Eight segments, 165 miles round trip for the experienced hiker and backpacker on the Tahoe Rim Trail, the loop around Lake Tahoe. Depending on your experience level, there are many ways to enjoy the Tahoe Rim Trail. This trail is a recreational area for hikers and equestrian riders who share some of the segments with mountain bikers. You can enjoy camping, backpacking, day hikes, photography, and gorgeous views while experiencing nature.
Some people decide to do the full loop by themselves, with a group, or on a paid tour. Other visitors may do only one segment and place two cars, one at each trailhead. Every trailhead has a road, either paved or dirt, connected for easy access. Many of the trailheads have a pit toilet but not much else.
For those experienced backpackers hiking the entire loop, most do so in mid to late July for the wildflower season. Some hikers like early September season for the fall color. During both times, cautious hikers prepare for all weather conditions, from snow to rain, high winds and intense sun.
Hikers experience major elevation changes along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Hiking in one segment, you experience 10 percent or more grade, sharp rocks, loose gravel and steep pitches. Other segments are hard-packed sand, wide trails, traveling in forests and ridge tops.
Below are the segments from one trailhead to another going clockwise from the northeast segment.
1. Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit (20 miles)
2. Spooner Summit to Kingsbury (18 miles)
3. Kingsbury to Big Meadow (23 miles)
4. Big Meadow to Echo Lake (16 miles)
5. Echo Lake to Barker Pass (32 miles)
6. Barker Pass to Tahoe City (16 miles)
7. Tahoe City to Brockway Summit (20 miles)
8. Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows (20 miles)
It’s indeed a great recreational activity that the hikers really love to be a part off!
Some people decide to do the full loop by themselves, with a group, or on a paid tour. Other visitors may do only one segment and place two cars, one at each trailhead. Every trailhead has a road, either paved or dirt, connected for easy access. Many of the trailheads have a pit toilet but not much else.
For those experienced backpackers hiking the entire loop, most do so in mid to late July for the wildflower season. Some hikers like early September season for the fall color. During both times, cautious hikers prepare for all weather conditions, from snow to rain, high winds and intense sun.
Hikers experience major elevation changes along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Hiking in one segment, you experience 10 percent or more grade, sharp rocks, loose gravel and steep pitches. Other segments are hard-packed sand, wide trails, traveling in forests and ridge tops.
Below are the segments from one trailhead to another going clockwise from the northeast segment.
1. Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit (20 miles)
2. Spooner Summit to Kingsbury (18 miles)
3. Kingsbury to Big Meadow (23 miles)
4. Big Meadow to Echo Lake (16 miles)
5. Echo Lake to Barker Pass (32 miles)
6. Barker Pass to Tahoe City (16 miles)
7. Tahoe City to Brockway Summit (20 miles)
8. Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows (20 miles)
It’s indeed a great recreational activity that the hikers really love to be a part off!