McKinney/Rubicon Trailhead

The McKinney-Rubicon Trailhead is approximately one mile west from the Tahoma neighborhood entrance on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Trailer parking and pit toilets are available at the trailhead parking area. Follow posted signs to the trailhead. Users of the Rubicon Trail should always be respectful of neighborhood residents; dimming lights, minimizing noise, obeying posted speed limits, packing out garbage and being self-sufficient.

Directions to the trailhead: From Highway 89 south of Homewood, turn west onto McKinney-Rubicon Springs Road. Take the first left on Bellevue and then the second right on McKinney Road (follow signs to Miller Lake). Make a left on McKinney Rubicon Springs. Go straight at the stop sign and you're at the Mckinney/Rubicon Trail and Miller Lake Road. Approximately one mile up the windy single lane paved road you will find the staging area and the end of the pavement.

Access: Backcountry hiking into Desolation Wilderness requires a visitor use permit. The trail usually is free of snow by late June and remains open until the weather closes it again in October or November.

Attractions and Considerations: This nationally known, difficult, 4x4 route leads from Loon Lake to Lake Tahoe, a distance of approximately 22 miles. The narrow passages, rocky climbs and an occasional mud hole keep the trail rated as Most Difficult. The trail is recommended for short wheelbase vehicles with all skid plates in place, and even then, you can expect scratches and/or dents. There are seasonal restrooms located at the trailhead. Good fishing and camping are found at Miller, Buck, and Richardson Lakes. A world class OHV road with a variety of Mountain Biking opportunities from loop rides to difficult peak climbs. There is a county ordinance that closes the trail the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August for the annual Jeepers Jamboree.

At a Glance