provided by
The largest of the state parks at Lake Tahoe, Sugar Pine Point is 2,000 acres of dense sugar pine, fir, aspen and juniper forests set behind nearly two miles of lake frontage. This is the only Tahoe-area park where camping in the snow is part of the lake’s winter experience. Located ten miles south of Tahoe City on the west side of Lake Tahoe, the park’s acreage extends three-and-a-half miles into the U.S. Forest Service’s Desolation Wilderness Area.
The park’s showpiece is the elegant but rustic 11,000 square foot Pine Lodge – also called the Ehrman Mansion. It is a fine example of the grand turn-of-the-century summer homes of the well-to-do who flocked to Lake Tahoe in the early 1900s to escape their bustling city lives. Here, they could reconnect, if only temporarily, to the serenity and recreation of the outdoors.
Getting There
The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th
Daily Tours: 10am to 3pm, mid June through Labor Day.
Reduced tour schedule in early June and in September.
Please call for tour times and park hours: 530-525-7232
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th
Daily Tours: 10am to 3pm, mid June through Labor Day.
Reduced tour schedule in early June and in September.
Please call for tour times and park hours: 530-525-7232
Discover the Park
Nature Center and Gift shop: The Nature Center and Gift Shop are located in the Tank House. Interpretive displays, hands-on exhibits and a theater help to explain the region’s geology and natural history. The Nature Center’s highlight is a floor-to-ceiling diorama of native wildlife. Natural and cultural history publications, recreational guides and books are for sale. The Center and Gift Shop are open daily from June through August and on weekends in September.
Edwin L. Z’berg Natural Preserve: The Dolder Nature Trail circles the preserve named for Edwin L. Z’berg, who served in the California State Assembly and actively promoted such environmental legislation as the federal Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe preservation, the Forest Practice Act, and the allocation of grants for the restoration of special habitats. The preserve is an unmanaged sub-alpine meadow habitat allowed to evolve with as little human intervention as possible.
Junior Ranger Program: Led by park staff each summer, the Junior Ranger Program offers activities designed for children ages 7 to 12. Its goal is to help children develop an appreciation for their cultural and natural heritage and an awareness of their relationship to each other.
Interpretive Trails and Guided Cross Country Ski Excursions: Interpretive publications are available for many trails. Spring, summer and fall hikes are conducted if staff is available. Sugar Pine Point also hosts such winter activities as snowshoe and cross country ski outings led by park staff. Call for an interpretive guide or an activity schedule, or visit the park's official web page (you can access the link in "Other Resources").
Nature Center and Gift shop: The Nature Center and Gift Shop are located in the Tank House. Interpretive displays, hands-on exhibits and a theater help to explain the region’s geology and natural history. The Nature Center’s highlight is a floor-to-ceiling diorama of native wildlife. Natural and cultural history publications, recreational guides and books are for sale. The Center and Gift Shop are open daily from June through August and on weekends in September.
Edwin L. Z’berg Natural Preserve: The Dolder Nature Trail circles the preserve named for Edwin L. Z’berg, who served in the California State Assembly and actively promoted such environmental legislation as the federal Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe preservation, the Forest Practice Act, and the allocation of grants for the restoration of special habitats. The preserve is an unmanaged sub-alpine meadow habitat allowed to evolve with as little human intervention as possible.
Junior Ranger Program: Led by park staff each summer, the Junior Ranger Program offers activities designed for children ages 7 to 12. Its goal is to help children develop an appreciation for their cultural and natural heritage and an awareness of their relationship to each other.
Interpretive Trails and Guided Cross Country Ski Excursions: Interpretive publications are available for many trails. Spring, summer and fall hikes are conducted if staff is available. Sugar Pine Point also hosts such winter activities as snowshoe and cross country ski outings led by park staff. Call for an interpretive guide or an activity schedule, or visit the park's official web page (you can access the link in "Other Resources").
Camping
The campground has 175 sites and is open throughout the year. During the winter months, the entry road and parking spaces are cleared of snow. No showers are available in winter.
