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Quick answer: The Rubicon Trail follows Lake Tahoe’s West Shore from Calawee Cove in D.L. Bliss State Park past Vikingsholm to Eagle Point Campground in Emerald Bay State Park. California State Parks lists it at 5 miles one way on its park handout and 7.4 miles on its website, rates it moderate to strenuous, and doesn’t allow dogs or bikes on it. You don’t need a hiking permit, just the $10 day-use parking fee, and summer is the easiest time to go, because from October 1 the D.L. Bliss park road is closed to cars and you walk in about a mile from the Visitor Center lot.
- The Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe is a moderate to strenuous hike with stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest.
- Trailhead is easily accessible off Highway 89 at the end of Lester Beach Rd.
- The trail starts at Calawee Cove Beach in D.L. Bliss State Park and leads south past Vikingsholm to Eagle Point Campground in Emerald Bay State Park.
- For a shorter option, the 0.9-mile Lighthouse Trail loops with part of the Rubicon Trail; in summer, the Emerald Bay Shuttle stops near the Vikingsholm access.
- Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed on the trail.
- The southern trailhead at Eagle Point Campground stays open to hikers, who can walk in when the campground is closed for the season.
The Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe is a moderate to strenuous hike that offers stunning views of the lake and the abundant forest in the area.
You can easily find the trailhead just off Highway 89, at the end of Lester Beach Rd.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable hiking experience.
The Rubicon Trail (not the jeeping trail, but the foot trail right next to Lake Tahoe) is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a challenge but who don’t want to spend all day hiking.
Now, let’s talk about what makes the Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe so special.
The trail runs about 5 to 7.4 miles one way, and it’s for people on foot only. You’ll share it with hikers, joggers, and people out for a leisurely stroll, but bikes aren’t allowed.
The breathtaking views and incredible landscapes along the trail create the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Although most hikers choose shorter portions of the path, there is an opportunity to hike the entire trail.
This would provide an individual with a fantastic view of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Rubicon Trail
The Route
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll encounter various natural wonders.
The first two kilometers treat you to the pristine blue waters of Lake Tahoe.
You’ll pass by vibrant wildflowers, admire coastal cliffs, and even come across beautiful waterfalls. You can stop by and dip into the crystal-clear water of the surrounding waters in the area.
There are two popular trailheads at D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.
California State Parks measures the trail from Calawee Cove. The Lighthouse Trailhead parking area is 1.3 miles in, the Vikingsholm access is 5.7 miles in, and Eagle Point Campground, the southern end, is 7.4 miles in. The park’s printed handout lists the whole trail at 5 miles one way, so plan for somewhere in that range.
Starting at the Rubicon Trailhead and heading south is often recommended, as it allows you to savor the stunning vistas along the way and save the treasures of Emerald Bay for later in the day.
This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning vistas along the way and reserve Emerald Bay’s treasures for later in the day.
The restored Rubicon Point Lighthouse on the Rubicon Trail in D.L. Bliss State Park (June 2012). Photo: ray_explores / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Where to Start
The Rubicon Trail is a stunning route that starts at Calawee Cove Beach in D.L. Bliss State Park and leads south to Emerald Bay State Park.
From there, the trail leads south, offering you awe-inspiring views of Lake Tahoe from hundreds of feet above its sparkling blue waters.
State Parks rates the trail moderate to strenuous, so it isn’t the easiest walk for every hiker. If you want something shorter, the Lighthouse Trail in D.L. Bliss is 0.9 miles one way and forms a loop with part of the Rubicon Trail.
In summer, the Emerald Bay Shuttle can save you the parking hassle. State Parks says it runs from mid-June to early September, and the closest stop to the trail is the Vikingsholm access.
However, dogs aren’t allowed on the Rubicon Trail or on the beaches and dirt trails at D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay, so leave your furry friends at home. Bikes aren’t allowed on the trail either.
The southern trailhead is at Eagle Point Campground in Emerald Bay State Park. When the campground is closed for the season, hikers can still walk in to reach the trailhead, but there are no services.
Turquoise water off the shoreline at D.L. Bliss State Park, where the Rubicon Trail begins (September 2008). Photo: Kazuho Okui / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Parking and Amenities
Parking for the Rubicon Trail is available at both D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.
D.L. Bliss State Park
The park has several parking lots, with the closest one to the Rubicon Trailhead being the Lester Beach and Calawee Cove parking areas.
The day-use parking fee is $10 per vehicle.
Arriving early is recommended as the parking lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
When the day-use lots are full, State Parks sends visitors to the Visitor Center lot near Highway 89, about a mile’s walk from the closest Rubicon trailhead. You also park there in the off-season, when the park is closed to cars (in 2026 that started October 1), and there are no restrooms or water then.
Emerald Bay State Park
The Vikingsholm parking lot is the main Emerald Bay access, but it’s a steep 1-mile walk down to the Rubicon Trail, and the walk back up climbs about 400 feet.
Don’t park on the Highway 89 roadway. State Parks tows illegally parked vehicles, so use the marked lots.
The Vikingsholm lot charges $10 per vehicle for the day or $3 for one hour, and federal passes aren’t accepted. State Parks suggests arriving before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. and avoiding weekends, because the lot fills up and may be gated when it’s full.
Both parks have picnic areas, and restrooms are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day at D.L. Bliss, Boat Camp and Vikingsholm, making them convenient starting points for your hike.
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited amenities along the trail.
FAQs
Q: Where is the Rubicon Trail located?
A: It’s on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. The main trailhead is at Calawee Cove in D.L. Bliss State Park, just off Highway 89 at the end of Lester Beach Rd, and the trail runs south to Eagle Point Campground in Emerald Bay State Park.
Q: Is the Rubicon Trail a difficult hike?
A: California State Parks rates the trail moderate to strenuous. For a shorter outing, try the 0.9-mile Lighthouse Trail, which loops with part of the Rubicon Trail in D.L. Bliss State Park.
Q: How long is the Rubicon Trail?
A: California State Parks lists it at 5 miles one way on its park handout and 7.4 miles on its website, from Calawee Cove to Eagle Point Campground. Most hikers walk part of it and turn around.
Q: Can I bring dogs on the Rubicon Trail?
A: No. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Rubicon Trail or on the beaches and dirt trails at D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay state parks.
Q: Is there a shuttle option available for the Rubicon Trail?
A: Yes, in summer. State Parks says the Emerald Bay Shuttle runs from mid-June to early September, and its closest stop to the trail is the Vikingsholm access.
Planning more time outdoors? See our guides to best hiking trails in Lake Tahoe and trails for fall colors in Lake Tahoe.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
