For the last decade, I have called Lake Tahoe my home and there are few spots that I return to several times throughout a year. However, Bonsai Rock, on the northeast shore of the lake, is one of those places. From rock jumping to hanging with friends on a quiet beach (hard to find in Lake Tahoe) to kayaking to photography, Bonsai Rock is a must visit. At least, I take all of my friends and family here whenever they come to see me and here’s why.
What You’ll Learn In This Article:
How to get to Bonsai Rock
How to actually find parking at Bonsai Rock
Water activities for everyone at Bonsai Rock
Stargazing and astrophotography when visiting Bonsai Rock
Photography tips I’ve used to capture stunning images at Bonsai Rock
For those without a fear of heights, go ahead and leap into the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories
Pros of Visiting Bonsai Rock
Unique Photography Opportunities: The rock's picturesque setting and the bonsai trees atop the main rock make this spot a fantastic subject for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Sunset Views: Sunset at Bonsai Rock is particularly magical, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that's perfect for relaxation (as long as nobody is blasting music from a speaker).
Short Hike: Bonsai Rock is relatively easy to access, with a short hike if you can snag a parking spot in the pull out.
Cons of Visiting Bonsai Rock:
Crowds: Bonsai Rock can get crowded during the peak summer season and parking is limited, so get there early
Limited Parking: There are only two parking areas for Bonsai Rock, one is free and one is paid.
Seasonal Access: The accessibility of Bonsai Rock during the snowy season can be dangerous, I don’t recommend it.
Limited Amenities: There are no toilets, ADA ramps, or, well, any infrastructure. Please practice all LNT principles when visiting.
It’s all smiles for Kati after leaping off Bonsai Rock into the cold waters on a summer day in Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories
How To Get To Bonsai Rock and Parking Options (hint, parking is the hardest part)
There is no easy way to say this, but getting to Bonsai Rock and parking for this area is a bit of a nightmare. While I wish I had local tips for you, the reality is you just have to show up early or get lucky. My personal preference is to stay late to watch sunset at Bonsai Rock, so I always opt for the free parking areas.
This Is How You Get to Bonsai Rock:
GPS Coordinates (the easiest way): If you're using GPS navigation, the coordinates for Bonsai Rock are [39.2167° N, 119.9122° W].
Also, here’s a Google Maps link for you: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5qgNxTgrTGSGFGUVA
From North Lake Tahoe: Drive to Sand Harbor State Park, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From there, continue driving south for another mile to a small pullout on the lake side of the highway. If there isn’t parking here, continue driving up the hill.
From South Lake Tahoe: Take US-50 east to Spooner Summit, then turn left onto NV-28 toward Incline Village. Follow NV-28 north along the lakeshore for about 8–10 miles. Just before Sand Harbor (if you see Sand Harbor you’ve gone too far), look for a small lakeside pullout — that’s the unofficial parking for Bonsai Rock. NOTE: you will have to do a U-turn to park, this can be dangerous, so please be careful.
You Only Have Two Parking Options:
There is no easy way to park for Bonsai Rock if it is crowded, so make sure you show up early as there are only two parking options.
Roadside Parking: Along Highway 28 (North Lake Boulevard), you will find limited roadside parking opportunities in a variety of pullouts. These are good for a handful of vehicles, but be aware of the cliff. This option is free, and can be challenging during busy times.
Sand Harbor State Park Parking: The most convenient and recommended option is to park at Sand Harbor State Park then rent a kayak and paddle to Bonsai Rock. This option is safest and best for families. The parking spaces are limited due to the popularity of the area, so show up early. Keep in mind that there are parking fees for this state park.
IMPORTANT: When parking at Sand Harbor State Park, please be aware that there is no way to walk from Sand Harbor to Bonsai Rock. If you try and get caught, you will get a ticket. Also, this is very dangerous. Access to Bonsai Rock from Sand Harbor is only by water, making it an ideal starting point for kayaking, paddleboarding, and SUPing adventures.
Make sure to stay until sunset, if you can, because Bonsai Rock at sunset is phenomenal! Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories
Bonsai Rock Has Something For Everyone, Here Are My Favorite Activities at Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock
Main Activities At Bonsai Rock:
Water Activities; like kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding
Picnicking; especially at sunset
Jumping off the Bonsai Rock; just be aware of the rocks under the water
Stargazing; if you get a roadside parking spot
1) Kayaking, SUPing, and Swimming at Bonsai Rock
Bonsai Rock is not only a stunning spot to watch sunset, but a great access point for the lake. If you snagged one of the free parking spots, getting to the water can be challenging for those not accustomed to sandy trails or when you are carrying a kayak or SUP. If you are SUPing or kayaking, the best thing to do would be to park at Sand Harbor and paddle to Bonsai.
What I Pack When Kayaking At Bonsai Rock
Kayak: I personally own a few Oru Kayaks that make walking down to the water easy because they can fold up and be carried like a suitcase, this is the kind I own.
Sunscreen: I’m not sure why, but I really like the Dermatone sport sunscreen. I don’t seem to get sunburnt with it.
PFD: By law, you need a PFD to kayak or sup on Lake Tahoe. Please bring one with you. I’m a fan of the belt kind with a pull string to inflate.
Snacks: You can’t go wrong with a bag full of trail mix, right?!
Towel: I’m a sucker for a good turkish towel and have been using these one’s by Sand Cloud for a few years. They are still holding up.
