Then and now: Cave Rock changes Hwy. 50
Known originally as The Great Road, then Lincoln Highway, and now as Highway 50, one of its biggest challenges was getting around Cave Rock on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline.
Rocks and timbers comprised a trestle built in the 1860s.
A vehicle on the trestle. Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society
Cave Rock trestle in the 1860s. Photo/California State Library
This single-lane structure edged its way around Cave Rock for nearly 70 years before work began on a tunnel which opened in 1931.
People used to drive around Cave Rock. Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society
A second tunnel was completed in 1957 to accommodate the new four-lane Highway 50 between Carson City and Stateline, with the original tunnel serving the westbound traffic lanes.
The tunnel in 1932. Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society
— Bill Kingman
Present day Cave Rock. Photo/Bill Kingman
Bill Kingman, A good one on Cave Rock. Love the old pictures of that rickety old trestle going around the rock. My Dad claims it was safe when he was driving his model A around there. Looks a little sketcthy to me, but then what do I know.
For a short day hike turn onto Cave Rock drive, also called Winding Way off of hwy. 50. Once past the old motel on your right, you will come to a Y, make a left and at the next turn that goes right there’s a place to puill over straight ahead.
The trail is not marked but it will lead you to the top of Cave Rock. Great views of the lake and the west shore!!! Thanks Bill, OLS
HEY! THAT’S MY MOM STANDING NEXT TO HER AND DAD’S OLD FORD. GLAD I GAVE THE PHOTO TO DIANE AT THE MUSEUM!