Sugar Pine Point State Park Nature Trails
Discover this 9.1-mile loop trail near Tahoma, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 4 min to complete. This trail is great for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

Sugar Pine Point – Hellman-Ehrman Estate
Day Use facilities, including the historic Hellman-Ehrman Estate, picnic area, beach and pier are 3/4 mile south from the campground. Day Use parking is $10 per vehicle during the peak season, $5 per vehicle in the winter, or free if you are camping at Sugar Pine Point. Fees are required year round and due by self-payment when the kiosk is unstaffed. There is a separate fee for historic tours of the Hellman-Ehrman Estate. Please contact the Sierra State Parks Foundation for tour schedule information. Dogs are welcome on-leash in the historic areas and paved bike trails. Restrooms are available. The visitor center will be open during the summer season.

About the Park

Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lake frontage, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and cedar.

Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman Ehrman. The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe.

Location/Directions
The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
Summer temperatures range from about 75-80 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to lows in the teens or 20s. Winter temperatures may drop below 0. High Sierra weather is varied and can change abruptly. It is recommended to bring layered clothing and check weather updates. The weather forecast is available from NOAA.gov.

Chains and/ or 4 wheel drive are frequently required during the winter season. For up to date road conditions, call the Caltrans road hotline at 1800-427-ROAD, or visit the Caltrans website.

Facilities – Activities
Hiking & Swimming
Many miles of hiking trails within the park and a swimming beach provide visitors with a variety of relaxing summer activities.

Fishing
Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park is comprised of conifer forests in the General Creek drainage. The waters of General Creek are among the clearest waters flowing into Lake Tahoe and the stream is open to fishing from mid July to mid September.A fishing license is required.

Cross-Country Skiing
Winter visitors to the park will find over 20 kilometers of marked cross country ski trails and a heated restroom in the General Creek campground. Interpretive presentations on a variety of winter related subjects are presented most weekends, from January through March.

Nature Center
When you’re at Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park, be sure to stop at the Nature Center located in the day use area by the Ehrman Mansion. We now have a bird display, where visitors can view several species of bird life that occur in the Tahoe Basin. In addition to birds, visitors can see most of the mammals and the four major game fish that occur here. Other exhibits include: Biology, Lake Ecology, Wildflowers, Trees, and a “Touchy-feely” table for the kids (adults also!).

Additional Infromation:
· Tennis courts are located at Hellman Ehrman Mansion and are first come first served.
· There is a campground that takes reservations at 800-444-PARK
· Dogs on a 6′ leash are allowed on paved areas, in the campground. Dogs are not allowed on beaches, and upaved trails.
· Winter and summer events take place in the park. Visit their website for more information.