Make Campground Reservations
The campground has 175 sites and is open throughout the year. During the winter months, the entry road and parking spaces are cleared of snow. No showers are available in winter.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
Shady lawns gently slope to the shoreline providing the perfect picnic site. A pier and 7,000 feet of beachfront offer swimming and fishing. The Hellmans’ tennis court is open to the public first come, first-served. In Pine Lodge’s two boathouses, you can see original boats that helped launch the Lake Tahoe boating events - from racing regattas to rowing - that continue today.
Cycling
The paved West Shore Bike Trail begins in Truckee with bike lanes paralleling Highway 89 and continuing south to Squaw Valley, Tahoe City and Sugar Pine Point State Park. The map indicates trails that permit mountain bikes. Please stay on designated riding trails only.
Winter Activities
The park grooms two cross-country ski trails and offers ski and snowshoe lessons or tours many weekends during the winter.
Swimming and Boating
Sugar Pine Point State Park’s beach and pier are open to swimmers. Nearby marinas provide boat launching, mooring and rentals. Due to space limitations, boats may not be beached or moored overnight at the park. A boat camp is available at Emerald Bay State Park.
Shady lawns gently slope to the shoreline providing the perfect picnic site. A pier and 7,000 feet of beachfront offer swimming and fishing. The Hellmans’ tennis court is open to the public first come, first-served. In Pine Lodge’s two boathouses, you can see original boats that helped launch the Lake Tahoe boating events - from racing regattas to rowing - that continue today.
Cycling
The paved West Shore Bike Trail begins in Truckee with bike lanes paralleling Highway 89 and continuing south to Squaw Valley, Tahoe City and Sugar Pine Point State Park. The map indicates trails that permit mountain bikes. Please stay on designated riding trails only.
Winter Activities
The park grooms two cross-country ski trails and offers ski and snowshoe lessons or tours many weekends during the winter.
Swimming and Boating
Sugar Pine Point State Park’s beach and pier are open to swimmers. Nearby marinas provide boat launching, mooring and rentals. Due to space limitations, boats may not be beached or moored overnight at the park. A boat camp is available at Emerald Bay State Park.
Trails
Lakefront Interpretive Trail: Starting at the North Boathouse and following the shoreline to the South Boathouse, this flat, paved trail is 1/4 mile long. Borrow a guide from the Nature Center that will lead you past ten stops along the trail.
Rod Beaudry Trail: Beginning between the Nature Center and the park office (Caretaker’s House) and leading through the forest, this paved trail is 1/2 mile long. Interpretive markers along the way describe the area and history. The trail ends at Highway 89.
Dolder Nature Trail: This 11/2-mile loop trail leads through mixed forest and circles the Edwin L. Z’Berg Natural Preserve. Along the way it passes the world’s highest - in elevation - operating navigational light, and includes excellent views of the lake.
General Creek Trail: This dirt trail is a 6 1/2-mile loop.
Lily Pond Trail: A side trip goes four miles to Lily Pond. Starting adjacent to campsite 150, follow the unpaved North Fire Road. Stay to the right and do not cross General Creek. When the main road turns into a trail, follow it, staying to the right and following the signs to Lily Pond. The Lily Pond branch can be used to access Desolation Wilderness or Lost Lake on U.S. Forest Service lands. Hikers to these farther destinations must obtain wilderness permits and should equip themselves with more specific maps before starting out.
Lakefront Interpretive Trail: Starting at the North Boathouse and following the shoreline to the South Boathouse, this flat, paved trail is 1/4 mile long. Borrow a guide from the Nature Center that will lead you past ten stops along the trail.
Rod Beaudry Trail: Beginning between the Nature Center and the park office (Caretaker’s House) and leading through the forest, this paved trail is 1/2 mile long. Interpretive markers along the way describe the area and history. The trail ends at Highway 89.
Dolder Nature Trail: This 11/2-mile loop trail leads through mixed forest and circles the Edwin L. Z’Berg Natural Preserve. Along the way it passes the world’s highest - in elevation - operating navigational light, and includes excellent views of the lake.
