Cave Rock State Park is a small but beautiful park located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada.
It was named after a 3 million-year-old volcanic formation known as Cave Rock, which is considered sacred by the Washoe Native American tribe.
Blessed with a rich cultural history, the park is home to several historic sites. This includes the Cave Rock Tunnel which was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At the time of its construction, the tunnel was considered an engineering marvel and is still in use today as part of the Lake Tahoe Boulevard.
In addition to its historic sites, this Nevada state park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating among its includes rocky shorelines, crystal clear waters, and towering pine trees.
If you are ever in the Lake Tahoe area, this tranquil public recreational space is a must visit destination.
Activities
During your time at the park, guests can see some fascinating sites and enjoy a range of outdoor recreational and leisure based pursuits.
Showcased below is a selection of some of the main activities you can engage in while you are at Cave Rock State Park.
Cave Rock Tunnel at Cave Rock State Park
One of the park’s most unique features is the Cave Rock Tunnel.
This mad-made tunnel was constructed in the 1930s and 1940s to allow for automobile traffic to go along the U.S. Route 50, which runs through the park.
The tunnel is over 300 feet long and carved through a large granite rock formation. It is a major landmark in the area and offers scenic views of Lake Tahoe as drivers pass through it.
Open all year-round, it is free to drive through, although there are some restrictions on larger vehicles due to the tunnel’s height and width limitations.
While the Cave Rock Tunnel is not a destination in itself per se, it is a fascinating feature of the park that visitors can enjoy as they travel through the area.
Boating at Cave Rock State Park
Boating is a very popular activity to enjoy at Cave Rock State Park as it enables you to take in the stunning scenic waters of Lake Tahoe.
To get onto the water, the park provides a boat launch ramp, which allows boats with engines of up to 40 horsepower to zip around it.
The clear blue waters of the lake offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and visitors can enjoy water skiing and jet skiing.
Before heading out onto the lake, it is essential to follow safety regulations while boating in the park. This includes visitors having the proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, sound-producing devices, and navigation lights.
Hiking at Cave Rock State Park
For those who are into fishing, Cave Rock State Park is an attractive destination in which to cast a line.
Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, it is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw, and kokanee salmon. Thus, making it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced anglers.
There are several ways to access the lake for fishing at Cave Rock State Park. Anglers can fish from the shore or launch their boats from the park’s boat ramp. Fishing boats can also be rented from nearby marinas.
Visitors who wish to fish at Cave Rock State Park must have a valid Nevada fishing license, which can be obtained online or at local sporting goods stores.
Birding at Cave Rock State Park
Cave Rock State Park is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts due to its diverse birdlife.
As the park is situated in the Lake Tahoe area, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species that are commonly found in this region.
Some of the bird species that can be spotted in the park include the American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, osprey, northern harrier, and bald eagle.
The park has several trails that are ideal for bird watching, including the Cave Rock Trail and the Marlette Lake Trail.
The Cave Rock Trail is a short and easy trail that provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to spot birds in their various natural habitats. Meanwhile, the Marlette Lake Trail is a longer and more challenging trail that winds through scenic forested areas.
Pets
Like most state parks in Nevada, Cave Rock State Park has a pet policy that enables you to bring your furry friends with you, but under certain conditions.
One of them includes your pet being well behaved and restrained on a leash during their entire stay. Others include owners cleaning up after their pets if they make a mess and also not being allowed in certain buildings or areas of the park.
For a full rundown of this pet policy you should get in contact with the park’s main office.
Camping
Although you are not able to camp overnight at Cave Rock State Park, there are several campgrounds not too far from it that offer terrific options for RV and tent campers.
One of the closest options is the Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground, which is just a few miles north of the park. It is situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe and offers RV and tent camping, as well as cabin rentals. The campground also features amenities such as a general store, laundry facilities, and a beach with water sports rentals.
Another decent option is the Nevada Beach Campground, it is about 10 miles north of the park and also presents options for RV and tent camping. Each of which comes with individual picnic tables, fire rings, and access to the beach.
A little bit further north, the Fallen Leaf Campground has very good accommodation options near Fallen Leaf Lake. Amenities there include a general store, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.
Park Location
Cave Rock State Park
Hwy 50
Glenbrook, NV 89413
Phone: 775.588.7975
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cave Rock State Park:
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