Emerald Bay Viewpoint - Lake Tahoe
As we say goodbye to 2020, I’ve decided to share an adventure I wasn’t originally going to post because it didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned. But if 2020 has taught me anything it’s that, while we can lay out grand plans, we are not always in control of the outcome but we do have the power to find beauty in our adventures...even when they don’t turn out as planned.
Lake Tahoe
Nate and I planned a dream trip to Tahoe this year, and due to the pandemic we had to make some adjustments…but one thing we knew we wanted to keep on our itinerary was a sunrise at the Emerald Bay Viewpoint. Over the course of our trip we planned out the best sunny morning to visit. However, little did we know that waiting for the perfect conditions would mean missing out on any chance of sunny skies at all, because a massive fire broke out the evening before our planned sunrise shoot. We decided to still visit, but the smoke was swiftly moving in. At first I felt deflated by our thwarted efforts to capture the perfect sunrise…however, once I stopped to look at the images we captured, I was reminded that there is beauty to be found in every adventure – no matter what the conditions, as long as we take the time to look for it. So without further ado, lets enjoy a smokey morning at Emerald Bay.
Emerald Bay Viewpoint
Located over 6300 feet above sea level and towering 600 feet above Lake Tahoe, the Emerald Bay Viewpoint looks straight out at Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island. If you’ve ever seen those straight-on stunning Lake Tahoe pics from above, this is the spot they were captured at. Not only are the lake views incredible here, but the tall pine-lined mountains behind you rise up over 1,000 feet higher! Emerald Bay Viewpoint is not to be confused with Inspiration Point, which is located less than 1/2 a mile down the road (but won’t quite give you those exact straight-on lake pics you can capture here).
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is located across Highway 89 from the Bayview Trailhead campground (this is the access point for both the Bayview Trailhead and Granite Lake Trails). Restrooms are provided here and Inspiration Point has a short paved path (ADA accessible) lined with wonderful interpretive signs that will share some of this area’s fascinating history with you.
Emerald Bay
Both of the above viewpoints are located within Emerald Bay, which was declared a National Natural Landmark in in 1969. There is so much to enjoy here, including many hiking trails and points of interest (my favorites include Vikingsholm, Emerald Point, and Upper Eagle Falls Trail). If you head just past the Emerald Bay Viewpoint parking area, you can take the short granite stone carved stairs to up-close views of Lower Eagle Falls.
Know Before You Go
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• In the Summer, parking here can get very crowded especially on weekends.
• In the Winter Hwy 89 can close due to snow, so make sure to check road conditions before heading out.
• Consider visiting in the Fall on a weekday if you want to have the spot to yourself.
• Inspiration Point is ADA accessible. Emerald Bay Viewpoint, however, is not.
• This is active black bear territory so never leave food unattended in your car.
Tahoe Points of Interest
• Cave Rock
• Emerald Bay & Inspiration Viewpoint
• Vikingsholm
• Emerald Bay State Park
• Glen Alpine Falls
• Fallen Leaf Chapel
• Tallac Historic Site
• DL Bliss State Park
• Sand Harbor Beach
• Bonsai Rock & Whale Rock
• Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for joining me this week for an early morning in Tahoe )even though it didn’t go quite how I’d hoped). For more information see my Behind the Blog video below…and as we say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go...Happy New Year!!
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