Story & photos by Michelle Allen
Dustin Phelan stands atop Rubicon Peak.
Moderate to strenuous
2,200 feet elevation gain
4.3 miles round-trip
In search of a challenging, but rewarding hike? Try the hike up to Rubicon Peak on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Starting at around 6,900 feet and topping out at 9,183 feet, Rubicon Peak trail ascends 2,200 feet in just over 2 miles. This hike will get your heart pumping, but is well worth the challenge to reach some of the most amazing views of Lake Tahoe.
The trailhead is located west of Highway 89 at the end of Highland Drive in the Rubicon Bay neighborhood. It starts out rather mellow, although still a steady climb, with about 500 feet of elevation gain in the first mile. The terrain starts to change during the second mile, becoming dramatically steeper and it is a difficult ascent up the north side of the peak.
Close to the top, during the last 200 or 300 feet of terrain, the dirt trail starts to become harder to follow. Loose, granite rock litters the trail making the ascent slow and precarious.
Use caution on this last section as the slippery conditions could result in a fall. Be aware that in late spring or early summer, snow conditions may still exist near the summit. We encountered some patches of snow on our trip earlier this summer, which made this section even more difficult to ascend.
Near the top of the summit, the loose granite turns into big, granite boulders, making it feel more like a bouldering trip than a hike. Scaling these boulders is no small feat, but is easier than traversing the loose granite below. The last feat is to climb up and over the front of the granite boulders and sit on the lakeside of the peak. The drop off on three sides is enough to make anyone fearful of heights. Looking over the edge evoked a drop in my stomach and made me feel vulnerable, yet alive.
The hike offers amazing view of Lake Tahoe.
At the summit, the views are beyond spectacular. From north to south, you can see the full expanse of Lake Tahoe. Its beautiful blue and green hues look vibrant and dynamic, proving that it is truly the Jewel of the Sky. Looking west into Desolation Wilderness, the mountain range appears to have no end and the civilization that exists below seems to disappear.
Tranquil and serene, the top of Rubicon Peak is the perfect place to experience the beauty and vastness of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness.
Dustin Phelan and Buddy enjoy the views from Rubicon Peak.
The trailhead is located on Highland Drive in Rubicon Bay off Highway 89 south on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe (there are numerous turns so look at a map before departing).