General Creek Trail: This dirt trail is a 6 1/2-mile loop.
Lily Pond Trail: A side trip goes four miles to Lily Pond. Starting adjacent to campsite 150, follow the unpaved North Fire Road. Stay to the right and do not cross General Creek. When the main road turns into a trail, follow it, staying to the right and following the signs to Lily Pond. The Lily Pond branch can be used to access Desolation Wilderness or Lost Lake on U.S. Forest Service lands. Hikers to these farther destinations must obtain wilderness permits and should equip themselves with more specific maps before starting out.
Tips & Rules
• Lake Tahoe’s waters are extremely cold. Swim with appropriate caution.
• Diving and jumping off the pier is not allowed.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Dogs must be on a leash. They are permitted in the developed areas and on paved roads and trails, but not on natural-surfaced park trails.
• Winter conditions at this elevation (6,200 feet) include snowstorms and deep snow packs. Temperatures can drop to near zero. Dress and prepare accordingly.
• Lake Tahoe’s waters are extremely cold. Swim with appropriate caution.
• Diving and jumping off the pier is not allowed.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Dogs must be on a leash. They are permitted in the developed areas and on paved roads and trails, but not on natural-surfaced park trails.
• Winter conditions at this elevation (6,200 feet) include snowstorms and deep snow packs. Temperatures can drop to near zero. Dress and prepare accordingly.
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
In 1897, San Francisco businessman I. W. Hellman began buying property at Sugar Pine Point and by 1913 had acquired nearly 2000 acres. His grand but informal summer home, called Pine Lodge, was completed in 1903 and was considered to be one of the finest in the high Sierra. His daughter, Florence Hellman Ehrman inherited the estate and she and her husband Sydney spent many summers here entertaining family and friends.
In 1965 the house and 1,975 acres of the estate were acquired by the California State Park System. Today the house is maintained as a house museum and as an example of the opulent tradition in Tahoe summer homes.
Tours of the mansion are given daily, from 10am to 3pm, and from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th.
Tour tickets are $5 for adults, $3 children 6-17, and free for children under 6.
In 1897, San Francisco businessman I. W. Hellman began buying property at Sugar Pine Point and by 1913 had acquired nearly 2000 acres. His grand but informal summer home, called Pine Lodge, was completed in 1903 and was considered to be one of the finest in the high Sierra. His daughter, Florence Hellman Ehrman inherited the estate and she and her husband Sydney spent many summers here entertaining family and friends.
In 1965 the house and 1,975 acres of the estate were acquired by the California State Park System. Today the house is maintained as a house museum and as an example of the opulent tradition in Tahoe summer homes.
Tours of the mansion are given daily, from 10am to 3pm, and from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th.
Tour tickets are $5 for adults, $3 children 6-17, and free for children under 6.
Accessible Features
General Creek Campground. Accessible camping is available. The campfire center is also accessible, with accessible parking nearby.
Visitor Center/Museum Picnic Area. Accessible picnic sites, restrooms, and parking are available.
Trails
The Lakeshore Trail is a nearly 1/2 mile paved trail along the shore of Lake Tahoe. The trail can be accessed from the western most parking lot where there are also accessible restrooms. Grades on portions of the paved trail exceed 10% and some people with mobility impairments may require assistance. Call 530-525-3345 or 530-525-9524.
The West Shore Bike Trail has 1 mile of accessible trail located north and south of the entrance road into the park, along highway 89. The trail is constructed of asphalt. Trail accessibility terminates approximately ¼ mile north of the park entrance road and approximately ¾ mile to the south of the park entrance road.
The Campground Trail is a 3/4 mile accessible trail located in the General Creek Campground. The trail is constructed of asphalt and connects multiple campground loops.
General Creek Campground. Accessible camping is available. The campfire center is also accessible, with accessible parking nearby.
Visitor Center/Museum Picnic Area. Accessible picnic sites, restrooms, and parking are available.
