Tahoe trail teaser

Missed my opportunity to visit friends in Tahoe this summer: the wee window of opportunity in our mutual, packed calendars has shut. But this - from airfarewatchdog.com's blog - is on the must-do list once I get there. Trail map anyone?

Rubicon Trail, Lake Tahoe, CA

www.maps.com 

Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Rating: Easy
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in and around Lake Tahoe, and for good reason. This mostly level trail more or less hugs the coastline, offering magnificent views of the aptly named Emerald Bay and Fannette Island (Tahoe's only island) and the other side of the lake, known as "the jewel of the Sierra."
The hike starts at the parking lot at Vikingsholm, a Scandanivian-design mansion built in 1929 now open for tours May-September. The trail continues four miles to the parking lot at Rubicon Point; pack a snack to enjoy on the beach—and a refreshing swim—before heading back.