Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here
Coast Coast · El Dorado County · 1,897 m

Emerald Bay

Responsible for this content
Outdooractive Editors Verified partner 
  • Emerald Bay
    Emerald Bay
    Photo: Hartmut Wimmer, Outdooractive Premium
Emerald Bay is located in Lake Tahoe´s southwest. It is one of the most photographed places in the region.
The bay was once created by a glacier slowly travelling down from the mountains in the southwest to the shore of Lake Tahoe. Just one granite rock was able to withstand the power of the glacier, today´s Fanette Island. It is the only island in Lake Tahoe. On top of it the remains of a building are still visible. This was a tea house owned by Mrs. Lora Knight, who bought the land around Emerald Bay in 1928. On the southern shore her summer home Vikingsholm is open for tours. The house was built out of wood and granite in the style of medieval Scandinavian architecture.

Emerald Bay is perfectly suited for all kinds of water sports – from swimming and stand-up-paddling to kayaking or boat trips. Additionally, there are many hiking trails in the area around Emerald Bay.

Public transport

In the summer months, use the Emerald Bay Trolley from South Tahoe Y Transit Center to Vikingsholm/Eagle Falls.

Get Timetable to destination

to
Emerald Bay

Directions

From South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City, follow CA 89 to Emerald Bay.

Parking

Parking spaces at Emerald Bay State Park (Vikingsholm Castle), Eagle Falls Trailhead and Inspiration Point. All parking spaces require a fee. Especially in summer, the parking spaces can be crowded.

Coordinates

DD
38.955771, -120.095694
DMS
38°57'20.8"N 120°05'44.5"W
UTM
10S 751668 4315880
w3w 
///beam.stepped.brick
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Recommendations nearby

Hiking Trail · United States of America
Upper Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake and Dicks Lake
Premium content Difficulty moderate
Distance 16.4 km
Duration 6:20 h
Ascent 812 m
Descent 813 m

Great route along many mountain lakes above Emerald Bay

No ratings (yet)
from Hartmut Wimmer,   Outdooractive Premium
Hiking Trail · Sierra Nevada
Rubicon Trail and Eagle Falls
Map / Rubicon Trail and Eagle Falls
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 18.6 km
Duration 6:50 h
Ascent 536 m
Descent 536 m

A relatively easy but long trail along the shore of Lake Tahoe to Vikingsholm castle and back.

No ratings (yet)
from Troy Haines,   Alpinehikers
Hiking Trail · California
Eagle Lake from Emerald Bay
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 3.3 km
Duration 1:15 h
Ascent 136 m
Descent 136 m

Right at the most beautiful viewpoint of Emerald Bay begins the route over the Eagle Loop to Eagle Lake, passing by the Eagle Falls.

No ratings (yet)
from Hartmut Wimmer,   Outdooractive Premium
Show all on map

User Questions

Don't see what you need here?
Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

No ratings (yet)
Be the first to leave a rating or write a review!
Share your experiences and advice to help millions of people find and plan their next outdoor adventure.
Write a review
Rating submitted

Emerald Bay


Place to visit
Questions and answers
10-day forecast
  • My Map
  • Content
  • Show images Hide images
Features
Maps and trails
Hiking Trail · United States of America
Upper Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake and Dicks Lake
Premium content Difficulty moderate
Distance 16.4 km
Duration 6:20 h
Ascent 812 m
Descent 813 m

Great route along many mountain lakes above Emerald Bay

No ratings (yet)
from Hartmut Wimmer,   Outdooractive Premium
Hiking Trail · Sierra Nevada
Rubicon Trail and Eagle Falls
Map / Rubicon Trail and Eagle Falls
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 18.6 km
Duration 6:50 h
Ascent 536 m
Descent 536 m

A relatively easy but long trail along the shore of Lake Tahoe to Vikingsholm castle and back.

No ratings (yet)
from Troy Haines,   Alpinehikers
Hiking Trail · California
Eagle Lake from Emerald Bay
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 3.3 km
Duration 1:15 h
Ascent 136 m
Descent 136 m

Right at the most beautiful viewpoint of Emerald Bay begins the route over the Eagle Loop to Eagle Lake, passing by the Eagle Falls.

No ratings (yet)
from Hartmut Wimmer,   Outdooractive Premium
Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp