About this spot
Chimney Beach sits on Lake Tahoe's Nevada east shore off Highway 28, named for a lone stone chimney left from an old cabin, and reached by a moderate half-mile trail down from roadside parking. Big granite boulders scattered along the shore give jumpers a range of heights to choose from, and the spot has a well-documented jumping culture — travel blogs, hiking guides, and social videos all show people leaping from the rocks into Lake Tahoe's clear, very cold water. The main hazard is what you can't see: sharp rock underfoot gives way to slick, submerged boulders, so checking depth and clearance before each jump is essential. It's popular and can get crowded, especially on summer weekends, and cold water can quickly sap swimming strength.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.
