These Boots are Made for Hiking...

Note:
The hike is classed as ADVANCED because of the 45 minute extremely steep uphill climb for almost 1 mile which is equal to 65 flights of stairs. Please be considerate before you RSVP as we will not leave you behind if you are struggling, however that will have an affect on those members that came for the exercise but instead chose to help you. This hike is suitable for intermediate hikers that are accustomed to hiking UP HILL with a 1000 foot elevation gain. This hike is not suitable for beginners, do not make this your first hike.

Come join us to an excellent midweek hike that's about 4.5 miles long . We'll stop at the river to marvel at the view during the summer months. This complete hike is over lush green mountains and hills, amid a wide variety of trees. After the river, we'll make a long uphill climb. You could experience breathing challenges and joint pain, so keep these conditions in mind. We end by 8:30.

This is a dog friendly event so bring them along as long as you are in control of your dog. Also please have courtesy and clean up after your pet.

Things to Bring: water, headlamp, a smile and a gentle attitude. If you would like to join afterward for the potluck bring something to share. Please bring a bowl and utensil to use at the potluck and wash at home

Follow instructions below:
We'll meet at the trailhead: Take the I-80 towards Reno and exit at Newcastle Rd. heading straight to Indian Hill Rd. Turn left at Auburn-Folsom Rd. and a right turn on Maidu Dr. Go straight on Maidu until it dead ends where you'll see a green gate. This is just below the bike parks. (877274, -121.06591). Park along the sides of the road, we will meet in front of the gate. Please click on the map icon for more details.
See you on the Trail!

We'll meet at Rossmoor and Ambassador Drives at the Rossmoor Bar park entrance sign by the yellow gate, parking is free. We'll be walking on a mix of asphalt and dirt trails for 1.5 hours (3.25-4 mi). Meet for summer hours at 7am (June thru September), the rest of the year 8am. We depart promptly at 7:05 or 8:05 am all year round, rain or shine. It's mainly flat, we go the pace of the group. We alternate the route each time between heading toward El Manto or River Bend Park just to spice it up a bit. We see wildlife, go along the river (and sometimes in it) and enjoy conversation. Many don't sign up so expect 3-7 attendees most days. Dogs are welcomed, we have 2 regular fuzz faces. It is recommended you wear long sleeves and pants as we sometimes go thru stickers, shoe gaiters are helpful. There is always a bathroom stop if needed. Bring water, a hat, rain gear, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a snack if needed.

SUMMARY
On this out and back hike in DL Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks, Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Sierras; we will hike on the Rubicon Trail and Lower Eagle Falls Trail to and from Lower Eagle Falls through pine forest at and near the shores of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay for about 9 and 1/2 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of about 800 feet while taking in the views of Lake Tahoe to the east and possibly visiting the Vikingsholm Castle.

MEETING TIMES AND PLACES
For carpooling, meet 7:30am at Iron Point Park and Ride next to light rail station, and below Folsom Premium Outlets and a vacant building that used to be McDonald's in Folsom, and the address is 150 Iron Point Rd, Folsom, CA 95630.
Please pay carpool driver the current price of gas per gallon.

For those meeting directly at the trailhead, meet 10:00am at the Rubicon Trailhead next to a small parking lot within DL Bliss State Park, and one of Google GPS coordinates for locating the small parking lot next to Rubicon Trailhead is 38.998522,-120.097828.
$10 parking fee for day use or current valid state park pass.

HIKING INFORMATION AND ESSENTIALS
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate due to distance and some hills.

DISTANCE: About 9 and 1/2 miles.

ELEVATION: About 800 feet in comulative elevation gain.

ROUTE: Start at Rubicon Trailhead near north end of DL Bliss State Park, then hike south on the Rubicon Trail for about 4 and 1/2 miles, then turn right and hike uphill on Lower Eagle Falls Trail for a short distance of about 800 feet to Lower Eagle Falls. After spending some time at Eagle Falls, hike downhill on Lower Eagle Falls Trail for about 800 feet, then turn left and hike north on the Rubicon Trail for about 4 and 1/2 miles back to the starting point. You can use AllTrails or Gaia apps to help you locate and stay on the trails and roads within DL Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks.

ESSENTIALS: Bring water, snacks/small lunch, hiking shoes/boots, hiking poles if needed, sun protection (hats, sunglasses, etc), insect repellent spray, first aid kit, etc.

REFERENCE: Official information about hiking and other outdoor activities in DL Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks can be found on the following links; https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506

Information about practicing leave no trace principles can be found on the following link;
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/