Peaks & Vistas

Picnic Rock Vista Ride

Classification: Easy

Distance: 3 miles round trip

Highlights: Beautiful wooded forests with 360 degree views of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Location: Brockway Summit East trailhead 

Access from: North Shore Lake Tahoe

Description: From the Brockway Summit trailhead, the trail steadily ascends through thick forest with occasional views of Lake Tahoe. At 1.2 miles where a rock outcrop is situated turn left (follow signs for Vista). This is a scenic spur trail; commonly referred to as Picnic Rock (signage will not reflect this). The vista hails 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra crest including Castle Peak and the Sierra Buttes from a distance. After enjoying a rest break and the views head back down the trail and return to your car.

South Camp Vista Hike (The Bench)

Classification: Moderate

Distance: 11.5 miles round trip

Highlights: Enjoy vistas of Lake Tahoe and the South Shore with views over 8000 ft.

Location: Spooner Summit South

Access from: East Shore Lake Tahoe

Description: From the trailhead you will ascend uphill on a moderate grade with scattered views of Lake Tahoe. After 1.3 miles the trail levels out and you have almost continuous views of the Lake. After reaching a large, kettle-like depression on the side of the trail, you will see an open rock-out crop at 1.9 miles with a great vista. The rocks you are standing on are part of the Alta Formation which left silver in Virginia City but just hard, dark rock here. Continuing on the trail cuts away from the lake for awhile, crosses a major dirt road, then climbs back to the west. At 5 miles you reach your destination at South Camp, where a beautiful wooden bench is positioned overlooking the meadow and Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the view before turning back around to the trailhead.