South Whale Beach

01.05.10 - 12:20 pm | Gary Hanauer |

(0)

Rating: C

Want to be nude and away from the passing parade of people who visit other beaches? It's hard to find a more hidden locale than this little-known nude enclave. Continue on the trail from North Whale Beach until you come to a surprise: the end of the path. The quick and easy walk dead-ends at the top of South Whale Beach, which can be reached by stepping down some small rocks from there onto the sand.

Legal status:

Part of Toiyabe National Forest.

How to find it:

From North Whale Beach, follow the only trail from there south, as it loops around a series of rocks that are as much as 10 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter. Stay on the path until it ends. You'll now be at a point that is just above the beach. If you walk down a few small rocks, you should arrive at the sand in a minute or two. Total estimated walking time from North Whale is about 10 minutes.

The beach:

"It's a little peninsula," says Williams. "The sand is in good shape," tells Swanson.

The crowd:

The area receives a combination of clothing optional and suited visitors. On the hottest weekends, it often draws two or three groups of users. Williams saw two nude couples on a summer weekday.

Problems:

Lake a little lower than usual this season; long walk from parking area.