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Hiking past upper Echo Lake, entering the Desolation Wilderness

Circle Beautiful Lake Tahoe on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the USA, on the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.

Hiking Easy, Difficult

Also in Nevada, United States of America

Hiking past upper Echo Lake, entering the Desolation Wilderness
Hiking past upper Echo Lake, entering the Desolation Wilderness Photo: Paul Wade

Description

The Tahoe Rim Trail encircles Lake Tahoe in a 165-mile loop. It roughly follows the crest of the mountains that drain into the lake, thereby providing a complete tour of this giant, crystal-blue water body from all angles. In addition to views of the lake, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada and Carson mountain ranges, alpine forests, glacial basins, and snowmelt streams.

Along its length, the trail crosses or nears several roads where trailheads are located. These trailheads conveniently divide the loop into distinct segments, allowing for section hikes of day or multi-day length, as well as resupply points for long-distance trekkers. Camping is available at designated campgrounds or dispersed backcountry camping along the trail. Where you start or finish does not necessarily matter, but most backpackers choose to begin at the trail’s lowest point along the Truckee River in Tahoe City.

Routes included

Related guidebooks