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Rubicon
Trail on the shore of Lake Tahoe
Tuesday,
August 14, 2012
DIFFICULTY:
Easy
to Moderate - only the length contributes to the
“moderate” rating. Otherwise it is relatively easy.
ELEVATION
GAIN:
Starts
at 6,635 foot elevation, drops down to 6235, and climbs to 6580 before
reaching Bliss State Park.
This
results in a 400 feet gain counting a short climb to Eagle
Falls.
HIKE
DISTANCE:
approximately 6 miles.
We will
hike this trail in only one direction.
GENERAL
LOCATION: Emerald
Bay
and the West
Shore
of Lake Tahoe
DESCRIPTION:
If
lakeside views across the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe are what you’re
looking for, look no farther than the Rubicon Trail, which follows a
stretch of shoreline along Emerald
Bay
of Lake Tahoe. This is a beautiful trail, giving us great
views into the blue water below. It is one of the true treasures of the
Tahoe area. The trail is mostly flat or on gentle grade, although there
are a few places with steps to climb.
This
year the hike will measure about 6 miles and we will hike it in only
one direction. The hike will start at Emerald Bay
State Park.
We will drop a car at Bliss
State Park
to shuffle drivers back to the trailhead. Hikers will hike
down to the Vikingsholm
Mansion
and hike over to Eagle Falls.
After a short climb to view the falls we will reverse direction and
continue on the trail heading north to Bliss
State Park.
Views will be spectacular. There are a few places where the
grade is a gradual uphill, but not difficult. We
will eat our lunch on the shoreline at a place we select in
route. It could also be at an Emerald
Bay
campground, depending on the time.
DINNER:
We
plan to have dinner on the way home. This year we will try a new restaurant – The
Bridge Tender, in Tahoe City. The outside seating along the
Truckee
River makes for a nice
setting. It is less expensive than Jax at the Tracks and right on the route
home.
TRAVEL
TIME/DISTANCE:
About
2 1/2 hours - 110 miles each way ($18
donation to driver – also a parking fee will
be assessed at the State Park lots – this is to be shared unless we are
able to use State Park parking passes). We plan to return
home rather late, making this an all day adventure.
SPECIAL
NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE: At
the trail head and at the Vikingsholm.
PREPARATIONS
FOR HIKE:
Hiking
boots and poles recommended. While cooler than Lincoln,
be prepared for hot weather - bring layers, sun screen, a hat and
plenty of water.
IF
YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE
PREPARATION FOR HIKING.
BRING
THE FOLLOWING:
Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an
emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
ABOUT
YOUR FOOTWEAR:
Always bring two pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your
muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike. Do not get your
driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
RISKS:
No
notable risks.
HIKE
LEADER / SWEEP:
Dennis
Ratay / Margaret Ratay
QUESTIONS:
Call
Dennis Ratay at 543-9935.
MEETING
TIME:
7:30
am at Orchard Creek parking lot (near U.S.
mailbox) -- We will leave at 7:45 am.
Driving
directions to trailhead Emerald Bay State Park
Photos
from previous Rubicon hike
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