Explore a patchwork of forests, meadows, and lakes in the Upper Truckee River Basin south of Lake Tahoe.
Hiking Difficult
This section of the Tahoe Rim Trail makes a deep U-shaped course through the headwaters of the Upper Truckee River, the primary inflow to Lake Tahoe. Its large basin is rimmed with barren summits, dotted with lakes and granite outcrops, and carpeted in greenery.
From Big Meadow campground, the trail leads south across the road, through a stretch of forest, then across a very large meadow with a meandering stream. Beyond the field of green grass and colorful flowers is a horizon of imposing peaks. Re-enter the trees on the other side to continue through rolling hills of alternating forest and small meadows in the rolling hills at the foot of these mountains.
Pause to enjoy the tranquility of Round Lake, which sits nestled between steep slopes of granite, then continue through forest and meadows even more verdant than before, as you move gently up in elevation. Soon comes the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, which the Tahoe Rim Trail joins for the next 50 miles. Follow the PCT northward, past the shimmering blue Showers Lake, climbing to the west rim of the basin.
Over the next several miles, the terrain becomes progressively more rugged and water sources less frequent as the trail traverses a high ridgeline. It then descends steeply off this ridge to meet US-50 at Echo Summit and continues a bit farther up to Echo Lakes.
Sources: https://tahoerimtrail.org/maps-trail-info/ https://tahoerimtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MapBrochBMtoEL.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TahoeRimTrail
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Away from help but easily accessed.
6.3 km away
Miles 1092.3-1124.8 of the northbound PCT: Through the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, packed with alpine lakes and prime camping within polished granite basins.
Moderate Hiking
6.3 km away
Stroll along a portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail beside large alpine lakes.
Easy Hiking
6.3 km away
A section shared with the Pacific Crest Trail that tours many alpine lakes and incredible overlooks in the glacier-carved granite valleys of the Sierra Nevada’s Desolation Wilderness.
Difficult Hiking
9 km away
Climb to the summit of the tallest mountain peak in the Lake Tahoe region.
Difficult Hiking
8 routes · Hiking
14 routes · Hiking
72 routes · Hiking