LISA HIKES FROM A TO Z
BURTON CREEK STATE PARK
Lake Tahoe. An undeniable beauty. The outdoor adventurists dream.
With endless miles of top notch trails to explore, hikers have an overwhelming amount of options. As a regular Tahoe area explorer, you can count on me returning to Tahoe for other hikes on the Lisa Hikes from A to Z project.
During the winter options are only slightly limited as there is plenty to explore on foot. If the paved maintained walkways are too tame, put on some snow shoes or cross country skis to dial up your winter excursion.
I was excited to hike in Burton Creek State Park on a sunny day in November. The park had not yet closed for the winter when only cross country skiers can have access. Having had only a few prior light snowfalls, I encountered mixed portions of bare ground and snow cover on my hike. Both were easy to navigate with my winter boots and I found it fun to trek on both.
In just a few minutes hiking clockwise from the trailhead, a great view of the lake comes into view. I found myself accompanied by tall pine and fir trees during the whole hike. Towards the end I enjoyed the sounds of water flowing while hiking alongside Burton Creek .
I had to hike Burton Creek State park with my Burton backpack. Burton is one of my favorite brands for winter softgoods. I've loved their style for years and find their products durable. For my hike I loaded my pack up with my camera in the first inner compartment, my water bottle in the second compartment, and a snack, my phone, and my keys in the top compartment. Halfway on the trail I shed my outer layer and easily packed it in the pack.
Burton Creek State Park is a local favorite and the trails are fairly well trafficked. Some trails are interwoven and allow patrons to choose different routes. Mountain bikers can enjoy the trails in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter. Dogs are allowed on leash. On my hike I saw several families with their children enjoying the trail. And I was pleased to meet this small family of snowmen and welcomed their stoic watch of the trail.
Overall, this spot is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some fresh alpine air on the north side of Lake Tahoe.
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TRAIL FACTS
NAME: Burton Creek State Park Road, Purple Trail, and Burton Creek Loop
TYPE: Loop
TOTAL DISTANCE: ~4 miles
TIME: ~1.5 hrs
STARTING ELEVATION:~6500ft
ELEVATION GAIN: ~500 ft
NEED TO KNOW
PARK WEBSITE: BURTON CREEK STATE PARK
PARKING: Free
PARK FEES: None to Hike. A pass is needed to cross country ski in the winter.
AMENITIES: None
TIPS
Trust Google Maps to get you there. Just type "Burton Creek State Park" into Google maps. When turning off N. Lake Blvd (CA28) you will pass Tamarack Lodge on the left. Continue going down the narrow road. At the next fork, keep left and do not turn right into Burton Creek Ranch. You will eventually see a non paved parking area.
After you hike stop at Sips, a specialty bottle shop & tasting room with cool staff and good vibes. They have THE BEST selection of craft beer and other specialty wine and alcohol. Those that are hungry can order from Blue Fish right inside of Sips. Blue Fish offers Californian inspired Hawaiian poke dishes and the reviews are fantastic.
Need some Lake Tahoe views? Drive over to the Lake Forest Boat Ramp. Entry and parking are free if you are not launching a boat. Walk to the end of the pier and park your butt on a bench and enjoy the view before you.
The perfect adventure planned out: Interestingly enough, Burton Creek empties into Lake Tahoe at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp. So the perfect way to enjoy this complete adventure is to first hike Burton Creek State Park, grab a canned beverage from Sips, and take it to the Lake Forest Boat Ramp. You wont regret enjoying a drink while sitting above the mesmerizing blue-green water and looking at the panoramic mountain views.
Next up is the letter C...
