Kiva Beach is one of the harder to find beaches,
just because of the lack of signs. It's located just north of Camp
Richardson. Turn right at the Forest Service Visitor Center turnoff and
follow the road past the Visitor's Center (this is also the road for
the stream profile chamber) to the beach parking lot. This is Lake
Tahoe's main dog beach so if you don't like dogs you won't be happy
here. There is a short walk to the beach, but the parking is free. You
can also park at the Visitor's Center and enjoy a longer walk (not
quite a hike) along the meadow to Kiva Beach (no dogs on this trail
though). The beach itself is a huge flat sandy plain that lies at the
mouth of Taylor Creek. The water, however, is a bit rocky until you get
a little ways out. You can go out a long way, though. There are
fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, especially Mount Tallac.
Mid summer you will find large blooms of Blue Pod Lupine among other
wildflowers.
Kiva Beach Pictures
Directions
- From South Lake Tahoe head North at the 'Y' onto Highway 89 about 3
miles to the entrance, turn right at the Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
Official Dog Rules
- Added 3/26/13 - I just received a
clarification from the Forest Service on their dog policy at Kiva Beach.
"El Dorado County ordinance
6.12.070 states that all dogs shall be on a leash of not more than 10
ft. There is no exception for ‘under voice command’. Although Kiva
beach is a USFS beach, the county ordinances apply and may be enforced
by USFS, El Dorado County Sheriff and Animal Control. In addition,
Forest Order 19-83-99 prohibits all dogs (leashed or unleashed) in the
Taylor Marsh area from March 15- October 1. Dogs are also completely
prohibited west of Taylor creek, as this is the Baldwin Beach Developed
Recreation Area.
