{
  "name": "Emerald Bay and the West Shore",
  "slug": "emerald-bay-lake-tahoe-west-shore-ca89",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/emerald-bay-lake-tahoe-west-shore-ca89/",
  "summary": "CA 89 leaves the Y in South Lake Tahoe past Camp Richardson, climbs on switchbacks to a ridge high above Emerald Bay, then follows the lake's west shore through Meeks Bay and Homewood to Tahoe City.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "CA 89"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "California",
    "start": {
      "name": "South Lake Tahoe",
      "lat": 38.913468,
      "lon": -120.004623
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Tahoe City",
      "lat": 39.162756,
      "lon": -120.144372
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 26.7,
    "lengthKm": 43,
    "driveMinutes": 53,
    "corners": 30,
    "hairpins": 3,
    "maxGradientPercent": 9,
    "summitMetres": 2084.4,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "moderate",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 5
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "summer",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Closes at Emerald Bay after winter storms, and slides take a full day to clear",
    "Narrow ridge section with big drop-offs and no guardrails near Emerald Bay",
    "Rockslides after snowmelt or heavy rain, with limited shoulders and summer cyclists",
    "Limited parking at Emerald Bay in summer, especially from 10am to 4pm",
    "Roadwork in 2026 with one-way traffic control and delays of up to 20 minutes"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "lakes",
    "mountain",
    "forest"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Camp Richardson's Coffee & Confectionery",
    "Inspiration Point",
    "Eagle Falls Trailhead",
    "Meeks Bay Beach",
    "Obexer's General Store & Deli"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 288
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-11"
}