Rubicon Trail is a wonderful day hike along the shore of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. You start at D. L. Bliss State Park on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe and go to Vikingsholm Castle at the end of Emerald Bay, before returning along the same trail. There is very little elevation gain but it is a 9 mile round trip.

The first section of the hike follows the coastline of the lake very closely and has wonderful views of the lake.

The coastline varies with this area sporting huge boulders and great views of the mountains in the distance.

The middle section of the trail is in the trees rather than along the shore. This section has a little more elevation gain to it and the shade can be welcome on a hot summer day.

The trail goes through a wonderful campground at the edge of Emerald Bay. To reach it, you have to come in by boat. The sites are very secluded in among the trees.

Detail on Vikingsholm, a Viking castle built by an heiress in the 1930s. It can be toured during the summer season. If you have a non-hiker in your group, this hike can be shortened by starting at Emerald Bay overlook on Hwy. 89. You hike down to Vikingsholm, then take the Rubicon Trail, and end hike at D.L. Bliss where your car awaits you.