Van Sickle Day Hike
South Lake Tahoe
Van Sickle Trail leads through Van Sickle Bi-State Park which is partly in Nevada and partly in California near South Lake Tahoe's Stateline. The trail is within a few minutes' walk of the casino core. Hikers soon find themselves in a natural setting with wonderful panoramic views of South Lake Tahoe. Various loops and connecting trails offer everything from short strolls to several miles of hiking. The park is open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
Van Sickle Park Trail
Van Sickle Trailhead
Moderate
1-3 miles
200' - 600'
Lake Tahoe
Two main trailheads serve the Van Sickle Trail, one on the California side and another on the Nevada side. The access roads to the trailheads are only open to vehicles from May 1 through October 31, but pedestrians may enter year-round, sunrise to sunset. Van Sickle Trailheads are off the end of Park Avenue, one almost immediately upon entering the park and the other with equestrian facilities on a spur leading to the north in Nevada. The roads to the trailheads are open from May 1 through October 31. Pedestrians can walk into the park year-round from sunrise to sunset. There are no admission or parking fees.
The California trailhead has parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. On the Nevada side, visitors find parking, restrooms, and picnic tables along with equestrian facilities.
Van Sickle Trail
Among popular destinations along the various trails are a small waterfall, a historic barn, and - best of all - Lake Tahoe vista points. The trail to the falls is 1.1 miles each way from the Nevada trailhead, with a 572-foot gain in elevation. The hike feels much farther than 1.1 miles. Due to a recent wildfire many parts of the trail are without shade and can be hot. Continuing on that trail beyond the falls for another 2½ connects to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Van Sickle Falls
Parking
Parking near the trailheads can be a problem in the off-season when the roads into the park are closed. The local parking garage charges a ridiculous $3.75 per hour (double that on major holiday weekends). Many visitors resort to parking some distance away and walking to the park.
Things to Know
- Bring plenty of drinking water since shade is limited and it can be hot in the summer.
- Restrooms are available at the trailheads.
Burned Section of Van Sickle Park
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Cascade Falls - 1-mile hike to 200' falls
- Mount Tallac - strenuous hike for wonderful views
- Rubicon Trail - scenic views of Lake Tahoe on trail from Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay.
- Spooner Lake - any easy 2-mile loop around the lake
Other Nearby Trails
From Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Highway 89 near Camp Richardson, take the short Rainbow Trail, which includes the popular Stream Profile Chamber. Also follow the easy Lake of the Sky Trail down to a sandy beach on Lake Tahoe.
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