On Lake Tahoe's west shore, D.L. Bliss sits where granite slabs meet water so clear you can see 100 feet to the bottom at Rubicon Point. Two of Tahoe's most popular beaches — Lester Beach and Calawee Cove — anchor the park's shoreline, while the Rubicon Trail connects 7.4 miles of rugged lakeshore to neighboring Emerald Bay State Park. The park closed in June 2023 for a major infrastructure overhaul and reopens for the 2026 summer season on May 21.
Details
- 🏞️Type
- State Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- California State Parks
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- Tahom, CA, 96142
- 📞Phone
- (530) 525-9528
- 🕐Hours
- Day Use Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- 📐Area
- 744 acres
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📡GPS
- 38.98562, -120.10137
The Place
D.L. Bliss sits on Lake Tahoe's western shore 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, donated to the state by the Bliss family in 1929. The landscape is classic high Sierra: granite, conifers, blue water. At Rubicon Point, water clarity reaches more than 100 feet — on a calm day you can look straight down into it from the shore. The park connects to Emerald Bay State Park via the Rubicon Trail, one of the most celebrated day hikes in the Tahoe Basin.
When to Go
This is a summer-only park in practice. It operates from late May through Labor Day, and even then, summer nights drop to the low 40s. Lester Beach and Calawee Cove are two of Tahoe's most visited beaches — expect crowds on summer weekends and competition for parking. Shoulder season (late May or September) offers more breathing room.
The park closed in June 2023 for major waterline replacement and infrastructure upgrades and reopens May 21, 2026. Facilities will be in substantially better shape for the 2026 season.
Getting There
Highway 89, 17 miles south of Tahoe City. Winter driving requires chains or 4WD on approach roads. During the closure, no services, restrooms, or parking are available.
What to Do
The Rubicon Trail (7.4 miles, moderate to strenuous) traces the rocky lakeshore from D.L. Bliss through to Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay, with four access points and views that are hard to match in California. The Balancing Rock Nature Trail (0.5 miles, flat) leads to a large granite balancing boulder and is accessible for most fitness levels. The Lighthouse Trail (2.5-mile loop) climbs about 500 feet to the abandoned Rubicon Point Lighthouse.
Beach use — swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking — is the main draw on summer days. Bear-proof food storage is mandatory at campsites; violations carry fines up to $1,000.
Reservations & Fees
Day use is $10 per vehicle. Camping rates have historically run $35–$50 per night; book through ReserveCalifornia as early as the 6-month window allows. Summer weekends at Tahoe parks fill the day the reservation window opens. The Tahoe Regional Annual Pass ($75) covers multiple area parks.
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, on paved roads, and in day-use areas, but not on beaches or unpaved trails.