Sixteen miles of Tahoe Rim Trail connect the Big Meadow (7,200′ elevation) and Echo Summit (7,400′) trailheads.
Another 2 miles of trail link the Echo Summit and Echo Lakes (7420′) trailheads. From Big Meadow, the trail heads south 5 miles to Meiss Meadow, where it connects with the Pacific Crest Trail and swings west then north towards Lake Tahoe.
Long gentle traverses through rolling landscape make up most of the route, though there are some steep ascents and descents. In spring and early summer, portions of the path may be soggy and muddy, and trail users may encounter an abundant and aggressive mosquito population.
Camping is unrestricted throughout the area, and water is plentiful, though it should be filtered before drinking.
Trailhead Locations
Big Meadow: On Highway 89 approximately five miles south of US 50.
- Big Meadow parking is located on the north side of the highway. A trail leads 200 yards from the end of the lot to Hwy 89—cross with caution and look for a trail marker on the south side of the highway.
- Echo Summit South: On US Highway 50 at Echo Summit. Turn south at the Sno- Park sign and park in or along the Sno-Park lot. The trailhead is marked by signs for the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Echo Lake: On US Highway 50, follow signed turnoff to Echo Lake 0.5 mile west of Echo Summit. Look for a parking lot about a mile from the turnoff, near Lower Echo Lake.
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