Tahoe Rim Trail | Loop Lake Tahoe’s stunning alpine rim

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop circling the stunning Lake Tahoe basin, straddling the California-Nevada border at elevations between 6,300 and 10,338 feet. This high-altitude trek offers continuous views of the deep blue lake, rugged Sierra Nevada peaks and pristine alpine meadows. Unlike many thru-hikes, the TRT is a loop trail, meaning you start and finish in the same location, making logistics simpler. The trail shares 50 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail and passes through diverse ecosystems from dense conifer forests to exposed granite ridges.

You can hike this trail clockwise or counterclockwise. This guide follows the trail counterclockwise from Tahoe City, but choose whichever direction suits your preference and conditions.

Find more information, GPX and stages of the Tahoe Rim Trail here.

Tahoe City to Brockway Summit

Begin your journey with a gradual climb through Jeffrey pine and fir forests, offering your first glimpses of Lake Tahoe’s north shore. This section features moderate elevation gain as you work your way toward Watson Lake and the ridge systems beyond. The trail delivers sweeping views of Granite Chief Wilderness to the west while maintaining proximity to civilization. Expect well-maintained tread with occasional rocky sections and reliable water sources in early to mid-season.

Town:

• Tahoe City (Mile 0/165) – Full services including grocery stores, restaurants and lodging

Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows

Navigate along exposed ridgelines with panoramic views stretching across Nevada’s high desert and California’s Sierra crest. This segment includes the Mt. Rose summit spur (10,776 feet), the highest point on the TRT, offering 360-degree views for those willing to tackle the extra climb. Expect rocky, technical terrain with steep descents and limited water sources during dry years. The trail passes through ancient whitebark pine stands and volcanic rock formations unique to this section.

Towns:

• No nearby town services at Tahoe Meadows trailhead

Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit

Descend through volcanic terrain and open sagebrush slopes on Nevada’s drier eastern side of the lake. This section offers unique geology with red and black volcanic rock formations contrasting against the typical Sierra granite. Water sources become more reliable as you approach Spooner Summit, with several seasonal streams and springs. The trail features rolling terrain with expansive views of both Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley far below.

Town:

• Carson City (30 minutes from Spooner Summit) – Full services, requires ride

Spooner Summit to Kingsbury South

Climb toward South Camp Peak with commanding views of both Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley far below. This segment traverses through Tahoe Rim Trail’s eastern highlands, featuring open ridges and scattered wildflower meadows in summer. The trail maintains moderate difficulty with rolling terrain and several small saddles. You’ll experience quintessential high-desert Sierra scenery with fewer crowds than the trail’s western sections.

Town:

• South Lake Tahoe (accessible from Kingsbury Grade) – Full services

Kingsbury South to Big Meadow

Wind through dense forest cover with fewer lake views but increased solitude and wildlife encounters. This section crosses multiple tributaries feeding into the Truckee River watershed, providing reliable water access. The terrain offers a welcome reprieve from exposed ridgeline hiking with gentle grades and soft forest floor. Expect peaceful forested walking with occasional meadow crossings and potential black bear sightings.

Towns:

• No town access from Big Meadow trailhead

Big Meadow to Echo Lakes

Enter the spectacular Desolation Wilderness, requiring a permit for overnight camping in this heavily-used alpine zone. Traverse past granite slabs, glacial lakes and some of the TRT’s most photographed scenery including views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. The trail includes challenging rocky sections and stream crossings that can be difficult in early season snowmelt. This section overlaps significantly with the Pacific Crest Trail and sees the highest hiker traffic on the entire loop.

Town:

• Echo Lakes Resort (Mile ~115) – Water taxi service, small store with limited supplies

Echo Lakes to Barker Pass

Continue through Desolation Wilderness with sustained elevation changes and technical rocky trail requiring careful foot placement. Pass by pristine alpine lakes including Middle Velma, Fontanillis and Dick’s Lake, each offering stunning camping opportunities. This segment includes the Dick’s Pass climb, one of the trail’s most strenuous ascents at 9,380 feet with breathtaking payoff views. Water is abundant from numerous lakes and streams throughout this granite wonderland.

Towns:

• No services at Barker Pass trailhead

Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Complete the loop with a long descent through Five Lakes Basin and past Page Meadows, returning to lower elevations. This final section overlaps significantly with the Pacific Crest Trail, bringing you through quintessential Sierra forest with red fir and lodgepole pine. The trail gradually mellows as you approach Ward Creek and the final miles into Tahoe City. Enjoy consistent water sources and shaded forest walking as you wrap up your circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe.

Town:

• Tahoe City (Mile 165/0) – Full services, trail completion point

Good to Know

Permits and Regulations

Wild camping is allowed throughout most of the TRT, following Leave No Trace principles and staying at least 100 feet from water sources. The Desolation Wilderness section (Echo Lakes to Barker Pass) requires a permit for overnight use. Obtain these from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit or reserve online in advance during peak season. Thru-hiker permits are available by calling the Forest Service Supervisor’s Office during business hours. Campfires are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness and discouraged elsewhere. Plan on a stove-only trip.

When to Hike

The ideal hiking window is typically July through September when the trail is mostly snow-free and water sources are reliable. Early season (June) brings snowfields, swollen stream crossings and mosquitoes but also vibrant wildflowers. Late season (October) offers solitude and fall colors but brings cold nights and potential early storms. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, especially on exposed ridges. Plan early starts for high-elevation sections.

Navigation Skills Required

The TRT is well-marked and well-maintained compared to the CDT, with clear tread and signage at most junctions. However, GPS device or app (FarOut) is still recommended for tracking mileage to water sources and camping areas. Some exposed ridge sections can become confusing in fog or whiteout conditions. Basic map and compass skills provide backup navigation.

Water and Wildlife

Water sources are abundant throughout most sections, especially on the California side, with springs, streams and lakes providing regular access. The Nevada sections (Brockway to Spooner) can run dry by late summer. Check current conditions before hiking. Always filter or treat water from any source. Bear canisters are required in Desolation Wilderness and strongly recommended throughout the entire trail. Black bears are active and habituated to hikers. Also expect encounters with mule deer, marmots and occasional mountain lions.

Resupply Strategy

Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 10-14 days, meaning most carry food for the entire loop or plan one midpoint resupply. Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe offer full services. Echo Lakes Resort provides limited resupply via their small store but requires a water taxi ride. Many hikers mail resupply boxes to Echo Lakes or South Lake Tahoe. The loop format eliminates complex logistics since you return to your starting point.

Essential Gear

Don’t underestimate high-altitude conditions. Cold-weather gear for potential storms even in summer, rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms, sun protection for exposed ridges and bear canister for Desolation Wilderness are all critical. Water capacity of 2-3 liters is sufficient for most sections. Microspikes may be necessary for early season (June-early July) snow travel. Many hikers appreciate trekking poles for the sustained rocky sections and steep descents.

Useful Links

Tahoe Rim Trail Association – Official trail organization Desolation Wilderness Permits Current Trail Conditions