America’s Only Bi-State Park — Lake Tahoe Trailhead, Tahoe Rim Trail Gateway & Historic Homestead at the Nevada-California Border
Van Sickle Bi-State Park is America’s only bi-state park — jointly managed by Nevada and California, straddling the state line at South Lake Tahoe. The park encompasses forested terrain rising from the casino core of Stateline into the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and direct access to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
What makes Van Sickle unique isn’t just its bi-state status — it’s the contrast of location. The trailhead sits behind the casinos of South Lake Tahoe, yet within minutes of walking, you’re in old-growth forest passing a circa-1870 farm barn and a 1917-era log cabin — remnants of the Van Sickle family homestead that preceded the gambling industry by decades. The 3.6-mile connector to the Tahoe Rim Trail provides a gateway to one of the West’s premier long-distance hiking routes, making this small park a critical access point for the greater Lake Tahoe trail system.
Things to Do
Hiking
A network of trails suitable for all abilities:
- Barn Trail: Easy, lower-elevation walk through forest past the historic homestead structures
- Vista Spur: Short climb to panoramic Lake Tahoe views
- Cal-Neva Loop: Moderate loop crossing the California-Nevada state line
- Tahoe Rim Trail Connector: 3.6-mile trail connecting the park to the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail system
Mountain Biking & Horseback Riding
- Trails are open for mountain biking and horseback riding in addition to hiking
- Boulder outcroppings, forest canopy, and elevation changes provide varied terrain
Historic Structures
- Circa-1870 farm barn: One of the oldest surviving structures in the South Lake Tahoe area
- 1917 log cabin: Original Van Sickle family homestead — predating the casino era
Winter Activities
- Snowshoeing: Trails accessible for winter snowshoeing
- Winter hiking: Pedestrian access year-round (vehicle access May–October only)
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barn Trail | ~0.5 mi | Easy | Historic barn; forest walk; accessible |
| Vista Spur | ~0.3 mi | Moderate | Lake Tahoe panoramic overlook |
| Cal-Neva Loop | ~2 mi | Moderate | Cross the CA/NV state line on trail |
| TRT Connector | 3.6 mi one-way | Moderate–Strenuous | Gateway to the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | ⭐ PEAK: Full trail access; vehicle parking open; wildflowers; Lake Tahoe views at their best; longest days | Busy; parking fills; bring water; sun exposure at altitude |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | ⭐ Aspen gold; quiet trails; cool hiking; clear views; TRT connector less crowded | Vehicle access closes Oct 31; cold mornings; shorter days |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Snowmelt; wildflower start; quiet; early season hiking | Vehicle access not yet open; snow on higher trails; mud |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowshoeing; winter photography; solitude; snow-covered forest | No vehicle access; park at Heavenly Village garage and walk in; cold |
Visitor Tips
- Free admission: Van Sickle is free to enter — no fee, no pass required. A rarity among Lake Tahoe recreational sites.
- Vehicle access seasonal: The park entrance road is open to vehicles May 1–October 31 only. Off-season, park at the Heavenly Village public garage (short walk to the trailhead). Pedestrian access is year-round.
- Tahoe Rim Trail: The 3.6-mile connector trail links Van Sickle to the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail — one of the West’s premier thru-hiking routes. Van Sickle is the most accessible TRT trailhead from South Lake Tahoe.
- Casino proximity: The trailhead is literally behind the casino core of Stateline — you can walk from a hotel to old-growth forest in 10 minutes. This makes Van Sickle an ideal quick escape for visitors staying in South Lake Tahoe.
- No drones: Drone use is prohibited within the park. Enforcement is active.
- Altitude: The park ranges from approximately 6,300 to 7,400 feet elevation. Bring water, sun protection, and be aware of altitude effects if arriving from lower elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Van Sickle Bi-State Park — Nevada’s first bi-state park — straddling the Nevada-California border. The park’s conifer forest, mountain meadows, and Lake Tahoe views support black bears, mule deer, and Steller’s jays.
Nearby Attractions
South Lake Tahoe — adjacent. Heavenly Ski Resort — adjacent. Lake Tahoe — at the park.
What makes Van Sickle a bi-state park?
Van Sickle Bi-State Park is the only state park in the United States that straddles two states — Nevada and California. It is jointly managed by both states’ park systems. The Cal-Neva Loop trail literally crosses the state line, and you can stand in both states simultaneously. The park was established in 2011 through a cooperative agreement between the Nevada Division of State Parks and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, preserving this historic homestead and forest at the south end of Lake Tahoe.
Can you access the Tahoe Rim Trail from Van Sickle?
Yes — Van Sickle’s 3.6-mile connector trail provides direct access to the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), which circumnavigates Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Van Sickle is the most accessible TRT trailhead from South Lake Tahoe’s resort core. The connector trail is rated moderate to strenuous with significant elevation gain. Day hikers can do an out-and-back to the TRT junction, while thru-hikers use Van Sickle as a resupply and access point.
Last updated: April 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Mormon Station State Historic Park (a short drive away) or Spooner Lake And Backcountry State Park (a short drive away).
