South Lake Tahoe Hiking Guide: VIKINGSHOLM.

[@tahoemountainlife]

Sorry for the re-post. Had some audio issues with the first post. Thanks for everyone who commented initially!

[@Yesquire0]

In 1972, I parked on the ring road and climbed down alongside the stream all the way to lake level, just because I was by myself and wanted a lake-level view of Emerald Bay. I was 21 and strong and limber, but it was still probably a stupid thing to do, as the terrain was full of large, jagged rocks, and very steep. When I got to the bottom, there, very much to my surprise, was a magnificent mansion on the far side of the river set among enormous Douglas Firs. It was a cool climb down and up, but maybe I should have taken the trail and toured the mansion. I had no idea, until today, that it was a State park and that there was a trail and tours. Thanks for curing my ignorance and over a half-century on not being curious enough to look it up myself.

[@tahoemountainlife]

It is very steep! Thanks for your story.

[@graceballou6870]

Thanks for bring me back to my favorite place to work. Eight summers at the Tahoe basin 2001-2008. Got to work at all the campgrounds, VC's and parking lots. Makes me a happy camper! 😊

[@tahoemountainlife]

No worries Grace! Did you have a favorite campground in the area?

[@Turtlesews]

Beautiful hike.

[@tahoemountainlife]

thank you!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Now I have a chance to say how much I loved the beautiful hike that you and your wife took today and the history of that beautiful summer home is amazing!

[@tahoemountainlife]

thats Mitchell!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@tahoemountainlife You are very welcome

[@RandallGove]

Amazing. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@tahoemountainlife]

all good mate!

[@sunshinechaser]

Wow this is gorgeous! I didnt know emerald bay had these incredible water falls. I look forward to hiking this trail 😊

[@tahoemountainlife]

Have fun!

[@paulpolner]

I’ve only seen it from a boat on the bay. So nice to take the walk with you. Some day I’m gonna get inside Vikingsholm.

[@tahoemountainlife]

The view from the boat is pretty cool as well!

[@troyledbetter6597]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip it was so enjoyable!

[@tahoemountainlife]

all good mate!

[@user-EinsteinSarge]

I've hiked the Rubicon trail annually and love it - finally toured Vikingsholm for the first time today. Very worthwhile. Your video captures the hike down, but important to mention that the hike back up that road is quite steep for most. I've seen many people struggle, especially in the heat of the day as much of the road is not shaded. My suggestions after doing it annually the past 17 years is to go early (for parking and avoid heat of the day), wear appropriate shoes (shocking how many are in flip flops, etc), and make sure all in your party are aware and prepared for that steep hike back up to the parking lot. Oh yeah, and enjoy!!

[@tahoemountainlife]

that is great advice. I wish i knew the grade of the road up and down. I would guess 4-6%.

[@Ali-ct9pb]

Hey Bri! Nice to see and hear you talk today. Welcome. I just love Eagle Falls. I especially love the steep steps at the beginning. Such a great cardio work out. And the further trail is all up ward. One friend told me I was trying to give her a heart attack. 😮 na ah! I took my sister, and so glad I did, cause she has Parkinson’s now. But we went there and to Glenn Alpine Falls. She thought it was hard. 🙁 That is such a huge amount of water and so beautiful. Vikingsholm is so pretty and a great little adventure. But everyone should know that in the summer, it is near impossible to find a parking space anywhere! Unless you like driving in circles for a half hour to get one. Tons of sightseers. You’re fortunate to have this weather today. More thunderstorms coming the next two days, A El Niño fall is being predicted already. The thunderheads were huge this afternoon over the Sierras from here. Very pretty. Your cloud reflections were really beautiful there at Emerald Bay. Do you think you’ll do a Tallac hike on your blog? It’s such a huge hike. But you guys are pretty buff. I saw a guy run up the whole trail and back again 😳. I was amazed as I huffed and puffed. I’m much older than you two. Thanks for sharing. Brings back many memories. My dad brought us there when I was about 10?, and my mom was so scared the whole time going past Emerald and Cascade lake. Oh my gosh! She kept grabbing the handles and moaning. I always think of her when I drive that pass. Thanks again.

[@tahoemountainlife]

Thanks Ali! Great to hear your stories. The thunderstorms every afternoon are pretty amazing but we do miss the clear blue sky. Yes I reckon we will do Tallac this summer.

[@bt.c.1829]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful hike! Eagle Falls are powerful!

[@tahoemountainlife]

no worries mate!

[@danielwilliams2994]

So impressive. Gorgeous 😊

[@tahoemountainlife]

Thanks Daniel!

[@tahoesnowlion]

A beautiful place to spend the day. ❤

[@tahoemountainlife]

100%

[@janebell8706]

Looks like a great hike! Thanks.

[@tahoemountainlife]

You bet!

[@Sonoma_Coast]

Very pretty scenery, and good job on the guidance to the trails.

[@tahoemountainlife]

Thanks Tom

[@yannako]

The video that I needed. Thank you!

[@tahoemountainlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaeljeroshalmi]

🍷

[@MizMetal]

Im planning to go here soon as im traveking out for work! Apx how long was your hike? Thanks for posting!! 😊🙌

[@tahoemountainlife]

Hey there, It is approximately 2 miles, 400ft up and down, and if you take your time looking around- you can plan to be out for 1.5-2 hours. If you cruising with no stops 45 mins to 1 Hr. Hopefully that helps. Enjoy!

[@SuziPoozi]

❤!!!!

[@tahoemountainlife]

Thanks Suzi!

[@scottwbradley]

Can I ride my bike down this trail?

[@tahoemountainlife]

I'm not 100% but I don't think you can.