Rubicon Trailhead Expansion Project Draws Community Input Ahead of May 28 Meeting
TAHOMA, Calif. — With summer visitation ramping up at the Rubicon Trail, officials from El Dorado County, Placer County, and engineering firm NCE are moving forward with a proposed parking expansion at the popular Tahoma staging area. A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City to share project details and gather public feedback.
The Rubicon Trail, a world-renowned off-highway vehicle (OHV) route, spans both El Dorado and Placer counties. Its rugged terrain and scenic beauty attract thousands of off-road enthusiasts annually. However, the popularity has led to chronic overcrowding and spillover parking, which can damage surrounding habitats and encroach on residential areas.
“Currently, when the parking lot is full at the Tahoma staging area, parking will spill along the access road, which can lead to overcrowding and resource damage to the adjacent lands,”
said David Rios, NCE Associate Scientist.
“This project is designed to prevent those issues and help us create an experience we can all enjoy.”
The Rubicon Trail Parking Lot Expansion Project would add between 32 and 34 new trailer parking spaces, using 35,140 square feet of new pavement. Shoulder parking along the access road would be eliminated to reduce environmental and neighborhood impacts.
Placer County’s Tahoe Engineering Manager, Seth Warren, emphasized the broader vision:
“These trailhead improvements not only contribute to better recreational access, they help mitigate soil erosion and parking overflow as well.”
In addition to parking, planners are considering the construction of a natural surface pedestrian trail from the Tahoma neighborhood to improve non-motorized access—provided there is enough public interest.
The Rubicon Trail crosses multiple jurisdictions, including El Dorado National Forest, Tahoe National Forest, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and several private land parcels. While El Dorado County maintains the Loon Lake and Wentworth Springs trailheads, the Tahoma staging area is under Placer County’s oversight, making this a cross-agency collaboration.
The NCE project team will conduct technical studies to assess environmental effects, with results available for public review later this year. A second public meeting will be held to discuss those findings and solicit additional feedback.
Ways to get involved:
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Attend the public meeting: May 28, 2025 | 5–7 p.m. | Granlibakken Resort (725 Granlibakken Rd, Tahoe City)
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Call El Dorado County Parks & Trails Division at (530) 621-5360 to leave input by phone
For residents and outdoor enthusiasts, the expansion could be a turning point in how the iconic trail balances high demand with environmental stewardship.
Learn more by visiting El Dorado County’s website at: https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Land-Use/Parks-Trails/Rubicon-Trail
