Tahoe Rim Trail: Echo Lake to Barker Pass

Echo Lakes to Barker Pass is a 32.2 mile segment of the 165+ mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). This section is located near Echo Lake, California and features some of the most stunning and beautiful alpine lakes of the entire TRT! This section features a truly picturesque contrast of granite rocks against sparkling blue waters. It takes place in a wilderness area that requires overnight permits and bikes are not allowed. The trail through this section is open to hikers, trail runners, and backpackers. 

This section is located in the heart of the Desolation Wilderness. With sparkling, clear alpine lakes surrounded by smooth granite rocks, this wilderness area is truly magical. In this serene environment, flowing springs, aromatic pine trees, and flower-filled meadows can be found. In this section, the trail skirts the eastern shore of Lake Aloha, a popular destination for locals to spend the day or camp overnight.

This section is also situated along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), where you may encounter hikers on long-distance journeys from Mexico to Canada. There is no doubt that this pristine wilderness is one of the highlights of the Tahoe Rim Trail and is well worth spending some time in. As a result of the PCT and the designated wilderness area, there are specific regulations regarding the use of trails in this area. Please read the information below for more details.   

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: This section takes place on the Pacific Crest Trail and goes through the Desolation Wilderness. Please read the regulations carefully as it may differ from other parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

• Wood or charcoal fires are prohibited. 

• Building fire rings is prohibited. 

• Bikes are prohibited (bikes are not allowed to be ridden or walked on the PCT or in the Desolation Wilderness).  Please 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 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/.