Absolutely. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome on our expansive outdoor deck. We provide mountain-filtered water bowls and house-made bison liver treats to ensure your trail partner is just as fueled as you are.

The Ranger’s Rest has a dedicated private lot for patrons. While no Forest Service permit is required to park in our lot, spaces fill up quickly during peak summer months. We recommend carpooling or arriving before 9:00 AM to secure a spot near the trailhead.

We specialize in 'Basecamp Bundles' for groups of 8 or more. These pre-ordered kits include a variety of our most popular wraps, seasonal fruit, and energy bars, all packed in eco-friendly, portable containers. Please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to coordinate.

In our mission to protect the Basin, we operate a 100% plastic-free kitchen. All our takeaway containers and cutlery are commercially compostable. We ask that you 'pack it in, pack it out' and use our designated sorting stations on the deck to dispose of your waste responsibly.

The Sierra belongs to everyone. We offer gluten-free sourdough alternatives and a variety of plant-based power bowls and wraps. Every menu item is clearly marked, and our kitchen staff is trained to handle common allergen concerns with care.

Yes. We have installed high-flow hydration stations featuring mountain-filtered water. These are free for all cafe guests to use. We encourage you to top off your reusable bottles or bladders before heading out on the steeper East Shore loops.

To maintain a sanctuary of connection with nature, we do not offer public Wi-Fi. While cell service is generally strong on our deck for most major carriers, we encourage our guests to trade screen time for the panoramic views of the Tahoe blue.

We are open year-round, though our hours shift with the sun. During the winter, we become a hub for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Our stone fireplace is kept roaring, and we pivot our menu to include more hot, hearty stews and seasonal lattes.