Tahoe Rim Trail: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Barker Pass to Tahoe City is an 16-mile segment of the 165+ mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). This section is located on the west side of Lake Tahoe. It features colorful wildflowers, lush meadows, craggy volcanic peaks. The TRT (and PCT) is a multi-use, non-motorized trail open to hikers, trail runners, backpackers, bikers, and equestrians for most of its length (mountain bikes and equestrians are prohibited from certain sections of the trail). 

From Barker Pass, the TRT follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as it rises and falls through colorful meadows surrounded by jagged peaks. It dips in and out of flowery meadows and swoops around craggy volcanic peaks. 

About 4-5 miles into this section, the TRT splits from the PCT and turns east toward Lake Tahoe. A steep descent leads into Ward Canyon, where the trail meanders for a few miles. Eventually the trail climbs out of the canyon, continues past Page Meadows and then descends to the Truckee River and Tahoe City, California.

Long distance backpackers will appreciate that the TRT passes right through Tahoe City which features lodging, restaurants, full-service grocery stores, and gear shops, making it a great place for resupply. 

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Information about current trail conditions can be found at  https://tahoerimtrail.org/current-trail-conditions/ 

WATER

Information about water sources along the trail can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/water-sources/.

FOOD STORAGE
Bear canisters are strongly recommended for the entire Tahoe Basin area and are required within the Desolation WIlderness. More information about food storage can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/current-trail-conditions/. 

PARKING: Information about parking can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/parking/. 

BIKES

• Mountain bikes are only allowed on certain portions of the TRT. If you are planning to bike along the Tahoe Rim Trail please make sure to check the regulations by visiting https://tahoerimtrail.org/mountain-biking/. 

PET RESTRICTIONS

• Information about pet restrictions can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/dogs-on-the-trail/. 

PERMITS: Information about permits can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/regulations-permits/. 

THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION (TRTA):
The Tahoe Rim Trail is managed and maintained by the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA). Information regarding trip planning, history of the trail, volunteer opportunities and more can be found by visiting https://tahoerimtrail.org/.