Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Bonsai Rock on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side is a loved paddle boarding spot on the Tahoe East Shore, a popular photography location, and a great place for watching an incredible sunset over Lake Tahoe.

In our Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock Guide, you will find out how to get to Bonsai Rock, where the trailhead starts, where to park your car, and also find some photo inspiration and more.

Guide To Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe

Table Of Contents

Bonsai Rock Nevada
Directions To Bonsai Rock In Tahoe
Bonsai Rock Trailhead
Bonsai Rock Sunset Spot
Bonsai Rock Photography Spot
Popular Paddleboarding & Kayaking Spot

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Bonsai Rock Tahoe

Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock is an iconic big boulder from which 4 tiny trees grow out, hence the name Bonsai Rock.

The rock formation is a very unique attraction to see in Lake Tahoe in the summer as well as in the winter when the rocks are covered in snow.

The Tahoe Bonsai Tree is among the top bucket list spots that you can’t miss when in the area.

Bonsai Rock Nevada

Where Is Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe?

The picturesque Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock is located on the rugged North-East shore on the Nevada side of the lake.

This area is especially known for its Caribbean-like crystal clear blue water and big boulders, with the Bonsai Tree Rock being the most famous one of them.

How To Get To Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe?

The unique Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock is located just about 1 mile South of Sand Harbor Beach off of Nevada State Route 28.

The closest cities are Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe and Carson City towards the East.

Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe Directions

Bonsai Rock is not an official site, hence there are no signs with directions to the spot. A quick Google Maps search will give you the right directions, however.

Parking

Since it is not an official Tahoe attraction, there is no parking lot either. However, there are some pull-out areas along the road where you can park your car.

On summer weekends they fill up super quickly in the morning already and you will have to find additional parking spots along the road and walk a little.

Be careful though, not to park in restricted areas as you will get towed otherwise.

Bonsai Rock Trailhead

Once you have found a parking spot along State Route 28 you have to make your way down to the water.

Again, there is no one official Bonsai Rock trailhead. Instead, there are multiple steep paths that lead down to Bonsai Beach.

You will be able to see the Bonsai Tree Rock from the road and have to decide on a starting point to head down.

Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe Trail

Every time we went to Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock Beach we ended up taking a different trail down. There are just so many that people have created in the past.

All the paths will eventually lead you there. The only thing is that some trails may be easier than others. In general, they are absolutely doable if you don’t have any restrictions but pay attention as paths are more or less steep and sandy.

The trails can be slippery, so it’s best to wear proper shoes and not just flip-flops.

Bonsai Rock Sunset Spot

Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe is beautiful at any time of day and during any season of the year, but it is especially cool to watch the sunset from this unique spot along Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shore.

Check out our post below, if you want to know about other amazing locations to watch the sunset around the lake.

Bonsai Rock Photography Spot

Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe drone — Birdseye perspective of Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe

You have probably seen those amazing Bonsai Rock photos with the milky way in the sky or a snow-covered landscape surrounding the iconic rock creating a beautiful contrast to the azure blue water.

The Bonsai Rock Tahoe is most photographers’ favorite photo location around Lake Tahoe.

Popular Paddleboarding & Kayaking Spot

Kayaking and paddle boarding Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe — Kayaking and paddleboarding at Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe

Not only do photographers and sunset chasers love this Tahoe attraction, but also paddle boarders and kayakers love the spot.

From Sand Harbor Beach, Bonsai Rock makes a great destination for a paddleboard or kayak trip.

If you want to know more about paddleboarding and SUP rentals in Tahoe be sure to check out our Tahoe SUP Guide.

Over underwater photography at Lake Tahoe with crystal clear water and big boulders

Can You Swim To Bonsai Rock?

Yes, you can swim to Bonsai Rock, even without a kayak or paddle board. The giant boulder is not far from the shore at all.

You may want to get some snorkeling goggles and an underwater camera and/or a GoPro dome port as the landscape underwater is also quite amazing around the Bonsai Tree Rock.

We hope you found our guide to Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock helpful and got inspired to visit this unique Tahoe spot yourself.

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier