Hike to Skunk Harbor
Carson City, Nevada
Description
Added by Thomas Burton
Easy Hike through a forest. Beautiful Hidden Beach Dogs Allowed. Distance - 3 Miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 930 feet. Duration 2 hours or all day depending on how long you'd like to swim. Less Crowded than other beaches (It can still get crowded though).
The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate which is the entrance to the trailhead. Parking is free but don't park in front of the gate or you might get fined.
Once parked, take the old dirt road that is on the other side of the green gate. It will lead gradually downhill through the tall pine trees. There will be two different forks; always choose the right fork. After 1.5 miles you will arrive at the beach. There is an old abandoned house right at the beach that was used as a summer party house in the 1920s.
Spots on the beach are limited. If you don't show up early you may not get a sandy spot and be forced to lay out on the rocks. Boaters also will arrive and fill up the bay so if you want a good photo I would recommend getting there at sunrise or sunset. This beach is very near the famous Bonsai Rock area.
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Hike to Skunk Harbor Reviews
Go early to snag a parking spot! The trail is not steep and will take about 20-30min to get to the bottom. It has an historic house that is a must to learn about how it was constructed. The beach is somewhat small but offers area of shade in the afternoon and small boulders to jump off of into the water. Pack out what you pack in.
4.0
Sunsets here are beautiful! There’s usually little people here especially when you find your own little spot.
5.0
LOVE this beach. Local's warning: when you walk to the bathrooms, (which are just past the beach on the left), keep in mind you are walking through a nude beach. Caught me off guard once haha. It's immediately to the left of Skunk Harbor (when facing the lake), but completely secluded by large rocks and trees and such.
5.0
This is my favorite beach in Tahoe. It's been more crowded so I recommend going on a week day. Love taking the dogs here too. Be sure to save some energy for the hike back to the car.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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Skunk Harbor
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