Trails
The Lakeshore Trail is a nearly 1/2 mile paved trail along the shore of Lake Tahoe. The trail can be accessed from the western most parking lot where there are also accessible restrooms. Grades on portions of the paved trail exceed 10% and some people with mobility impairments may require assistance. Call 530-525-3345 or 530-525-9524.
The West Shore Bike Trail has 1 mile of accessible trail located north and south of the entrance road into the park, along highway 89. The trail is constructed of asphalt. Trail accessibility terminates approximately ¼ mile north of the park entrance road and approximately ¾ mile to the south of the park entrance road.
The Campground Trail is a 3/4 mile accessible trail located in the General Creek Campground. The trail is constructed of asphalt and connects multiple campground loops.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion Tour
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Easy
1.1 mi/
1.8 km
1.8 km
The Dolder Nature Trail
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
Easy
2.1 mi/
3.4 km
3.4 km
General Creek Trail to Lily Pond at Sugar Pine Point State Park
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
Easy
5.1 mi/
8.2 km
8.2 km
Guides
Eleven great Lake Tahoe area day-hikes. From remote alpine lakes & motorboat adventures to waterfalls & mountain peaks
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Six great day-hikes leading to some of the best peaks in the Lake Tahoe region.
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
Community Trips
New Years Eve 2009/2010 trip. 2 of us on snowshoes, 1 on skis. Too us about 4 hours to arrive at Ludlow Hut, 3 hours to get out the next morning. We parked near the Rubicon OHV trailhead, asking neighbors if it was ok to park on their property. Otherwise - parking is a few miles further at the state park, or supposedly at Homewood ski resort (and using their free shuttle)Pretty...
After our hike along the General Creek Trail we went over to the Edwin L. Z'Berg Natural Preserve to learn about the Ehrman Estate. Ranger Susan was extremely helpful as she told us about the estate and its important history. After the walk around the estate, Joost and I hiked along the Dolder Nature Trail.The trail was only about 2 miles but offered some nice views of the lake with a few access...
Sugar Pine Point State Park - Yellow and Orange snowshoe trails
Glenridge Park, California, United States
4.3 miles
4.3 miles
I like being able to hike on New Year's Day. This year, I was in Tahoe, and snowshoeing was the way to go. After Meeks Creek the day before, I decided to explore a small part of the Sugar Pine Point SP. Reading the "Tahoe Snowshoe Trails" guide book, it seemed that I would be able to hike both the Yellow and Orange trails.It was snowing (the wet kind of snow) when...
Today we all went for a hike in Sugar Pine Point State Park. We decided to hike along the General Creek Trail and take the optional extra trail up to Lily Pond, which Joost was very fond of. We had a great sandwich lunch out in the wilderness before heading back.There was some snow along the trail, but not enough to get in our way.Read more about our hike on my travel...
We took a tour around the Ehrman Mansion with Ranger Susan as she explained the history of the area and the prominent Hellman family.Read more about the Ehrman Mansion and State park on my travel blog
This was my first snowshoe hike. Phil (macridge) recommended this trail. I also found the description in the "Tahoe Snowshoe Trails" guidebook.It's short, flat, and doesn't present any technical difficulties.The trailhead, along Hwy 89, is also an access point to the Desolation Wilderness. Since I wasn't planning on entering it, I didn't fill out a permit form and I started hiking along the Forest Service Road.The trail was easy to follow and...
This is a nice kayak around Sugar Pine Point State Park shores, so scenic as the shores are forested without housing. We made wheels for our kayaks, so rolling them down the 100 yard paved path to the beach from the parking area is much easier than carrying them. An old folding chair and lawn mower wheels and a strap and bungee cords make an inexpensive set of kayak wheels. Lake Tahoe is often windy in the...
This is an easy Mountain Bike Ride around Sugar Pine Point State Park. We started at the day use area by the campground. None of the trails are steep. Some are paved, some are dirt. You can ride further into the back country, but it gets steeper and more technical
Reviews
