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.
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 quarter-mile 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.
