DESCRIPTION

This run offers some of the finest views from the West Shore. A 10-mile loop, you begin your run with a 2-mile uphill run along the shoulder of SR 89 to D.L. Bliss State Park. Another 2 miles of quiet road awaits as you run down to the lake's edge, through shady cedar and other mixed conifers. Your reward, from mile 5 through 9, is a wonderful single-track trail with terrific views, deep, azure water below, bald eagles and osprey, and small waterfalls. You turn a corner and you're running along the shore of Emerald Bay. The last mile gains 500 feet in elevation as you return to the parking area above Vikingsholm. Shame on you if you don't stop to enjoy the views along the way!

Only the trail portion itself is appropriate for dogs. Dogs must be leashed while in D.L. Bliss State Park and while in the Vikingsholm area. Better to leave Rover at home.

Toilets at D.L. Bliss Park entrance (mile 2), throughout the Bliss campground (miles 3-4) and at Vikingsholm (mile 9).

Take US HWY 50 through South Lake Tahoe to the intersection with SR 89 (also known as "The Y"). Turn right onto SR 89 (Emerald Bay Road) towards Tahoe City and drive approximately 9 miles to the Vikingsholm parking area, on the right after you drive over the falls.

We usually carpool from Millers Outpost.