Hiking The Tahoe Rim Trail
Posted on April 25, 2008
The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the premiere hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in the United States. This 165 mile trail does a complete loop around Lake Tahoe, which is known for its stunning views and clear blue water. The lake straddles the border between California and Nevada.
This 165-mile loop was made to be hiked section by section, so don’t complain that the whole shebang will take too long. Pick a section for a dayhike or backpacking trip.
Each piece of the trail has its own character. The Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit section, for instance, seems to highlight the dual nature of the area, with views in one direction of the desert and views in the other of Lake Tahoe. The Barker Pass to Echo Lake trip passes through classic Sierra landscapes of granite.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult
The TRT offers sweeping views of the lake and much of it is accessible to everyone from casual day hikers to hard-core backpackers. In mid-July, it is ablaze with wildflowers; in September and October, with fall foliage. In most years, the trail can be traveled by mid-June.
Five best view areas:
Christopher’s Loop—midway between Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Summit. Views of sparkly Lake Tahoe below.
South Camp Peak, six miles south of the Spooner Summit. Views of the Tahoe Basin and Washoe Valley.
Freel Saddle, 12.4 miles northeast of Big Meadow, at 10,080 feet. Views of Lake Tahoe.
Twin Peaks, five miles north of Barker Pass. Views of the Sierra Crest and the Granite Chief Wilderness.
Rose Knob Peak, midway between Brockway and Tahoe Meadows. Views of Donner Summit, Truckee, Lake Tahoe, and the Carson Range.
How to do it: Restrictions on mountain biking and horse riding exist on some parts of the trail, so consult the Tahoe Rim Trail Association Web site at www.tahoerimtrail.org before embarking.
» Filed Under Activities Tags: Tags:Lake Tahoe hiking, Tahoe Rim Trail
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