Hiking the Monkey Rock Trail in Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Distance (Roundtrip): 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
Located in Incline Village on the north side of Lake Tahoe, the Monkey Rock Trail is one of the best and easiest hikes in the Lake Tahoe area.
On top of this, Monkey Rock is also one of the best sunset hikes on any side of the lake, being that the trail is only 1.3 miles (2.1 km) each way, featuring expansive views of the lake and the sunset over the northern Sierras to the west!
Monkey Rock Trailhead Parking
Parking for Monkey Rock Trail is located in a paid parking area just off of Highway 28.
However, in my experience, parking is free after 7 p.m., which is just one more reason why the Monkey Rock Trail makes for a great sunset hike!
Google Maps Directions: Money Rock Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Lake Tahoe
The Lake Tahoe area is bear country, and being the case, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike around Lake Tahoe.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Monkey Rock Trail
From the parking area, the Monkey Rock Trail begins up the path just behind the Tunnel Creek Cafe, which should have signs indicating the right direction.
Initially, the first 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of the hike is mostly flat, as you make your way toward the base of the mountain.
Then, you will pass a few signs talking about the fees required to enter the Nevada State Park, but in my experience, I didn’t see any evidence that there was a way or need to pay any fee for the Monkey Rock Trail.
If you know otherwise, please leave a comment below.
At about 0.6 miles (1.0 km), the Monkey Rock Trail passes by the 'true' trailhead, which is where the hike will start to gain elevation up toward the viewpoint.
Overall, the uphill on the Monkey Rock Trail is very mild compared to other, more steep trails in the Lake Tahoe area, like Maggie’s Peak.
I forgot to take this photo on the hike up, but at about 0.9 miles (1.4 km), you either have the option of going right on the longer, more mild uphill trail, or you can turn left to take the shorter but steeper and more direct route to the top.
Either way, both of these trails end up at the same place above the incline.
At about 1.2 miles (1.9 km), turn left away from the Tunnel Creek Trail to get to Monkey Rock, located a short distance ahead.
Monkey Rock
From the summit of Monkey Rock, you not only get to enjoy the uniquely-carved rock formation but also the beautiful panoramic views of Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierras to the west.
More Nearby Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures nearby, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
The Lake Tahoe Basin and the surrounding area is black bear country, and while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less danger as opposed to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
In any case, afternoon thunderstorms, the summer heat/ dehydration, and falls, especially when it’s icy, generally present the greatest risks to hikers.
In addition, there are two venomous rattlesnakes in the Lake Tahoe area, which are the Great Basin and Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes. That being said, an encounter with either is generally rare, as I have only ever seen one.
Disclaimer
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