Burton Creek State Park
State Park · Tahoe City, California
Burton Creek State Park lies just outside Tahoe City on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, in Placer County. It is a largely undeveloped, forested park of about 2,000 acres, with pine and fir woods, volcanic rock and a meadow, crossed by dirt roads and trails used for hiking, biking and, in winter, cross-country skiing (confirm routes). It has no real visitor facilities - no visitor centre, and no developed parking beyond the trailheads on its edges (confirm). That is the point: it is a quiet alternative to the crowded lakeshore beaches and lookouts, and in summer you may meet few other people. The Tahoe Rim Trail and the Tahoe City bike path run nearby (confirm). Bears, mosquitoes and snow are all part of the visit, and the web of unmarked roads makes it easy to get lost, so carry a map. It suits hikers and skiers who want solitude, and it disappoints anyone hoping for a beach, a lake view or a ranger to ask.
Tahoe City, CA, Tahoe City, California, 96145, United States
California State Parks lists the park as open from sunrise to sunset, with no gate or staffed entrance - confirm the posted hours at the trailhead you use. There is no visitor centre, so there is no desk to ask. In winter, part of the trail system is groomed for cross-country skiing by a concessionaire, and a trail pass is required for the groomed trails - confirm the pass rules and season. Snow can cover the trails from late fall to spring, summer brings mosquitoes after the snowmelt, and wildfire smoke or fire danger can close or affect the park, so check conditions on the day you go.
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