Emerald Bay

South Lake Tahoe, California

4.3/5

based on 6 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.84 miles

Elevation Gain

358 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Smith

Sitting in the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay provides views from both the land AND the water that are absolutely incredible. This is an amazing spot to take in the sunrise or see the starlit lake at night.

The View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take a quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water.

The perspective you get from in the water is also breathtaking. When you head down to the beach, consider renting a kayak or SUP if you have the time. This will allow you to paddle further out in the bay and really enjoy the experience.

You can also get great shots of the inlet and Fannette Island from the parking area. Or if you time it right, catch the Milky Way.

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Features

Photography

Kayaking

Hiking

Easy Parking

Lake

Scenic

Swimming Holes

Emerald Bay Reviews

Karen Jollie

Emerald Bay

12/10/14

We saw this section in Feb/March. It was gorgeous! The emerald color breath taking. Not sure how the hiking is in winter, but the drive was well worth a day off of the slopes.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay

There is a reason Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world and that is because of its stunning beauty! I am sure you have experienced it during the day, but the bay really comes alive at night. The Milky Way reaches over all of Emerald Bay and it is a sight to see! Head out there after the sun has been down for an hour and look up and catch the beautiful Milky Way. Even i...

Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall

Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fill up quickly too, but hey, this is Tahoe and a popular area to explore.This rock climbing spot feat...

Eagle Lake Trail

The trailhead starts (and ends) by the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, and goes west. The trail is well-marked and composed of mostly granite steps. Once you get to the lake, you can swim: it's cold but beautiful. If you keep following the path to the wooded areas (to the left), there are some good picnic areas and mushroom hunting opportunities (there are a bunch of morels in the woods i...

Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead

Hiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you want to see. There are two trailheads to the Velma Lakes area, one is the Eagle Falls Trailhead and t...

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop

Eagle Falls Trail is located off Highway 89 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Eagle Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in Lake Tahoe because of its beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush green scenery, and trees. Alongside one of the bluest pristine lakes in California, hikers on Eagle Falls will see the delightful sights of cascading waterfalls, ...

Emerald Bay

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Emerald Bay Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay

Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall

Eagle Lake Trail

Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop

Eagle Falls Vista Loop

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