Major Waterline Replacement Shuts Down Popular Tahoe Destination
D.L. Bliss State Park, a beloved gem on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, will be off-limits this summer. In a press release issued on Thursday, officials announced that the park would be closed to facilitate the replacement of its aging main waterline. This project, unfortunately, means disruptions to the famed Rubicon Trail.
Effective immediately, all campgrounds and day-use areas in the park are closed to visitors. So if D.L. Bliss was on your summer bucket list, you’re going to have to scratch it off – at least for now. The park’s closure is expected to last the whole summer, but as we all know, weather and other unforeseen factors could potentially extend this timeframe.
Here’s a list of what’s off the table for the season:
- Vehicle access to Lester Beach
- Calawee Cove
- The starting point of the Balancing Rock trail
- The northern trailhead of the Rubicon trail
- All campsites and day-use areas
This closure isn’t just for kicks and giggles. State Parks are undertaking a major project to repair or replace the worn-out waterlines in the park. Because this construction will mess with the park’s roads, vehicle access in the park is a no-go during the project.
Rubicon Trail access will be affected, but not completely cut off. Starting Friday, June 16, trail users can access the Rubicon from Eagle Point and the Vikingsholm trailhead in Emerald Bay State Park. But be prepared for an out-and-back hike. You can still get to Lester Beach and Calawee Cove, but you’ll have to turn back and exit through Emerald Bay State Park. Make sure to keep an eye out for signage and follow any regulations in place for closed areas.
The closure also means parking will be a bit of a headache. Our advice? Consider carpooling, plan your trip carefully, and always check road conditions before you hit the road. This summer at D.L. Bliss might not be blissful, but hey, we NorCal locals are nothing if not adaptable!
