We are one impromptu enthusiasts, for instance, we drove to South Lake Tahoe, and continued to DL Bliss campgrounds (total of 10 hrs), in such a short notice. Daughter informed us that she got a night to a campsite 3 days prior, thus, off to Hi way 395 we go.
Indeed, it was a beautiful drive! Scenery, landscape, trees, snow-capped mountains, bodies of water, you got it! If you need to get to South Lake Tahoe from LA or San Diego, take 395, no questions about it.
However, the drive is through a mountainous area. Be prepared to get intimidated with high altitude, narrow road, sharp switch backs with steep drop both sides. But also get to see gorgeous views, breathtaking vistas and other-wordly landscapes.
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. Additionally, the clear, cobalt blue lake tucked into the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain, invites thousands of visitors each year. Lake Tahoe is the nation’s second deepest lake.
The area is divided into North and South Lake. The South Shore is more bustling when it comes to nightlife while the North Shore is quieter and more shrouded in wilderness.
How to get to Lake tahoe
By plane- From Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco airports has 3.5 hrs drive to Lake Tahoe. If you arrive from Reno-Tahoe Airports, it is less than an hour drive to North Lake Tahoe.
By Car- the mode we chose coming from Los Angeles area= drive 8.5 hrs to South Lake Tahoe. https://youtu.be/zYvXOP4f6Ss -drive to Lake Tahoe video link.
We stopped in the town of Bishop for food and gas half way though the journey. Be sure you have hard copies of maps, permits, reservations and any other important docs you may need. Because Wi-Fi and even mobile signal during the drive is fleeting.
Day 1- Arrival to South Lake Tahoe and DL Bliss Campgrounds
Arrived at the campground around 3pm. Print or screen shot your reservations. Limited signal inside the park. You will need to reserve as early as 6 months ahead to get a spot or be lucky enough to get it if someone cancels theirs.
DL Bliss is a bear habitat campground. We were given tips and leaflets on how to deal with, if we spotted a bear. The campground was well staffed, clean and has communal flush toilet and hot showers. You need to exchange or buy tokens from the camp host trailer near the entrance, for the showers to work. I advise to bring cash.
After a long drive, we settled down, breathe in the fresh pine scent, cool breeze of well oxygenated air in the midst of chirping birds and guzzling trees, and blissfully having snacks.
Hiking Rubicon Trail from DL Bliss Campground
Me and daughter decided to hike Rubicon Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2.4 mile from the parking area inside DL Bliss Campground, which ends on the parking area down next to the lake.
We did not continue down to the lake (Calawee Cove Beach) as the sun was beginning to set, and we needed to hike back to the campgrounds. Don’t want to take chances to a bear encounter in the dark.
Arriving to the camping site with ample amount of sunlight, had grilled steak c/o son in law. Had some wine, called it a night.
Day 2 – Hiked Eagle Falls, Emerald Bay Walk, Glen Alpine Falls
After a night of sweet sleep, woke up refreshed and with vigor. It was my first time camping, sleeping under the stars, amongst giant trees, and bears and probably other creatures that inhabit the woods. Yet, i slept like a baby, straight through the whole night. Not sure if it was the bottle of wine i gulp or the clean air or the amount of oxygen in forest air. Whatever it was, it was one of the bestest sleep i’ve had.
Needless to say, everyone had a good night sleep, including cosmo, our dog. Ate breakfast with the family and geared up for the day ahead. Or so we thought…
We went on doing our morning routine as a regular 2nd day in the woods. What do you know?, we had the most unexpected visitor- A BEAR! It was eyeing one of the cars parked, with my son in law ducked behind it!
It crawled pass our tent. I had the surprise of my life, saw it and actually looked into its eyes. All of its huge, brown, 350 lbs of bearing. That was a pun! (wink!wink!).
With enough courage, my daughter slowly went out to get the keys from the table and whistled mightily to the heavens. I held on to our dog (literally covering his mouth entirely to prevent from barking, as he starts to get agitated feeling the bear’s presence nearby). I can’t contain myself enough, more so run after him if he decides to be stupid and run after the giant.
When everyone got a hold of themselves and their pee, probably, we got ready for the hike to the waterfalls. It was both pleasant and scary morning to begin with, a waterfalls hike will level the scare. Anyway, in case of a bear encounter, MAKE NOISE! Do Not Run.
Hiking Eagle Falls
Drove about 5 minutes from DL Bliss campgrounds to the trail head @ this address 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Ample parking. Be there early.
Eagle falls trail has Cascading waterfalls, large granite peaks, lush vegetation, and most of all, lots and lots of evergreens. A short hike that packs a lot of great scenery.
The path starts off easily as you slowly ascend from the parking lot. After about a ¼ mile, you’ll head up a path of lovely stone stairs cut right into the rock wall itself. After about another ¼ mile, you’ll come upon the bridge with the falls gushing underneath.
If you still have the energy, cross the bridge and walk up to the cascades above. We saw people having a great time with pets playing in the water. As the trail continues up, don’t forget to stop and gaze up for the abundant evergreens surrounding you.
When you’ve had your fill of the water, continue hiking up and veer left until the path ends at the fallen boulders. Once there, continue up, you’ll come to a spot that will take your breath away. Definitely worth the effort!
Take in the view, enjoy the scene, take lots of photos. Listen to the sound of the surroundings. This one was for the books!
We could not have enough of this view but we need to go forth to the next hike. Hence, on the Emerald Bay Lookout. When you get back to the parking area, drive further up and find a parking space roadside near the Emerald Bay Viewpoint, about half a mile or so.
Alpine Glen Falls Drive
For about 10 minutes, you’ll drive through the hi way, then turn left towards Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue straight past the firehouse and park for the lower falls along the right side of the road. Trail head address-1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Watch for cyclist and hikers in this one -lane, narrow, unpaved road. A lakeside view accompanies you to the lower falls. Wild flowers such as lupines can also be spotted along the way. Once parked, you can actually see the falls already. A short walk down to the cold, cascading waters, finishes the trip.
We went down to the falls, took some pictures, afterwards headed back to have lunch in one of the dog friendly restaurants in the city.
After lunch, we drove to the other side of the lake towards the north. Lake Tahoe is such a huge inland body of water that will take you about three hours to complete the 72 miles without any stops . However, it would not be as enjoyable if you don’t stop at scenic viewpoints. So, plan your time accordingly.
Likewise, circumnavigating the lake by water transport also poses as good adventure. We could have done hiking again, but opted to get back to the camp to enjoy the woods. I couldn’t get enough of trees and nature and family, all in this one moment. The definition of content.
Lake Tahoe, a definite bucket list to check.
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