Van Sickle Bi-State Park — Attraction in South Lake Tahoe

Van Sickle Bi-State Park enjoys all the views that any hiker expects of a Lake Tahoe adventure. Its noteworthy accessibility to South Lake Tahoe may be its greatest feature. Hikers can get to the trailhead by walking from most South Lake Tahoe hotels in just a few minutes (from the base of the gondola). This is a popular trail to access the Tahoe Rim Trail which you reach 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The trail is well-marked and not-too-challenging. There's plenty of cover so you're not too exposed to the sun. Families with children will find an easy to moderate walk up the first one or two miles. The trail never gets technical and switchbacks offer great views not just back to the lake but over the landscape as well. As the trail meets the Rim trail, you're well within the Heavenly Ski Resort so if you have a car waiting in that area, you can make this a...

My dog and I hiked to the waterfall and back in early July. The fall isn’t very big but there’s a little area where dogs can cool down without risk of injury. My big dog plopped right down and was joined by several others! We turned back but it looks like the hike continues on.

The view is gorgeous. I stopped at the first vista which was marked on the trail. I stood on the boulders and looked at the lake. Breathtaking!

The trail was sandy and relatively easy to navigate. I’m 55 and fit, it might be harder for those who have knee issues. It was about 40 minutes each way with a 600’ elevation gain. Every now and then there were small boulder “steps”, hence the knee issue comment. This is a great hike for families and dogs. No gravel or painful rocky terrain.

The views upon the return...

This is a gem of a place to hike. I went up on a crisp fall day in late October and the colors and scenery were breathtaking. Free parking, clean restrooms and well- marked trails. Dog- friendly, though I did meet a hiker who got spooked by a coyote encounter and decided to leave. The locals I spoke with feel very safe up there and have occasionally seen coyotes and bears but remain unphased. As for me, I'd like to explore more and travel farther, but would feel more comfortable with at least one other human companion (rather than just as a solo female) so I didn't venture very far. I didn't want to risk a wildlife encounter alone with my dog. Even so, it was very enjoyable for me and my dog and I will...