Upper Truckee Airport Loop

The Upper Truckee River Airport Loop follows a dirt trail that parallels a section of the Truckee River as it edges along the Lake Tahoe Airport before looping back on itself.

The hike follows a lollipop loop, as the main trail leaves the parking area along the wide Upper Truckee River Trail. The path crosses scenic meadows and stands of pine forest, with views of nearby peaks, the airport, and multiple areas of the Truckee River. With only 200' in total elevation gain over the course of the 5.2 mile trail, the path stays easy as it meanders through the valley. While this area is surrounded by residential areas, the density of the trees and meadows surrounding it feels as if much of the hike is far distant from civilization. That is until the airport comes into view. The trail covers enough different surroundings to feel fresh. Upon passing the airport, the Truckee River Trail becomes a paved emergency access road for the airport, however the loop portion soon veers off from the pavement and begins heading into the forest.

The return portion of the loop follows a wider path with the only real climbing of the hike, with a quick descent returning to the fork. From here an easy walk returns to the parking area and trailhead.

Numerouns trails and spurs converge in this area, so having navigation will be useful and likely save you from making a couple wrong turns, though the main path usually remains easy enough to find. The path is open to mountain bikes as well, so hikers should expect to encounter cyclists and the occasional wayward river floater returning to the parking area carrying a paddle board or inner tube.

Parking can fill up during tourist season.