Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint

The Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint is an epic excursion above the northern shore of Lake Tahoe that awards adventurers with breathing panoramas of the alpine lake. Venture up through granite gardens and mixed pines to the Picnic Rock, which is so accurately named, as you will likely be in the company of picnic—goers. Note that this route can be accessed year-round, but the terrain can be extremely slippery in the winter and after rainfall, so exercise caution! Additionally, when trekking in the summer months, we recommend wearing sun protection as much of the path is exposed.

When your shoes are laced, and your water bottle is full, you can begin your hike. Setting out from the trailhead, hikers will have to cross over the highway and onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. From here, the route will divert you west and up a switchback. Mind your footing on the rocky terrain as you climb! Soon the path will redirect you east to an intersection—keep left here. Continue ascending the path, and at the next junction, keep left, and you will be led west up to the summit of Picnic Rock.

You will be rewarded with expansive views of Tahoe Lake in the south from atop the rock and the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada summits that hem the waters. Take your time admiring the grandeur of the landscape, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.