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Imagine a kaleidoscope of blue – that is what you will experience while hiking the Rubicon Trail.
This incredibly scenic hike on Tahoe's west shore connects Emerald Bay State Park to D.L. Bliss State Park with Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe as focal points. These bodies of water seem to encompass every shade of blue possible along this particular trail.
Either the bay or the lake are in view the entire time, which is why this is such a scenic route. At times the water is within reach; other times it would be quite a dive. Some of the deepest waters of Lake Tahoe are at the Rubicon Wall. In the heart of summer, when the water is warmest, people often jump off those rocks into Lake Tahoe.
Closer to the D.L. Bliss side of the Rubicon Trail is a smaller trail that leads to the Rubicon Point Lighthouse, which is the second-highest elevation lighthouse in the United States
Be sure your phone is fully charged because it seems like every few feet there is another photo op. The great thing about this hike is that you don’t have to do the whole thing to enjoy a treat of incredible scenery. It is an ideal early-season outing because it’s at lake level, which means no chance of hitting snow. Don’t be surprised if you see ospreys flying overhead or at least spot a nest high in a pine tree.
This is not a difficult hike, with much of the route flat. Still, there are some ups and downs, and it would not be classified as easy. The trail is narrow, so it's not always convenient to step aside for a break.
It costs $10 a day to park at Emerald Bay or $3 an hour; bring exact change or a credit card. Go early as parking is limited. However, parking is even more limited at D.L. Bliss because of repairs taking place there this summer.
If you go from Emerald Bay, also known as the Vikingsholm parking lot, it’s a mile down the paved road that is closed to vehicles. Veer left before reaching the historic castle. From there it’s about 4.5 miles to the beach at D.L. Bliss, which is a great place for lunch, a swim or to rest before heading back. As with most California state parks, dogs are not allowed.
About the Author Kathryn Reed
Kathryn Reed is an award-winning journalist who has been visiting or living at Lake Tahoe since she was a child. She loves the outdoors – whether it's hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing or playing tennis. She is the author of Sleeping with Strangers: An Airbnb Host's Life in Lake Tahoe and Mexico; The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes; Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks; and Lake Tahoe Trails for All Seasons: Must-Do Hiking and Snowshoe Treks.
