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Explore Tahoe-Truckee: Memorial Point Overlook near Sand Harbor offers more than just an up-close view

Kaleb M. Roedel
kroedel@sierrasun.com
As you make your way down the shore, the view only gets better from the surface of the vibrant Lake Tahoe water.
Kaleb Roedel / Sierra Sun |

Editor’s note

This is the fourth in a series of recurring stories highlighting simple-to-access scenic views for motorists and cyclists of the greater Truckee-Tahoe region.

Click here to read Part One, about McGlashan Point at Donner Summit.

Click here to read Part Two, about the Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Lookout.

Click here to read Part Three, about Inspiration Point Vista at Emerald Bay.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Let’s say you’ve gazed at the crystalline Lake Tahoe from high above — but have you seen the “Jewel of the Sierra” up close and personal?

Maybe you want to stretch and step your way down the bed of granite rocks that stack the shoreline. Or even dip your toes in the cool, clear waters.

If you’re slowly nodding your head right now, then you’re in the right place.



Well, not yet. But, I’ll tell you where you need to go: Memorial Point Overlook.

Situated just a few miles south of Incline Village, near Sand Harbor State Park, the overlook offers one of the best shoreline spots found on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe.



Not only that, the scenic rewards can be reaped with little effort.

Right after you exit your vehicle, you’re greeted with a captivating view of Big Blue, encompassed by the massive granite rocks, the swath of pines and the mighty Sierra Nevada.

It only gets better from there.

Past the parking lot and the visitor center is a stairway that leads you to a dirt path.

There, multiple thinner paths branch off, giving you the option of meandering along the crest of the shore — if you go right, Hidden Beach is 1 mile away — or snaking your way down to the water from either direction.

On the paths, you’ll encounter a bevy of information plaques — you can learn about dimensions of the lake, geology of the basin, plants and animals that inhabit the region and plenty of Tahoe history.

If you are bound for the water, though, use caution as you maneuver down the rocks. You’ll notice, too, there are many flatter boulders that serve as perfect platforms for sitting back, sunbathing, picnicking or fishing.

And when you get to the water, sun-splashed and swirled with blues and turquoise, you’ll find it impossible to not dip a hand or a toe into Tahoe.

Now, here’s how you get there:

COMING FROM TRUCKEE/INCLINE VILLAGE

Take Brockway Road for less than two miles until you reach Highway 267 East —turn right.

Stay on Highway 267 for roughly 10 miles, then hook a left as you enter Kings Beach onto North Lake Boulevard/Highway 28.

Continue through King Beach, Crystal Bay and Incline Village (the road turns into Nevada Highway 28 at the state line).

Four miles from Incline Village, before you get to Sand Harbor State Park, the Memorial Point Overlook parking lot will be on your right.

COMING FROM THE SOUTH SHORE

At Stateline, head northeast up U.S. Highway 50.

After 17 miles of curling alongside Tahoe, turn left onto Highway 28 South.

After 8.5 miles, the Memorial Point Overlook parking lot will be on your left. Once you’ve passed Sand Harbor, you’re just a half mile away.


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