Home › California › South Lake Tahoe › Rubicon Trailhead North
Rubicon Trailhead North
4.8 ★★★★★ 180 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rubicon Trailhead North's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail featuring a lighthouse, a beach, and stunning views of the lake and its verdant emerald waters.
What runners say about Rubicon Trailhead North
“But would recommend it if you are looking for hike with great view of the lake and would want to enjoy the beach with family or group.”
“It goes along the lake mostly flat, with some ups and downs, but is overall a easy trail to hike.”
Great trail, much less crowded than those in Emerald Bay. We saw a bear during our hike and beautiful views of the Tahoe lake and beaches. Moderate type trail, this also has access to other areas to hike towards Emerald Bay.
Beautiful hike. I didn't think to take a picture at the trailhead because I was so caught up in everything else. They said 4.5 miles to emerald bay. We took the hike and back.... breathtaking! Hike photos attached...well a few
This trail takes the absolute breath away with stunning views of the rock formations to the views of each pine tree. The lush natural beauty of Tahoe just gives you a different perspective on life on this trail. Try it, experience it. Bring your extra battery so you can have more photos.
This is a great lakeside trail that is easily accessible from the DL Bliss beach parking area and trailhead parking area. It goes along the lake mostly flat, with some ups and downs, but is overall a easy trail to hike.
Trail conditions & character
“In many places there are spectacular views, and some of the trail goes along a rocky outcropping that is pretty amazing.”
“This is a great lakeside trail that is easily accessible from the DL Bliss beach parking area and trailhead parking area.”
“The climb down isn't bad it's the climb up where you question your life choices.”
“It goes along the lake mostly flat, with some ups and downs, but is overall a easy trail to hike.”
“They do have a restroom and they have a beach area and that's was beautiful too.”
Plan your run at Rubicon Trailhead North
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near South Lake Tahoe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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