You'd Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Nevada Is Hiding Along This Rocky Shore
By Natasha Kayes|Published March 21, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
With vast deserts, rolling countrysides, lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges, Nevada certainly has its share of wild, natural beauty. Some of these places have become very well-known and draw crowds of visitors, while others remain quiet and are seen by relatively few. Some of these places may be less populated because of being remote or difficult to access, but there is one amazing natural wonder in Carson City that few people seem to notice, despite its accessibility.
Lake Tahoe, with its crystal turquoise water, sandy beaches, picturesque rocky shores, and backdrop of the Sierra Nevada range is a stunning example of natural beauty. It also has a few hidden gems.
Just about a mile south of Lake Tahoe’s popular Sand Harbor Park and Beach is an amazing natural wonder hiding in plain sight, and few seem to know it’s there.
We have all heard of, and quite possibly been fascinated by, the ancient art of Bonsai. Saplings that would otherwise grow into large trees are restricted and meticulously shaped to force them to develop into full-grown miniatures of themselves.
With no carefully-planned design, no container to stunt their roots, and no artist to trim their limbs, four tiny trees grow quietly out of a crack in a boulder.
The scarcity of nutrients in their rocky "container" is what has pruned these miniature marvels. These natural bonsais are survivors, feeding on nearly nothing, enduring snow and icy temperatures, and continuing to stand tall… well, not very tall at all actually.
Despite the fact that it is just a few yards from the shore and can almost be seen from the road, you could, and many people do, drive right by this feat of nature and never know it’s there.
A few swimmers come to enjoy the solitude, and photographers who have discovered Bonsai Rock have taken some incredible photos here but, on the whole, when you visit, you just might have the place to yourself.
The location of Bonsai Rock is not marked, but it can be found on a map and navigation apps. Unless it is winter, you can park on the side of the road and find a couple of paths that run down the short but steep slope to the water.
Lake Tahoe doesn’t need more reasons for people to visit, but Bonsai Rock is yet another one. Have you seen these unbelievable little trees? Do you know of any other little-known natural wonders? Share with us in the comments. Then read about another underrated natural wonder every Nevadan should see.
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