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Considered one of the greatest recent additions to the Lake Tahoe region, the East Shore Trail connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor. This relatively easy 3-mile paved trail gives locals and tourists of all ages and abilities access to experience the natural beauty of the pristine environment in a sustainable, safe and fun way.
The multi-use East Shore Trail has helped decrease traffic and parking issues by encouraging human-powered modes of transportation, such as walking, jogging and cycling. Not only has this helped aid the ongoing issues of traffic and parking congestion, it has helped motivate people to prioritize movement, which is a great way to improve physical and mental well-being.
Due to its tremendous success, the East Shore Trail is set to expand to Thunderbird Cove and eventually up to Spooner Summit. This massive undertaking is possible by donor fundraising and a recent $24 million RAISE grant.
Below, I outline some of the many benefits of utilizing and expanding the East Shore Trail in hopes of raising awareness and promoting recreational use of the trail by locals and tourists alike.
The East Shore Trail was a successful undertaking, and it's just getting started. Photo by Kirsten Alexis
Decreases Traffic and Increases Access to Points of Interest
With the significant rise in tourism over the past decade, one of the main effects felt by the community has been an increase in traffic congestion and limited parking spots at local attractions. One way to curb this has been to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation. The East Shore Trail encourages human-powered transportation, which has a positive impact in reducing traffic, promoting sustainability and encouraging locals and tourists to get active.
The East Shore Trail also gives easy access to points of interest that were otherwise more difficult to access due to limited parking, such as Hidden Beach. Now, everyone can enjoy Hidden Beach, as it is just a quick walk or bike ride away. And, everyone of all abilities can access Hidden Beach, or other points of interest, along the trail, as it meets the standards of the American Disability Act.
Reduces Human Impact on the Fragile Environment
The East Shore Trail provides a paved pathway to ensure people can be mindful of how they interact with the environment. Utilizing the pathway instead of trampling over sensitive soils can help prevent erosion and damage to the flora.
To educate the public about the sensitive ecosystem and get them excited about conservation, there are interpretive signs along the trail with fun facts about the lake, wildlife, and history of the region. The more we are aware of how incredible the region is, the more inclined we are to do our part to leave no trace and participate in preservation on an individual and community efforts.
The beautiful rock formation of Hidden Beach from above. Drone shot by Kirsten Alexis
Improves Physical and Mental Health
Outdoor recreation not only improves your physical health, but also your emotional wellness! Call me biased, but I can't think of a better backdrop for some outdoor fitness and nature therapy than a path right on the lake!
There are so many options for recreation on this trail. You can walk, run, bike ride and swim at the various beaches along the way. Sometimes, on early mornings or late afternoons when it's calmer, I even bring a yoga mat to the beach to work on stretching, mobility and breathwork. Working on mindfulness helps keep you present, which in turn helps regulate your mood.
In a world in which we are surrounded by constant stimuli from technology, taking a break on the trail is a great way to connect with nature and ourselves.
Improves Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
The East Shore Trail's 10-foot path offers a large and protected space for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy without worrying about being struck by traffic, an ongoing concern for many. The trail, specifically designed to be tucked away from the main roads, offers a stress-free refuge for recreationalists to enjoy their space without compromising safety.
There are still precautions to take, however, such as being mindful of staying in your lane and out of the way of oncoming foot and cycling traffic, and always being aware of your surroundings. If you are on a bike, make sure to wear your helmet!
Sand Harbor on a quiet day in the off-season. Photo by Kirsten Alexis
Boosts the Local Economy
The East Shore Trail invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy everything Incline Village and the surrounding area has to offer. You can make a full day of adventures that include exploring the trail, such as renting a bike for the Flume Trail, or eating lunch at the Tunnel Creek Cafe. You can also go into town and check out the restaurants and shops, most of them locally owned and operated.
Fosters Community
Being out on the trail allows you to meet the locals and visitors who come from all over the world. I always enjoy meeting other people who share a love for Tahoe and seeing them enjoy their visit.
The East Shore Trail is also something the locals are extremely proud of, and seeing the success helps get them excited to participate in the trail's expansion as well as cleanups, sustainable fundraising projects, community events and an environment that future generations can enjoy.
The East Shore Trail is a shining example of what can be done when communities come together to make a positive impact in their own backyard. I'm looking forward to seeing the expansion of the trail, and the continuation of promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation in the Tahoe region.
See you on the trail!
All photos by Kirsten Alexis
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. 
