Rubicon Trail – Shore of Lake Tahoe

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A new twist to a favorite fun hike. 

You have the choice of hiking this spectacular hike in one direction (about 6 miles) or both directions (either 8 1/2 or 10 miles). 

The choice is up to you.  

 DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous, depending on which option you choose  -  only the length contributes to the rating.   The trail is quite easy with minimal elevation gain.   (The one way hike would be rated “easy” but it is slightly more than 5 miles.  That equates to a “moderate” rating in our system.)

ELEVATION GAIN: Approximately 350 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE: Approximately  6+ miles for one direction (includes a mile hike down to the Vikingsholm trail head) or 10 miles for the round trip hike.  Note that  the 10 mile distance includes going to Vikingsholm.  If you stop at our lunch site, the distance is about 8 1/2 miles.

GENERAL LOCATION: Lake Tahoe West Shore around Emerald Bay

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.

The one way hike will start at Emerald Bay State Park, and after a brief side trip to Eagle Falls, will follow the shore line to Bliss State Park.  We will eat our lunch on the shoreline of Emerald Bay.   A car drop / shuttle will be required to accommodate the 1 way hikers.  The 2 way hike will start at Bliss State Park, traverse the trail to lunch at Boat-In camp ground, with an optional extension to Vikingsholm, then reverse direction back to Bliss State Park. 

The two groups will leave Lincoln Hills at different times, allowing them to complete the hike at Bliss State Park at approximately the same time and join each other for dinner on the way home.

DINNER PLANS: We plan to have dinner in Truckee at Jax at the Tracks.   This is a local favorite.   

But don't just take my word for it...

See what Guy Fieri, host of Food Network's popular show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" has to say about JAX at the Tracks!  This aired just on June 7^th, 2010.

Food Network segment:  http://jaxtruckee.com/food-network.html  

Main Website:                     http://jaxtruckee.com/

Dinner Menu:                      http://jaxtruckee.com/menus/jax_dinner.pdf

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: About 2 1/2 hours - 110 miles each way ($18 donation to driver – also a potential parking fee will be assessed at the State Park lots – this is to be shared).  We plan to return home rather late, making this an all day adventure with a stop for dinner on the way home.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: 2 way: David Wood 

                                                    1 way: Dennis Ratay

MEETING TIME: NOTE THE IMPORTANT TIME DIFFERENCES:

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: At both trail heads and at the Vikingsholm.

PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE

1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2)  Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
3)  Always bring 2 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.
4) Hiking boots and poles recommended.  While cooler than Lincoln, be prepared for hot weather - bring layers, sun screen, a hat and plenty of water. 

QUESTIONS: Call Dennis Ratay at 543-9935.