Tahoe Rim Trail

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a 165+ mile singletrack trail that circumnavigates the Lake Tahoe Basin. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this trail passes through alpine meadows, conifer forests, and beautiful wildflower-filled hillsides. 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). 

The TRT traverses six counties, four national forests, three wilderness areas, two states, and one state park over the course of this loop. With stunning views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains, the trail rises and falls along ridgelines at an elevation between 6,200 and 10,300 feet. In addition to its designation as a National Recreation Trail, it is also part of the National Scenic Trails System, sharing 50 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail. 

With eight segments and ten trailheads that can be reached by vehicle, the TRT is easy to access and offers a variety of trail activities, ranging from day trips to long distance excursions. This scenic loop can be hiked in any direction starting from any of the trailheads. In addition, thru-hikers will appreciate that the trail goes right through two towns with opportunities to resupply, Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe.

The TRT is best visited from July to October if you want to avoid snow. The actual mileage of the trail, and its sections, may vary depending on recent trail work. Information about current trail conditions can be found at https://tahoerimtrail.org/current-trail-conditions/. 

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 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/.