Eagle Rock

This gem of a vista located on Tahoe’s west shore between Tahoe City and Homewood is the remains of a volcano plug, meaning it plugged the surrounding ancient volcano like a cork. A short hike along a designated trail from Highway 89 climbs 250 feet up the south and west edge of Eagle Rock, gaining its summit. The trail is approximately a half-mile long, finishing at one of Tahoe’s top panoramic views, a surprising reward for such an easy hike.

Views stretch from the classic west shore peaks and Sugar Pine Point to the south up to Dollar Point beyond Tahoe City in the north. To the east lies the Nevada lakeshore and the Carson Range. To the west lies the backcountry of Blackwood Canyon, which funnels wind and weather out over the rock during storms. While summer sees the most foot traffic here, the trail leading up to  Eagle Rock makes for a great snowshoe trip in winter.

Eagle Rock is easily seen from Highway 89 where the eastern edge hangs precipitously toward the road. Parking is on the west side of the highway immediately south of the rock next to Blackwood Creek.