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Burton Creek State Park: Tahoe's Tranquil Escape

Explore Tahoe's serene wilderness: Hiking, biking & skiing on scenic trails in Burton Creek State Park, a natural escape near Tahoe City.

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Burton Creek State Park, nestled near Tahoe City, offers a serene 2,000-acre retreat with hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Explore six miles of unpaved trails through forests and meadows, with connections to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Enjoy scenic vistas and a peaceful escape into nature.

A brief summary to Burton Creek State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your own water and snacks, as the park has limited facilities.
  • Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you go, especially during winter.
  • Dogs are allowed on roads within the park, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash.
  • Park outside the gates, being mindful not to block access or park on private property.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Tahoe City, head north on CA-28. Turn onto Bunker Drive or Forest Road, depending on your desired trailhead. Parking is available outside the park gates. Be respectful of neighbors and avoid parking on private property. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) to the Tahoe City Transit Center. From there, it's approximately a 2-mile walk or bike ride to the Burton Creek State Park entrance. TART offers free rides. Check the TART schedule for routes and times.

  • Walking

    From Tahoe City, follow the bike path north along CA-28. Turn onto Bunker Drive or Forest Road to access the park entrance. The walk is approximately 2 miles and takes around 40 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Burton Creek State Park

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Discover more about Burton Creek State Park

Burton Creek State Park, a 2,000-acre natural haven on the outskirts of Tahoe City, provides a tranquil escape into the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Established in 1976, the park boasts six miles of unpaved roads and trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The park's trail system connects to other popular routes like the Tahoe Rim Trail and Fiberboard Freeway, offering extensive exploration opportunities. In the summer, hikers and bikers can enjoy the trails, while winter transforms the park into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination. The terrain varies from meadows and forests to more challenging slopes, providing options for all skill levels. Historically, the area around Burton Creek was used to supply water to the Tahoe Tavern Resort via the Burton Creek Dam. While the dam is no longer in use, two natural preserves, Antone Meadows Natural Preserve and Burton Creek Natural Preserve, protect the area's unique ecosystem. These preserves help maintain water quality in Lake Tahoe and provide habitats for diverse species. Today, Burton Creek State Park remains a relatively undeveloped park, offering a peaceful retreat with excellent scenic vistas. It's a place to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy recreational activities, and appreciate the beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

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