Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
State park · Stateline, Nevada
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Park split between Nevada and California, right behind the state-line hotels, with forest trails, waterfalls and granite viewpoints over the south end of Lake Tahoe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Van Sickle Bi-State Park begins a few minutes on foot from Stateline’s hotel-casinos and climbs the Sierra Nevada slope through pine forest and granite outcrops. It is jointly managed by Nevada state parks and the California Tahoe Conservancy, and the border between the two states crosses the area.
The land once belonged to the Van Sickle family ranch. In 1988 Jack Van Sickle donated the Nevada portion to the state in memory of his grandfather, Henry; the California portion was purchased by the Conservancy in 2001, and the park opened in 2011. Near the entrance are the ranch’s old barn and cabins.
The main trail climbs through the forest to a bridge over a waterfall and continues to viewpoints overlooking the lake and the mountains on the west shore. Short side trails make easy loops, and a connector leads to the Tahoe Rim Trail, the path that circles the entire lake basin.
The gate for cars closes in winter, but the pedestrian entrance remains open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. With snow, the trails can be done with snowshoes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for the short out-and-back to the viewpoints; half a day to reach the connector to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Best time
Early morning in summer, because the granite sections have little shade. In late spring the waterfalls have more water.
How to get there
On foot, via the entrance behind the state-line hotels, near the Montreal Avenue and Park Avenue intersection, already on the California side. By car, via the Lake Parkway access when the gate is open.
Tip
Bring water and a hat: the climb is exposed to the sun. Part of the Nevada side may be closed for construction: before you go, check the park's website to see which entrances and trails are open.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Why is Van Sickle called a bi-state park?
Because it lies half in Nevada and half in California, jointly managed by the two states.
Is the Van Sickle trail difficult?
The short loop to the viewpoints is moderate, with a steady climb. The route to the Tahoe Rim Trail is long and requires more fitness.
Does Van Sickle open in winter?
For pedestrians, yes. The vehicle gate closes in the snow season.