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Accessible Features in State Parks > Accessible Trails > Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay State Park

Overview
Emerald Bay State Park preserves the natural beauty of glacier-carved granite overlooking the blue bay and the underwater resting place of many vessels used in the Lake’s heyday. It also features Vikingsholm, the Scandinavian style summer home of Mrs. Lora J. Knight, and the ruins of a teahouse on Fanette Island. Altitudes are in the range of 6200 feet, so visitors should be aware of how high altitude may affect them. Very steep terrain limits access but some accommodation is possible. Call (530) 525-7232 or email to check on the availability of shuttle service to escort people with mobility disabilities to the Vikingsholm area.

The park is open year-round, however, the Visitor Center is only open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Phone the Visitor Center at (530) 541-6498 for more information. The park is located 22 miles south of Tahoe City or 10 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. Phone the campground at (530) 541-3030 or the Sierra District Office at (530) 525-7232 for more information.

Camping
Eagle Point Campground: Located off Highway 89 approximately 2 miles southeast of the Vikingsholm parking lot, Lower Eagle Point has six accessible campsites (#54, #62, #79, #92, #94, and #96). Accessible restrooms/showers are located in each loop, within close proximity to each campsite.

Picnic Area
A generally accessible picnic area is available in the Vikingsholm area, situated between the Rubicon Trail and the Emerald Bay shoreline. Access to the picnic area is by way of a short section of the Rubicon Trail that has been improved for wheelchair access. Access to the Vikingsholm area is via a steep one-mile pedestrian trail or by boat. Call (530) 525-7232 or email to check on the availability of shuttle service to escort people with mobility disabilities to the Vikingsholm area.

Trails
The Vikingsholm Trail: The south side of Vikingsholm Trail is accessible for 0.03 mile. The path from Vikingsholm to the Visitor Center is also accessible for 0.03 mile. Special arrangements are necessary to reach the Vikingsholm area which is located down a very steep gravel road that is not open to private vehicles. Call (530) 525-7232 to check on the availability of shuttle service to escort people with mobility disabilities to the Vikingsholm area.

The Overlook Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.18 miles that starts near campsite #28 within the Eagle Point Campground. The trail generally traverses at an upward angle along a ridge and terminates at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, and the east slope of the Desolation Wilderness. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8% and two sections for a total of 23 feet between 9% to 10%. Accessible parking and restroom are across from campsite #31.

Accessible Trail Data
Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface
Overlook Trail 5% Average 2.6 Average 4.5 FT Average Aggregate
10% Maximum 5% Maximum 3 FT Minimum

Exhibits/Programs
The Campfire Center is accessible. Accessible parking and route of travel to the campfire center is available from the Rubicon Trailhead parking lot.


Get maps and more information on this park.
For more information: access@parks.ca.gov | Phone: (916) 445-8949 | Fax: (916) 449-8966
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