Updated: 6 June 2024
NOTE: D.L. Bliss State Park is currently closed. However, there is an off-trail way to hike from Hwy 89 to the Rubicon Trail — if interested, ask DHB for details.
The Rubicon trail is one of the loveliest trails in the Tahoe area, with heart-stopping views of the lake at numerous spots, yet it has only a modest elevation change and is easily hikeable with a family. There are several possibilities, depending on whether one takes the left or right branch from the Bliss trailhead, as described below:
- Hike to Lester Beach via the Lighthouse trail (3.0 miles round trip, 500 feet elevation gain)
- Hike to Lester Beach via the Rubicon trail (3.2 miles round trip, 400 feet elevation gain)
- Hike to Emerald Bay via the Rubicon trail (5.0 miles round trip, 800 feet elevation gain)
- Hike to the Vikingsholm mansion via the Rubicon trail (6.7 miles round trip, 800 feet elevation gain)
A map and some photos are shown below.
The trail starts at D.L. Bliss State Park, 15 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe along Hwy 89. A $10 parking fee is charged at the entrance station (0.75 miles from Hwy 89) unless one has a California State Park Pass. The Rubicon trailhead (heading south) is approximately 200 yards past the entrance station, at N38 59.329 W120 05.918. The Lighthouse trailhead (heading north) is only 20 yards away, at N38 59.358 W120 05.903. Parking is available at the trailhead, although one must typically arrive early during summer months. During the off season, the gate near Hwy 89 may be closed, in which case one must park at the Hwy 89 entrance and hike along the entrance road for approximately 0.8 miles to reach the trailhead.
About 200 yards on the Rubicon trail from the trailhead, there is a junction (at N38 59.309 W120 05.861). The right branch heads south along the Tahoe shoreline to Emerald Bay, and then along the northwest shore of the bay to the Vikingsholm mansion. The left branch heads north, passing spectacular overlooks, reaching Lester Beach (known for lovely blue-green water) in approximately 1.5 miles. One may also park at Lester Beach and hike south along the Rubicon Trail as far as one wishes.
Here is a map of the hike on the right branch of the Rubicon trail, to Emerald Bay and Vikingshom and back:
This is a typical view from the trail:
The Rubicon trail crosses several pleasant brooks. Here is one:
Here is Fannette Island in Emerald Bay:
This is the Vikingsholm mansion, at the end of the trail in Emerald Bay. It was built in 1929 by Josephine Knight, widow of Harry Knight who had financed Lindberg’s flight in 1927:
