Emerald Bay

South Lake Tahoe, California 

One of the most photogenic spots in the world is this tiny bay at the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay State Park affords amazing views of the mountains, the lake, and Tahoe's only island, Fannette Island. Hike down along the falls trail to the shore at the head of the bay to find the striking structure known as Vikingsholm

(accessible only on foot or by boat).

Outdoor Recreation

• Hiking

• Fishing and Boating

• Horseback Riding

Hiking

• Emerald Bay Hikes.  Two nice day hikes out of Emerald Bay.  The first, Granite Lake/Maggies Peaks, offers quick access to a nice backcountry lake and an opportunity to bag a couple of panoramic peaks on the edge of Lake Tahoe.  The second, to Eagle, Velma and Fontanillis Lakes, is a longer journey to a series of backcountry lakes below Dicks Peak.
• Mt. Price & Mt. Agassiz.  Killer views and an airy traverse make a visit to these two remote peaks a must-do for the Desolation peakbagger.
• Mt. Tallac.  A steep day hike to a rocky summit offering the best views in the entire Tahoe region.
• Silver Peak from Squaw Valley.  A quick dayhike to a fine vista to escape the crowds at Squallywood.

Fishing and Boating

• Indian Rock Fly Fish

Indian Rock's goal is to give all guests an exciting, unforgettable experience with nature, fish and a fly rod… Catch and release fly fishing. All weather roads. Call for reservations for fishing, open trout season. Phone: (530)622-4087.

• High Hill Ranch

Trout fishing in the pond! High Hill Ranch offers their facility for wedding ceremonies, receptions and company picnics. With the breathtaking Sierras mountains as a backdrop, and our expansive outdoor deck and dinning room, High Hill Ranch is the perfect place for your special event.

• Sly Park 

The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. The Sly Park story is featured in the James Calvin Sly Museum located in the park. Jenkinson Lake, formed by Sly Park Dam, has a storage capacity of 41,000 acre-feet with a surface area of 650 acres. Municipal and industrial water is furnished to the city of Placerville and nearby small communities, and irrigation water is furnished to El Dorado Irrigation District. 

Horseback Riding in El Dorado County

• Camp Richardson Corral

Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe 

Summer: Boarding, hourly guided rides, breakfast and dinner rides (Reservations required), pack charters

Winter: Sleigh rides

• Cascade Stables

Hwy. 89, Near Cascade Lake

Summer: Boarding, hourly guided rides, breakfast and dinner rides (reservations required), pack charters

Winter: Closed

• Paradise Ranch Equestrian Center

  4381 Paradise Lane, Placerville

Open year round. Lessons are also taught in Shingle Springs. We have a covered arena.