The soft sand beach at Cave Rock Sate Park is a great place for families to play in Lake Tahoe's clean and cold water. Located just past the turn-around at the south end of the parking lot, the beach is about 400 feet long and is in a small protected bay. Kayaks are launched from this beach, not the boat ramp. On a hot weekend day this beach can get a bit crowded so if you are going up on the weekend make sure to get there before 11:00 a.m. to get a choice location on the beach. The beach faces south and the afternoon sun can be intense. Bring a portable shade canopy and be sure to use some effective sunscreen. The clear sky and elevation at Lake Tahoe increases the likelihood of sunburn.
Kayaking Cave Rock State Park
Another advantage to getting to Cave Rock State Park early is the morning calm of the wind and water. The wind and waves in the afternoon make the lake water turbulent and difficult to navigate at times. As you depart the sheltered bay in your kayak paddle north for great views of Cave Rock State Park's namesake. The west side of the rock presents a nearly sheer drop to Lake Tahoe. Prior to the car tunnels being blasted through the rock the wagon train trail used the precipitous west side of Cave Rock as a road. Evidence of this road still exists today and is best viewed from the lake.
Continuing north you will pass by a number of luxury homes and eventually arrive at Glenbrook, a small community on Lake Tahoe's east shore. Paddling south from Cave Rock State Park expect to pass fewer homes on the way to Zephyr Cove. No matter which direction you choose expect to encounter huge rocks that are just slightly submerged under the lake's glistening surface. The lake bottom can usually be seen quite easily to depths up to 20 feet. On weekday mornings kayakers can expect to have the section of the east shore from Zephyr Cove to Glenbrook pretty much to themselves.
General Information
Cave Rock State Park is located about 3.5 miles north of Zephyr Cove, Nevada on U.S. Highway 50. In 2011 the entry fee for this day use state park was $8.00. The park has a boat launch, parking for vehicles and boat trailer, bathrooms and a small sandy beach. Motorized boats using the boat launch are required to have a boat inspection seal before launching in Lake Tahoe. Inspection stations are located on the primary access highways to Lake Tahoe. Vehicles without boat trailers are strongly encouraged by state park workers to use the designated car parking spaces near the bathrooms.
Be aware that the boat launch at Cave Rock State Park can be pretty busy on weekends. Even though kayaks have the right of way keep a close eye out on motorized boats as they depart and approach the boat launch. A paddle wheel boat uses the dock at Zephyr Cove and is not as easily steered or stopped as a small boat. Keep clear of this large paddle wheel vessel. Cave Rock State Park does not have any services so make sure to bring food and drinks for your picnic.
Carl Hoffman - Carl has a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and is retired from the Nevada National Guard.
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