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Lake Tahoe (California)
South Lake Tahoe
Places to visit in South Lake Tahoe
Rubicon Trail
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Rubicon Trail

See all things to do
See all things to do
Rubicon Trail
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
121 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Kentwoolgar
Brighton, UK123 contributions
Unspoilt wilderness
Nov 2023 • Couples
Sought out a lot of local advice on the best hikes to maximise our short trip here. Rubicon came up on most people’s recommendations of ‘must do’ hikes.
We started at Vikingsholm, which involves a steep switchback trail down from the car park. Views over the lake and small island are breathtaking.
The first few miles, takes you along the shoreline, through campsites and some of the most stunning scenery in Tahoe. The final third is pretty much featureless woodland, further in-land. We hiked for around 5 hours, out and back and didn’t see another soul. Really enjoyed it but not the ‘must do’ everyone said. Ready yourself for the long climb back up to the car park.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,324 contributions
One of the most gorgeous trails
Jul 2022
The Rubicon Trail is one of the best long trails in the Lake Tahoe area. The hike could start from Eagle Point in Emerald Bay State Park and go all the way to Calawee Cove in the north over a distance of about 7 miles (oneway). The trail wraps around the Emerald Bay and provides gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe the whole way. There are several intermediate access points to get on the trail. Water is available at campgrounds along the trail, though it is insurance to carry water, especially on hot days. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow. At the north end there is an alternate trail that goes by the old lighthouse; be aware that this section is a pretty steep climb.

Even just a small part of the Rubicon Trail should be on the 'must do list' for any nature lover. It is an awesome trail with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
Written 7 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer J
United States246 contributions
Beautiful view
Sep 2022
Did a lot of trails around Tahoe and liked the views on this one best. Even if you only do a little starting at Bliss Park (it is a long trail) you won't be disappointed.
Written 20 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff A
Reno, NV5 contributions
it's ok
May 2021
This was not worth trying to find a parking spot by any means. I recommend going to Sand Harbor instead.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Hummelstown, PA9,933 contributions
Don’t miss this hike!
Jul 2021 • Couples
This is one of my favorite hikes of my recent vacation to Tahoe. We had tried to go a previous day but DL Bliss gets full by 9 am AT THE LATEST. They do not let in cars as others exit, too hard to control so we were told by the ranger they allow entry again at 3:30 or so. We felt the afternoons too hot to begin a hike that late so returned on a Thursday at 8:05 am and drove right in. I will tell you the parking is very limited. There are 10 maybe spots at the juncture of the Rubicon and Lighthouse trailsheads, HOWEVER, you wouldn’t know that unless you parked and got out of the car and walked to the signs. We bypassed this spot as it’s not clearly marked as trail parking. Plus there are NO pit toilets here.

We continued all the way down to the end and begin hiking from Calawee Cove. The views and beach area from the parking lot are stunning! The bathrooms were locked when we were there but port-John’s are present. Again very limited parking here and we got the very last spot of maybe 10 that are here.

We hoped to make it to Boat Camp but after 2 hours we turned around. I don’t regret it because the water is so gorgeous and up too this point we walked beside the water. Once it became clear we were going to be hiking more interior we turned back and hiked to the Lighthouse on the return. Since I have bad knees I did not go down to the lighthouse but you can see it from the trail. It’s not in operation.

The hike is up and down, canopied and open sun. Not too bad for climbing over huge boulders but definitely a hike that requires you to look down and watch your step over roots, rocks and narrower passages. If you park on the road and hike back just be aware the trailhead is very deep into the park.

I highly recommend this hike. Take a hat and plenty of water and enjoy the views!
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara M
Easton, MA34 contributions
Family of 4 adults
Jul 2021 • Friends
We dropped the younger members of the family at D.L Bliss State Park. They hiked from there to the beach at the head of Emerald Bay (3.5 miles) , called Vikingsgold. My husband and I, who are over 50, drove back around to the other end of the trail at Emerald Bay Park, and made the 1.6 mile hike to the same beach and met the "kids." The trail was gorgeous in both directions - the shorter trail on the East is slow and sloping. This beach is worth a visit, because of its beauty and seclusion.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OmahaNETraveller
Omaha, NE247 contributions
Beautiful and scenic
Jun 2021
Beautiful hike along the coast of lake tahoe. There are some parts with stairs or inclines, but nothing too challenging. Arrived around 8am at vikingsholm parking lot. Only about 10 other cars at that time, but people started pouring in soon after. Get there early to park in the lot, or you will add a lot of walking to dangerously park along the road.. Costs $10 for parking. Portapotties on site in parking lot. Leisurely hiked all the way to end and back at car by 3 pm.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Griest
Manhattan Beach, CA392 contributions
Amazing Views!
Jun 2021
Must go early in busy Summer season, before 9am for good parking. Otherwise you'll be forced to park on the busy road and walk about a mile to the trail head.

Excellent hike with lots of amazing views. We only did about 30 minutes in and 30 minutes out, not the whole trail. Bring lots of water if its hot, really heats up after 1PM. $8 for parking, but if you park on the road its free.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George M
Lake Forest, CA151 contributions
A Great Hike
Jun 2021
This is a scenic trail along the western edge of Lake Tahoe.
Arrive early if you want convenient parking
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cartho53
Plano, TX100 contributions
Great hike
Jun 2021 • Couples
We got to Emerald Bay state park early and had no trouble parking. The first trail we came to was the Rubicon and saw it went to the beach and Vikingsholm castle. Walked the trail all the way down. There were beautiful views along the way. After being at the beach for a little bit, continued on the trail but then decided not to go too far since we needed to head back up the mountain to get back to the car. Will tell you it was a challenge going back up being from Texas and not used to the altitude. But you can’t beat the views. Also off the trail you can get to Lower Eagle Falls which was very pretty.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Rubicon Trail (South Lake Tahoe) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Rubicon Trail