Diamond Peak at 60: A Tahoe Tradition
On November 19, 1966, Ski Incline began what... Read Article
If you’re seeking sunshine, sandy beaches and some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Tahoe-Truckee region with postcard-worthy panoramic lake views, Incline Village is where you need to be. Nestled on Nevada’s sparkling east shore, Incline Village is an oasis of outdoor adventure, stunning scenery and an incredibly vibrant community.
Boasting Sand Harbor State Park, East Shore Trail, Flume Trail, Monkey Rock, Rifle Peak, Diamond Peak and a lakeshore with pristine sandy beaches, Incline Village is truly an alpine paradise made for adventure-seekers. You can hike, mountain bike, paddleboard and see an incredible sunset from a world-class beach all in one day!
Photo: Incline Village is an adventurer's paradise. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Below, I have created an action-packed weekend itinerary to take your outdoor adventures to the next level. Have the best time and come back soon!
East Shore Trail offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Friday: Afternoon Arrival, East Shore Exploration and Sand Harbor Sunset
Welcome to Incline Village! After you’ve settled into your hotel or vacation rental, it’s time to get your adventure started.
I can’t think of a better introduction to the region than the East Shore Trail, a perfectly paved pedestrian path used for walking, jogging and biking. This trail, running from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, offers a wide variety of attractions to enjoy along the way including Hidden Beach and various rocky outcroppings to take a refreshing dip in the lake.
Park at the paid parking lot near Tunnel Creek Cafe (make sure to use the paid parking and not the parking for cafe customers), and enjoy a path lined by towering pines and stunning lake views. Depending on how much time you intend to allow yourself here, you can go all the way to Sand Harbor, or go to Hidden Beach and then go to Sand Harbor for sunset after your dinner break.
Incline Village has a wide variety of delicious dinner options to suit any palate or style. You can indulge in Italian dining at Osteria Sierra, sample fresh sushi at Koi Sushi, enjoy casual dining at MoFos Pizza and Pasta or Crosby’s Kitchen and Cocktails or expertly prepared steaks, seafood and chef-driven specialties at Fumo Lake Tahoe. After your dinner, head to Sand Harbor State Park to catch an epic sunset over the Sierras to end the night on a vibrant and relaxing note.
Head back to your hotel or vacation rental to wind down and get a good night of sleep. Rest is important because tomorrow will be a busy, action-packed day!
Opt for an exciting guided LED kayak tour on Lake Tahoe to end your day. Photo Credit: Clearly Tahoe
Saturday: Flume Trail Bike Ride, Tunnel Creek Cafe and Recreating on the Lake
What better way to start your day than a bike ride on one of the most scenic trails in the nation? The Flume Trail is renowned for its variety of terrain and trails for all levels to enjoy, set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks.
Start your day by fueling up for your adventure at Sage Leaf Tahoe, a healthy restaurant with a lovely outdoor patio where you can soak in the morning sunlight and enjoy a variety of menu options including scrambles, sourdough French toast and more.
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to hit the trails! Head to Flume Trail Mountain Bikes, located right near Tunnel Creek Cafe and the East Shore Trail trailhead. Here, you can pick up the perfect mountain bike for your skills and desired terrain, and get a shuttle ride directly to the trails, including the Flume Trail and Tyrolian Downhill. Make sure to bring your camer because the views are incredible here!
After exploring the exhilarating network of trails, you’ll definitely want to fuel up again! For delicious and convenient lunch options, Tunnel Creek Cafe offers a wide variety of meals including club sandwiches, burgers, salads and a beautiful outdoor patio and seating area to complete the experience.
For some afternoon adventures on Lake Tahoe, head to the shores of Sand Harbor to rent a kayak or paddleboard from Clearly Tahoe Rentals or opt for a guided LED night tour to see the region in a different light. Make sure to bring a dry bag with water, snacks, sunscreen and a camera (bonus points if you have a waterproof casing).
After a full day of adventure on the trails and lake, you’re bound to have quite an appetite! Treat yourself to dinner at either Rosewood Tahoe or Alibi Ale Works, two locally loved restaurants that serve consistent food and beverage options.
Get a good night of sleep; you earned it! There’s just a few more adventures waiting for you tomorrow before you leave.
The Monkey Rock lookout has an incredible variety of places to take photos and view the lake. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Sunday: Morning Yoga, Monkey Rock Hike and Mid-Afternoon Departure
After an adventurous day on the trails and exploring the lake, I recommend opting for a mindful yoga session to start your day. Located approximately ten minutes from Incline Village, The Sanctuary is a yoga studio and wellness center that truly lives up to its name. Sunday mornings here offer hatha yoga, a challenging and restorative practice for all levels to enjoy and reap the benefits.
After moving your body and practicing intentional breathwork, grab sourdough-based sandwiches, pizza or stromboli at Incline Bak'd or a sandwich at Sunshine Deli and Catering before making your way to the iconic Monkey Rock Trail, where you will have the opportunity to get one of the best views in the area. (Hint: the monkey will be to your right as you come up to the main viewpoint).
Park at the paid parking spaces near Tunnel Creek Cafe (where you parked for the East Shore Trail) and head to the trailhead, which will be past the cafe going uphill. You will see a sign for the Monkey Rock Trail to help direct you. Keep walking up and veer left and uphill when the trail forks.
I always recommend eating your lunch at the main Monkey Rock viewpoint, because it is such a beautiful and relaxing location, with many places to sit and take in the view (and lots of photos). If you’re up for more miles and viewpoints, keep going up the Flume Trail. Make sure to yield to bikers going downhill as they come in hot!
If you want a more challenging option, Rifle Peak is one of my strenuous go-to hikes. This one is short yet steep and is quite humbling! The views here are insanely gorgeous and well worth all the effort. I recommend bringing more snacks and water for this one, as the elevation gain will work up an appetite!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to Incline Village, and that you come back soon! Safe travels!
Tips From a Local:
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Plan to arrive early to each attraction or activity to allow for ample time to commute, get parking and travel with no stress. Summer is a very busy season in the region and early arrivals help ensure you get to where you need to be on time and not be rushed.
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Make sure to get reservations or book rentals ahead of time if necessary.
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Pack enough water, food, sunscreen and layers for your trip to avoid dehydration, altitude sickness and sunburn.
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Bring a camera to take snapshots of your adventures.
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Have fun and leave no trace!
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
