BURTON CREEK STATE PARK
A pleasant forest walk with minimal elevation gain in Burton Creek State Park, this delightful morning or afternoon excursion should be a crowd pleaser. But there?s no prominent signage, so the slightly obscure locale remains relatively undiscovered, promising an uncrowded and serene hiking experience. Numerous side trails come and go along this route, providing an array of options for trip extensions and alternate starting points. Make sure you pack a map, as the intersecting trails and roads can be quite confusing at times.
This 2,000-acre park was established as a state property in the late 1970s. It's situated near Lake Tahoe and is known for its extensive trail system used by hikers and cross-country skiers alike. The area has been historically significant due to logging activities during the Comstock Lode era of Nevada silver mining history.
Burton Creek State Park is located near Reno, Truckee
Burton Creek State Park offers serene picnicking spots amidst 2,000 acres of forest with views of the Sierra Nevada.
Burton Creek Trail
2 to 8 miles round tripLake Tahoe?s secret state park is Burton Creek, more than 2,000 acres of forest and meadowland, located just across the highway from the tiny, but well-known lakeshore campground at Tahoe State Recreation Area. (The Tahoe SRA entry kiosk is a good place to ask questions about Burton Creek.)
The park has a great deal of potential to become a favorite of trail users? cross-country skiers, mountain bicyclists, hikers?as soon as access problems are resolved and some signs are erected.
Bisecting the park, from its northwest to its southwest corners, is Burton Creek. The creek has been dammed, but two natural preserves have been established in the creek corridor. Above the dam is Antone Meadows Natural Preserve; from the dam to the highway is Burton Creek Natural Preserve.
The park is completely undeveloped except for some six miles of dirt roads. Chief users of the trail system are cross-country skiers. During the winter, Tahoe Nordic Center grooms the park trails. (To reach the center, take Village Road off Highway 28.)
The hiking is strictly improvisational; wander the dirt roads for as long or short a hike as you please. Numbers posted at road junctions aid your navigation of the tangle of roads. Keep track of those numbers!
A section of the new Tahoe Rim Trail leads through the western part of the park. Best walking is along Burton Creek and through the surrounding meadows.
Directions to trailhead: The park has two entrances from Tahoe City. The Bunker Drive entrance has parking; the Tamarack Lodge entrance presents both access and parking difficulties.
When considering cycling in this area, be mindful of the terrain and your skill level. The park offers a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking; however, it's important to note that some paths may not be well-marked.
The "Fiberboard Freeway" is one option but requires caution due to its multi-use nature-expect hikers and possibly horses. It can also get quite rough in places.
Another trail worth mentioning is the "Tahoe Rim Trail," which intersects with other routes within the park boundaries. Be aware that sections might challenge even experienced riders.
For those seeking less demanding rides, exploring the network of fire roads could provide a more manageable experience while still offering scenic views.
Always wear appropriate safety gear when riding and consider checking recent reviews or updates from local sources regarding trail conditions before you set out on any path here.
The park is located on the northeast side of Tahoe City.Latitude/Longitude: 39.1950 / -120.1417
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