Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,618.00 ft (1,102.77 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
22.90 mi (36.85 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Kingsbury South Connector to Big Meadow is a 22.9 mile segment of the 165+ mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). This segment is located east and south of South Lake Tahoe, California and features flower filled meadows, an alpine lake, and views of Freel Peak. 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). 

This section of the trail traverses across ridgelines along the spine of the Carson Mountain Range. The trail passes through scenic meadows, aromatic pine forests, and rocky outcrops offering scenic views of Carson Valley. 

A highlight of this section is Star Lake, which sits beneath Freel Peak, the highest peak in the Tahoe Basin. It is also an excellent camp site for those staying overnight in the backcountry.


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

 

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/

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Star Lake. Freel Peak. Sweeping Views.

Trailhead Elevation

7,595.00 ft (2,314.96 m)

Highest point

9,750.00 ft (2,971.80 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

Yes

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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