Circle Beautiful Lake Tahoe on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Beginning at the lowest elevation point of the Tahoe Rim Trail, this section is the start of a 165-mile journey through the mountains around Lake Tahoe.

A strenuous but gorgeous segment through the Mount Rose Wilderness Area and over the trail’s highest point, Relay Peak (10,338 ft).

Walk the lofty divide between Lake Tahoe’s basin and the Great Basin, with huge views over the desert ranges of Nevada to the east and the familiar blue water to the west.

This relatively short section traverses the west side of the Carson Range through lush conifer forest, stands of aspen, and flowery meadows.

One of the most scenic parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail, this section begins the visible transition from the arid slopes of the Carson Range to the lake-speckled glacial basins of the greater Sierra Nevada.

Explore a patchwork of forests, meadows, and lakes in the Upper Truckee River Basin south of Lake Tahoe.

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.

Hike along the rolling ridgelines west of Lake Tahoe with epic views over the lake plus tranquility among shady forest and flowery meadows.