores, Tahoe East Shore Trail is a favorite because it’s an all-in-one Tahoe summer day of bike-riding and beach-hopping easily orchestrated on a budget.
Cycling part of the Tahoe East Shore Trail is an essential Lake Tahoe experience © 1000Photography / Shutterstock Bike the Tahoe East Shore Trail