2) Picnicking at Bonsai Rock
Don’t overcomplicate things when it comes to picnicking at Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe. Pack some food (I like burritos) and a few beverages, a large towel, a jacket, and enjoy. Sure, there might be a ton of ticks and tips, which I will put down below, but the jist of a good picnic at Bonsai Rock is to have the things you enjoy and a few good people.
Pack a Picnic: Prepare a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches or burritos, and beverages. Don't forget essentials like a blanket, utensils, and napkins.
Scenic Spots: Look beyond the small sandy beach for your picnic by exploring the rocks around the area. If you can find them, there are a few rocks you can off of as well as a rope swing. But, for the most part, just lay down a blanket.
Stay for Sunset: Bonsai Rock for sunset is the best. Bring a romantic partner or your family. Regardless, if you have a good sunset, you’ll never forget this picnic.
Clean Up After Yourself: There are no trashcans, so semember to clean up after your picnic, disposing of trash properly, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect this pristine environment.
Riley making backflipping off Bonsai Rock look easy. Hint, this is not! Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories
3) Jumping off Bonsai Rock Into Lake Tahoe
For those not scared of heights, Bonsai Rock is a great spot for rock jumping. Sure you could call it cliff jumping, but it isn’t much of a cliff, so I say rock jumping. Roughly 8-12 feet above the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, you can leap off the rock and splash into the refreshing water below. I’ve done this jump in every season, yes that includes winter, and has been safe every time. Just know your limits
What You Need to Know to Safely Jump off Bonsai Rock:
Safety First: Prioritize safety by evaluating water conditions and potential risks before taking the plunge.
Water Depth: Assess the water depth to ensure a safe landing and watch out for underwater hazards.
Risk Awareness: Rock jumping carries inherent risks, so it's crucial to be cautious and make well-informed decisions. There are a few rocks that you could hit if you jump in the wrong place.
4) Stargazing & Astrophotography At Bonsai Rock
Before we dive into this, make sure you park at the roadside pull-out over Bonsai Rock, otherwise your car will be locked inside the State Park. You don’t want that!
I am a huge fan of stargazing and astrophotography at Bonsai Rock becuase this spot has some of the least amount of light pollution around the entire lake, so seeing the stars and Milky Way is “easy”. Easy is in quotes becuase if you know what you are looking for, it is easy. If you don’t, well you have to learn. I have written a guide for beginner stargazers, if that is you, consider reading it. For now, here are some tips for a successful stargazing adventure at Bonsai Rock:
Best Time To See Milky Way: Late July till early September is the best time to see the Milky Way in Lake Tahoe, so consider the timing of your visit
Bring Warm Layers: Watching the stars from Bonsai Rock can be very cold from wind and the lake chill. The lake can create a micro-climate that is colder than the predicted weather, this is my go to jacket whenever I know it is going to be cold.
Bring a Camera and Tripod: If you are going to watch the stars, consider bringing a camera and tripod to create astrophotography as well. The milky way often aligns perfectly with Bonsai Rock, which is really cool to see and has created one of my favorite images.
Lake Tahoe Prints For Sale
Tips For Photographer’s Visiting Bonsai Rock For The First Time
I’m a photographer by trade and Bonsai Rock has been the center piece of many photoshoots for me. Both fine art prints and lifestyle photo shoots for brands have brought me back here time and time again. Because of this, I can honestly say I might be the photographer who has spent the most amount of time photographing this rock and its surrounding area. So, here are a few things I have learned over the years photographing Bonsai Rock
My Best Tips For Photographing Bonsai Rock:
Golden Hour Magic: The soft, warm light during sunset enhances the textures and colors of the rock and bonsai tree. In other words, the best time to come photograph this spot is sunset. There is no need to do anything fancy, just bring your camera, a tripod, and maybe a filter. That will be more than enough to capture a stunning image of Bonsai Rock.
Sunrise Sucks, Skip It: There is no easy way to say this, Bonsai Rock at sunrise is cloaked in a shadow and is very cold. I don’t suggest you come for that. However, blue hour at Bonsai Rock can be stunning, especially with a long exposure.
Use a Slow Shutter Speed: If you are trying to capture a fine art print of Bonsai Rock, use a slow shutter speed to make the water look like silk. To do this, you will need a tripod and a shutter speed of roughly 3 to 10 seconds. Longer than that, you will need a neutral density filter.
Lifestyle or Fine Art or Instagram: I often joke this spot has been overrun by influencers taking selfies, but that is far from the truth. Most likely you will find other photographers with a tripod and bulky camera sitting at the water’s edge snapping sunset images. So, when you come get creative. Try having a human subject or create a fine art piece or attempt to capture that banger image for Instagram.
I highly recommend staying for sunset at Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories
Visiting Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock should be on everyone’s list because this spot combines adventure, natural beauty, and creative inspiration (especially if you have a camera). So, don’t miss out on this wild spot that has boulders you can clearly see in the water. Rent, or pack, a kayak and gliding across the lake, attempt to capture print worthy images at sunset through your camera lens, or pack a picnic with your loved ones. Regardless of how you enjoy Bonsai Rock, visiting this spot will surely leave a good impression of Lake Tahoe on you. Or, at least it has for me.
If this article has helped you plan your trip, or inspired you, please consider sharing it. If you have any questions about Bonsai Rock, feel free to shoot me an email: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
About Dalton Johnson:
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for adventure-minded, photography-loving humans who want to read great stories every Wednesday.
