Lake Tahoe in all its splendor is wonderful to gaze upon from any vantage point, and even the small peek-a-boo views can provide a sense of awe. But seeing the lake from atop an ancient volcano is something to write home to mama about. Cave Rock is likely the most identifiable landmark on the lake, it can be seen from just about anywhere around Tahoe, and if you’re headed to South Lake from Reno or Carson City, you drive right through it, just south of Glenbrook and two miles from Stateline.
The views are breathtaking from the sacred Washoe Indian rock that is perched on the edge of the water. Literally breathtaking if one suffers from high anxiety, the lake is about two hundred feet directly below your feet. Looking north toward Mt. Rose and the southeast side of the lake are the outlines of the coves and points that jut in and out from the shore — a great way to see the geography of the lake. Be sure to bring the camera or phone and take lots of pictures to send to family and friends.
The hike up to the top is an easy trail to conquer, with the biggest obstacle being the limited parking. The trailhead is located in the Cave Rock Estates neighborhood off of Highway 50 at Cave Rock Road. Only about a half mile hike to the top, with an expansive lake view the whole way along the path, it’s a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. Then, after being up on the rock, head down to the Cave Rock boat launch and picnic area and look up at what you just accomplished.
And now for something completely different: a few miles south down the road from Cave Rock, Harveys Casino is prepping for a huge summer concert series. The show dates keep rolling in, and it’s shaping up to be a very entertaining summer lineup of acts that span the spectrum of music. April may be a good time to finalize plans to come up to Lake Tahoe and go to one of the concerts that start in June. Slightly Stoopid starts things off on June 16 with opening acts Stick Figure and Pepper. Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters with openers Los Lobos and Seth Lakeman on June 23. Kenny Chesney will perform on July 3. An Evening with PITBULL happens July 13. Subsequent concert performances : An Evening with PHISH, July 17 and 18; Keith Urban with opener Kelsea Ballerini, July 21 and 22; Luke Bryan, July 25; Chris Stapleton, July 26; Steve Miller/Peter Frampton, August 17; Charlie Puth, August 18; An Evening with Donnie and Marie, August 24; Dave Matthews Band, September 7.
— Brendan Packer
