Tahoe Rim Trail: Big Meadow To Echo Lake

Big Meadow to Echo Lake is an 18-mile segment of the 165+ mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). This segment is located south of South Lake Tahoe, California and features alpine lakes, lush meadows, and beautiful displays of wildflowers. The TRT 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 Big Meadow, the Tahoe Rim Trail winds its way south through grassy meadows, alpine lakes, and creeks. It passes through dense stands of aromatic pine and fir, as well as aspen groves. In 3 miles, the TRT reaches Round Lake, a nice place for a break.

About 5.6 miles into this section, the TRT merges with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and continues northwest towards Echo Summit (*bicycles are not allowed on the PCT. See the link below for more information about regulations along this section). On the way, the trail passes the granite-lined Showers Lake and the green grass of Bryan Meadow. A steep descent leads to Benwood Meadow, followed by an ascent to Echo Summit. The trail continues up and down until reaching the scenic shores of Echo Lake.

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/. 

REGULATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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/. 

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

• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on any sections of the TRT.

PERMITS

• The Desolation Wilderness area of the Tahoe Rim Trail requires permits for day-use as well as overnight camping. 

• Desolation Wilderness Permits are issued through a quota system and can be reserved in advance through https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233261. More information can also be found by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786. 

• There are two types of overnight permits for Desolation Wilderness – A regular Desolation Wilderness Permit (for non-thru hikers) and a TRT Thru-Hiker Permit. Information about thru-hiker permits can be found by visiting https://tahoerimtrail.org/regulations-permits/.
   

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/.