Picnic with a View

Hike to Picnic Rock in Lake Tahoe

09.27.2018

When early autumn arrives in the mountains, you never really know what you’ll get … hot days, rainy afternoons, snow. Good thing the path to Picnic Rock on the Tahoe Rim Trail is as all-purpose as they come—and offers one of the grandest views of Lake Tahoe.

Lace the hiking shoes or strap on the snowshoes for the 1-mile (one-way) jaunt to Picnic Rock. Starting at the Brockway Summit trailhead, this short, mostly forested section of the epic Tahoe Rim Trail is a gradual ascent.

Signage on the way indicates “Viewpoint.” There are no major views en route but the vantage from Picnic Rock makes up for it. The large outcropping of layered rocks overlooks glistening Lake Tahoe, cradled by the Sierras. Stand atop a section, take a seat, and enjoy a picnic (or at least a snack).

This hike is very popular on weekends during the thick of the day. Pro Tip: Go late day on a Friday or on the weekend and you’re likely to see just a handful of people, and the colors from the low-hanging sun cast a golden halo over the setting. Shoulder season also helps with crowd control. You can extend the trek, staying on the Rim Trail (bring a map), or return the way you came.

TIP: This makes a great spot for your annual family holiday card.

There's parking on the side of Hwy. 267 at Brockway Summit (map). Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View

  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View

  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View

  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View

  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View