Sugar Pine Point Sp Picnic Area

Open — Open year-round for day use from sunrise to sunset. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Winter access may require chains or four-wheel drive depending on snow conditions.

About

Sugar Pine Point SP Picnic Area offers a scenic day-use experience within Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, one of Lake Tahoe's finest remaining natural areas. Located 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, the picnic area provides access to nearly two miles of lake frontage surrounded by dense forests of pine, fir, aspen, and cedar. The day-use facilities are situated near the historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (Pine Lodge), a turn-of-the-century summer estate built in 1903 that now serves as a museum. The picnic area features tables, restrooms, drinking water, and is approximately a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot to the lakefront. Visitors can enjoy the beach, pier, and paved trails while taking in spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. The area is open from sunrise to sunset year-round, with seasonal variations in accessibility depending on weather and snow conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-80°F during the day to the low 40s at night, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing with significant snowfall. Dogs are welcome on leash in the picnic area and on paved paths but are not permitted on beaches or unpaved trails. The park accepts various California State Parks passes, and parking is $10 per vehicle or free for those camping at the adjacent Sugar Pine Point Campground. This day-use area provides an excellent base for exploring the park's hiking trails, cross-country skiing routes in winter, and the historic estate grounds.

Directions

From Truckee, drive south on Highway 89 through Tahoe City. The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, along Highway 89, ten miles south of Tahoe City.

Nearby Campgrounds