STATELINE, Nev. — The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced that the Chimney Beach Trailhead parking area is anticipated to reopen to the public this spring 2026, marking a major milestone for the State Route 28 Corridor Management Plan and extension of the Tahoe East Shore Trail. TTD received a Special Use Permit from the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) which allows paid parking operations to move forward at Chimney Beach, as well as Secret Harbor trailheads.
The site improvements, which include a pedestrian crossing on SR 28 with advance warnings to alert motorists of pedestrians, were the result of a partnership between the LTBMU, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), and TTD to improve safety, access, and environmental protection along Lake Tahoe’s East Shore.
Once open, the Chimney Beach Trailhead will provide approximately 130 parking spaces, helping to reduce roadside parking and improve safety along the SR 28 corridor. Removing roadside parking and allowing NDOT to extend the no parking zone south of the existing zone at Sand Harbor to the Washoe County/Carson City line will help alleviate congestion in this popular corridor. The Secret Harbor Trailhead has approximately 30 spaces. Eventually both parking areas will offer connections to the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which is currently in the design phase.
Parking at both lots will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with no time limit during operating hours. Overnight parking will not be permitted. Paid parking will begin on June 1, with a daily flat rate of $12. TTD will also evaluate opportunities to extend the season of operation (i.e., open earlier in the spring or close later in the fall) in the future based on demand and operational considerations.
Revenue generated from parking will be reinvested into the SR 28 corridor, supporting long-term improvement goals of enhanced safety, access, and environmental stewardship. TTD expects to construct a restroom facility and other amenities at the Chimney Beach trailhead parking area this summer. Construction may impact the number of spaces available.
“This project reflects years of collaboration to protect Lake Tahoe’s East Shore while improving the visitor experience,” said Daniel Cressy, Public Services Staff Officer, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. “By providing designated and managed parking, we are reducing impacts to sensitive resources and creating safer, more sustainable access to public lands. Our partnership with Tahoe Transportation District helps advance the shared goals of the Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan.”
“The Chimney Beach parking area is a key piece of the broader corridor strategy,” said Jim Marino, Executive Director, Tahoe Transportation District. “This investment helps manage demand, improve safety, and ensure that access to Lake Tahoe’s East Shore is both enjoyable and environmentally responsible for years to come.”
Additional updates and enhancements to the parking area are forthcoming. TTD will continue to share information as details are finalized.
For details on Tahoe Transportation District’s current projects, visit www.TahoeTransportation.org or call 775-589-5500.
