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A semi-secret trail leading to a rocky peak with stunning views.


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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.9

KM

50%

Runnable

9,019' 2,749 m

High

6,932' 2,113 m

Low

2,087' 636 m

Up

2,085' 636 m

Down

22%

Avg Grade (12°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

This trail doesn't seem to make many guidebooks, and it's not to be confused with the lakeside Rubicon Trail, but this gem is a great way to beat the crowds to an amazing summit overlooking the lake.

Need to Know

You're starting in a residential neighborhood. Be considerate of parking.

Description

After wiggling your way through the neighborhood and finding a parking spot at the end of the Highview Drive, continue on a dirt road for a couple hundred feet until this trail becomes singletrack. Pleasant, easy running in a dense forest leads to a bit of a saddle point, where you get nice views to the south and bits of the lake.

Soon after, the trail gets rockier, and you emerge from the trees. The trail gets hard to find as you enter a large area of talus. There are many cairns, but they seem to be all over the place. Find your path of least resistance and keep chugging along straight up to the summit. Do some fun scrambling up to the final rocky outcrop and enjoy huge views of all of Lake Tahoe.

Once you've taken it all in, carefully make your way back through the talus slope to return to your car.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 14 votes

#2

in Lake Tahoe

#523

Overall
  4.9 from 14 votes
5 Star
93%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Lake Tahoe

#83

in California

#523

Overall
15 Views Last Month
13,885 Since Aug 17, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
6%
12%
71%
12%

Photos

The summit of Rubicon Peak offers phenomenal views out over Lake Tahoe!
Feb 16, 2017 near Tahoma, CA
Rubicon Point periodically peeks through the trees on your way up the trail.
Feb 16, 2017 near Tahoma, CA
Looking at Stony Ridge Lake and the Desolation Wilderness from the top of Rubicon Peak
Aug 18, 2016 near Tahoma, CA

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