Whether you’re in Lake Tahoe for a few days (like most people) or a few months (like us), one thing you’re going to want to do is enjoy one (or many!) of the beautiful hikes in the area. One of our favorite hikes in the South Lake Tahoe area was the Barn Trail to Cal Neva Loop. Located in Van Sickle Bi-State Park, this trail is easy to follow, has moderate elevation gain, and offers incredible views of majestic Lake Tahoe.

Getting to the Barn Trail

To access the Barn Trail, you’ll enter Van Sickle Bi-State Park where there’s a parking lot for about 8-12 vehicles. The 575-acre park is located near the California and Nevada state line and within walking distance of downtown South Lake Tahoe. It’s open to pedestrians year-round, with vehicles allowed from May 31 until October 31. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead as well as trail maps. If you have time, it’s worth stopping and reading about Henry Van Sickle — a man who was a local entrepreneur and murderer-catcher until his untimely death in 1894 —whom the park is named after.

You’re probably thinking, ‘Oh, so we have to pay to access this trailhead since it’s in a state park, right?” Actually, this is one of the few free areas in South Lake Tahoe. The park is a bi-state park, and through its partnership with Nevada State Park, the Tahoe Conservancy, and other recreational organizations, the entrance you’ll use to access the Barn Trail (located off Lake Parkway) does not include any fees (wahooooo!). 

Hiking the Barn Trail

The Barn Trail is a loop trail, so it doesn’t matter if you choose to hike clockwise or counterclockwise. It’s well-marked and very well-maintained. While hiking boots are always recommended, a good pair of sneakers would be sufficient on this trail. The trail is about 3 miles long with an elevation gain of 524 feet. Parts of the trail are covered by trees, but large chunks are open, so be sure to bring or wear sunscreen. Portions of the trail take you under the Heavenly Gondola, and there are a variety of lookouts and vistas that make for great photo opportunities. Once you reach the top of the loop, you can hike an additional half mile to a small waterfall and take in more beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. As always, be sure to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace while enjoying the Barn Trail.

Since it’s easy to access and maneuver, the Barn Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the South Lake Tahoe area. If you’re hiking on a weekend in the summer, be prepared to share the trail with others. If you’re looking for more solitude, try doing this hike in the early morning, early evening, or during the week.

Pros vs. Cons: Barn Trail Lake Tahoe

Pros: The trail is relatively short (about 3 miles) and simple to follow while still offering tremendous views of Lake Tahoe. It’s easy to access and has a decent parking area that’s free to use. With the trailhead being so close to town, it’s easy to commemorate your hike with a celebratory ice cream or beer in the village afterward. During the spring and early summer season, there may be plenty of wildflowers to see during your hike. For digital nomads, this is a great hike after a long day of work — we did it on a Friday evening after a particularly tedious week of corporate nonsense and found the hike to be exactly what we needed.

Cons: It’s a well-known trail, so it can get pretty crowded and loud during the peak season. If you’re looking to spend time alone in nature, this might not be the right hike. That’s really the only downside — everything else about this loop trail is awesome, and it’s definitely a hike we recommend to everyone visiting the South Lake Tahoe area.

Quick Barn Trail FAQs:

Do I need a permit to hike the Barn Trail?

No — To hike the Barn Trail, you can simply show up and get started.

Is there a restroom at the Barn Trail trailhead?

Yes — There is a public restroom available at the Barn Trail trailhead in Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

Is there cell service at the Barn Trail?

Yes — The Barn Trail is located within the South Lake Tahoe area, and therefore, you can expect decent cell service throughout the hike.

Is the Barn Trail a kid-friendly hike?

Yes — The hike is simple and well-marked, making it a suitable trail for families with children of all ages.

How long does it take to hike the Barn Trail?

Hiking the Barn Trail can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. On peak days (such as weekends in the summer or during the 4th of July holiday), it may take longer as there are more people on the trail. For a moderately athletic couple, we reached the top waterfall within 90 minutes — we would have been quicker, but I could not stop taking photos of the lake (because it’s that beautiful!!!). For most people, you can plan on this trail taking up a portion of your day, but it shouldn’t be a full-day adventure.

What is the parking like for the Barn Trail?

There is a small, free parking lot at the Barn Trail trailhead in Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Parking usually isn’t an issue, but the lot can fill up during peak times (weekends and holidays in the summer).

Are dogs allowed at the Barn Trail?

Yes — Dogs are allowed to hike the Barn Trail but should be kept on a leash at all times.