Overview

Sugar Pine State Park hugs the shore of Lake Tahoe, with numerous attractions and outdoor fun for all. At this high altitude, you’ll find many wonders of nature and historic sites to visit.

Location & Information

Sugar Pine Point can be reached by driving along the western shore of Lake Tahoe on California Highway 89. It’s 10 miles south of Tahoe City.

The park is open all year. The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open from Memorial Day weekend through 30 September.

Contact information

Sugar Pine Point State Park
PO Box 266
Tahoma, California 96142
530-525-7982 (summer)
530-525-3345 (winter)
Snow Phone: 530-525-7982
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510

Activities

Sugar Pine Point Lake Tahoe is a wonderful place to bring the family, as there is something for everybody.

• Visit the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
  See how the wealthy lived in the Lake Tahoe area. This mansion, built in 1903, was equipped with only the best and most modern systems. You can tour this piece of history and see the icehouse, the caretaker’s cottage, children’s house and maids’ quarters.
• Visit the Nature Center
  The Nature Center, in the day-use area, provides exhibits about the animal life around Lake Tahoe. There’s even a special exhibit for children.
• Hiking
  Many trails here for your enjoyment! You can take the short loop trail through the Natural Preserve, follow the lake’s shore on the Dolder Trail or hike the longer General Creek Trail, a 6.5-mile loop. There are backcountry trails nearby, such as the 16.2-mile Crag Lake and Rubicon Lake Trail (a great backpacking adventure) or the Meeks Bay to Crag Lake Trail, a 10-mile out-and-back, 6-hour hike.
• Mountain Biking
  The West Shore Bike Trail is a popular paved path that parallels the highway and goes all the way to the southern boundary.
• Camping
  Find all you need in Sugar Pine Point’s campground. There are 175 campsites to choose from, accommodating trailers up to 40 feet and motor homes up to 30 feet. You’ll find restrooms with flush toilets and shower facilities.
• Fishing
  You can fish along the shore of Lake Tahoe and catch lake trout, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Also try the waters of General Creek for even better luck.
• Swimming
  Swim at Sugar Pine Point Park beach. Although the waters are quite cold, it makes for a refreshing dip in the hot summer months.

Fun Facts

A frontiersman from Kentucky, William Phipps, first came to Sugar Pine Point in 1860 and staked out 160 acres for his homestead claim. He built two cabins, one of which can be viewed today just south of General Creek near the shore of the lake.