State Parks and National Parks

D.L. Bliss State Park

D.L. Bliss State Park, which borders Emerald Bay to the north, features one of the finest beaches in the Tahoe region. Hiking trails include the Lighthouse Trail and Balancing Rock Nature Trail.

In winter the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are 168 developed campsites at the park. Interpretive programs offer visitor activities during the summer.

This is a perfect place to enjoy Lake Tahoe's brilliant blue-green waters and high surrounding mountains.

Nearby Emerald Bay State Park is linked to D.L. Bliss by the Rubicon Trail, which takes hikers along the rugged lakeshore.

The park is 10 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 89. Note that the parking lot is small and generally full by 10 a.m. in the summer; if you end up parking on the highway, it's a two-mile walk to the beach and a mile to the Rubicon trailhead.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of California Department of Parks and Recreation http://www.cal-parks.ca.gov.