Official App of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Tahoe Rim Trail FAQ

How long is the Tahoe Rim Trail?

It’s a 170-mile loop around Lake Tahoe that crosses into both California and Nevada. Along the way it passes through 6 counties, 4 National Forests, 3 wilderness areas, 2 states, and 1 state park.

 

Where should I start?

Anywhere! It’s a loop, so there’s no official start or finish. Tahoe City is a popular pick because a transit center with parking sits near the trailhead. Heads up: trailhead parking is limited, and the TRTA discourages long-term parking there.

 

Which direction should I hike?

The elevation gain and loss is the same whichever way you go, but most thru-hikers travel clockwise, and many like to save Desolation Wilderness for last. Water can also shape your plan, since much of the east shore and the area around Brockway don’t have year-round water.

 

How long does it take to hike?

It depends on your pace. The TRTA suggests hiking one segment first or comparing to a similar-mileage hike you’ve done. For reference, the TRTA’s own guided thru-hike takes 15 days.

 

When’s the best time to hike?

Summer into early fall. In an average snow year the trail mostly melts out by the end of June, but snow can linger at higher elevations and on north-facing slopes into July or even early August. Expect highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s–50s, and afternoon thunderstorms.

 

Do I need a permit?

Only in Desolation Wilderness. Day-use permits there are free at the trailhead, and overnight permits come from recreation.gov. The rest of the trail doesn’t need one.

 

Where do I get water?

Don’t count on the lake! From Brockway Summit east, there’s no water for over 11 miles until Gray Lake or Incline Spring, and the longest carry can be 17 miles, between Watson Lake and Gray Lake, according to the TRTA. The FarOut guide shows every water source on the map, plus recent comments from hikers so you know what’s actually flowing.

 

Do I need a bear canister?

Yes, food has to be stored in a bear-proof container or using bear-proof techniques. The TRTA strongly encourages canisters for the whole trail, since many high spots don’t have trees good for hanging a bag.

 

Will I have cell service?

Not reliably. Service is spotty or nonexistent in many areas. FarOut works fully offline once your maps are downloaded, so your GPS location, waypoints, and comments still work with zero bars. We also recommend carrying a paper map as a backup.

 

Can I bike the whole thing?

No. Thru-riding isn’t possible because the trail passes through wilderness areas and other places where bikes are prohibited.

 

What’s the 165-Mile Club?

Finish the whole loop and you can join! Any TRTA member who has completed the entire trail can apply, and there’s no time limit, so you can do it in one season or over 30 years. Great goal for section hikers!