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Burton Creek State Park: Tahoe City's Natural Escape

Explore Tahoe City's Burton Creek State Park: Hiking, biking, skiing, and scenic beauty in a pristine natural setting.

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Burton Creek State Park, nestled on the outskirts of Tahoe City, offers a 2,000-acre natural escape with six miles of unpaved roads perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. This undeveloped park provides a tranquil experience with scenic vistas, diverse terrain, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

A brief summary to Burton Creek State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your own water and snacks, as the park has no amenities.
  • Wear layered clothing, as weather in the Sierra can change abruptly.
  • Park outside the gates, being mindful not to block access or park on private property.
  • Dogs are allowed on roads but must be kept on a 6-foot leash.
  • Use marked trails to reduce erosion and avoid creating 'wildcat' trails.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Tahoe City, several access points exist, including the Tahoe XC trailhead and the Dollar Creek bike path. From Tahoe City, head northeast. The Tahoe XC trailhead offers direct access to the park's trail network. Alternatively, utilize the Dollar Creek paved bike trail parking lot on Dollar Hill and connect to the park trails. Be aware that some access points, like Tamarack Lodge and the top of Jackpine Street, involve steep inclines. Parking is free at the Tahoe XC trailhead. From Tahoe City Transit Center, walking to Burton Creek State Park will take approximately 45 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The ML bus line stops near Burton Creek State Park Way. From the Tahoe City Transit Center, take the bus towards Burton Creek State Park. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single ride fare is approximately $2.

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Discover more about Burton Creek State Park

Burton Creek State Park, a 2,000-acre haven on the edge of Tahoe City, provides a serene escape into nature. Established in 1976, this park features six miles of unpaved roads suitable for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The mountainous terrain explores the south-facing slopes of the Tahoe Basin's north shore, showcasing a variety of conifers and shrubs. Visitors can enjoy excellent scenic vistas and observe wildlife and birds. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn paints the cottonwoods in vivid hues. In winter, the trails are open for cross-country skiing. The park's trail system connects to other popular routes like the Tahoe Rim Trail and Fiberboard Freeway. Two sections are designated as State Natural Preserves, protecting a Sierra mountain meadow and a riparian forest, which enhance water quality in Lake Tahoe and provide habitats for various species. Burton Creek State Park is open from sunrise to sunset for day use only. Motorized vehicles are prohibited to maintain the park's peaceful environment. While the park lacks amenities like water and restrooms, its natural preserves, including Antone Meadows and Burton Creek Natural Preserve, offer immense charm. Backcountry camping is permitted, but facilities are minimal.

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