From a quiet trailhead above Glenbrook, a smooth, hard-packed path climbs gradually to the shoulder of Cave Rock — the plug of an ancient volcano that plunges straight into the lake. A short rocky scramble at the end puts you on an open perch with the whole East Shore unrolled at your feet, from Glenbrook Bay south toward Stateline.
The Washoe Tribe knows this formation as De'ek Wadapush, one of the most spiritually significant places on the lake — it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property. Climbing on the rock faces has been prohibited for roughly two decades; the summit trail remains open, and treating the place with quiet respect is part of the deal.
| Distance | ~0.8 mile round trip |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | ~150–200 ft, with a brief rocky scramble to the very top |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (watch footing near the summit — big drop-offs) |
| Trailhead | End of Cave Rock Drive, off US-50 in the Cave Rock / Skyland neighborhood south of Glenbrook, NV |
| Fee / permits | None for the trail (the lakeside Cave Rock boat launch below is a separate, fee state park site) |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs allowed |
| Season | Year-round in most conditions; icy patches in winter |