Where on earth
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- Region
- California / Nevada, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Sierra granite ridge (2,000–3,050 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Sierra granite ridge (2,000–3,050 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Tahoe Rim Trail
Topic summary
A 165-mile loop above Lake Tahoe — granite ridges, blue lakes, and the Sierra crest views.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Sierra granite ridge (2,000–3,050 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Tahoe Rim Trail trip tools
How to get there
Tahoe Rim Trail is in California / Nevada, USA, United States. Its center point is 39.0968, -120.0324. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- Lake Tahoe outlet
The trail's stated low point is at the outlet of Lake Tahoe, at 6,223 feet (1,897 m). Treat this as a geographic landmark, not a confirmed trailhead or parking location; establish practical access before planning a start here.
- Relay Peak
This Nevada peak marks the trail's stated high point at 10,338 feet (3,151 m). It is a route landmark rather than a confirmed vehicle access point; an approach and entry location still need to be established.
Popular pursuits at Tahoe Rim Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Tahoe Rim Trail
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Tahoe Rim TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Tahoe Rim Trail
Planning to fish Tahoe Rim Trail, California? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in California are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Tahoe Rim Trail?
- A California fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current California fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Tahoe Rim Trail
Thinking about hunting Tahoe Rim Trail, California? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in California are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Tahoe Rim Trail?
- Confirm the land around Tahoe Rim Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in California?
- A California hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A mountain loop around Lake Tahoe
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 170-mile (274 km) hiking loop around the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing California and Nevada through the Sierra Nevada and neighboring ranges. Its defining feature is the circuit itself: this is a route around the basin, not simply a walk along the lakeshore. Elevations range from 6,223 feet (1,897 m) at the outlet of Lake Tahoe to 10,338 feet (3,151 m) at Relay Peak in Nevada. That range makes elevation an important part of trip planning, whether the goal is the entire loop or a shorter section. Choose the scale of the trip before sorting out access, and do not treat the full trail's mileage as a measure of how demanding any individual section will be.
Choosing the full circuit or a section
The full loop provides the clearest long-distance objective, but two substantial portions help explain the trail's geography. Above Lake Tahoe's west shore, about 50 miles (80 km) also belong to the Pacific Crest Trail. Along the east and south sides of the basin, 96 miles carry National Recreation Trail designation. These are portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail, not additional mileage to add to its total length. For a shorter trip, use those broad areas to narrow the search, then establish actual entry and exit points before committing to an itinerary. A section's designation does not establish its difficulty, road access, or overnight logistics. Those details need to be resolved separately for the particular stretch being considered.
Planning for elevation and mountain conditions
Even the Tahoe Rim Trail's lowest stated elevation is above 6,000 feet, and its high point exceeds 10,000 feet. Plan effort around that mountain setting rather than mileage alone, especially when arriving from lower elevations. Leave room to adjust daily goals, carry layers for changing conditions, and establish a water plan before setting out. The loop's total length and elevation extremes do not describe the climbing, water availability, or conditions of each section. Relay Peak is the named high point, but that fact alone does not establish an approach route or trailhead. Before departure, confirm current conditions, practical access, and any applicable requirements with the managing agency for the section being traveled.
Route options
- Tahoe Rim Trail full loop170 miles (274 km)
A long-distance hiking circuit around the Lake Tahoe Basin through California and Nevada. Plan access, water, overnight logistics, and daily effort for the specific itinerary rather than relying on the loop's total mileage alone.
- West-shore Pacific Crest Trail overlapAbout 50 miles (80 km)
The portion above Lake Tahoe's west shore shares its tread with the Pacific Crest Trail. This identifies a broad section to explore, not a point-to-point itinerary with established entry and exit locations.
- East and south National Recreation Trail portion96 miles
The designated National Recreation Trail mileage follows the east and south sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Select and verify specific endpoints before turning this broad portion into a hiking itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- West-shore Pacific Crest Trail overlap · 1 day
Plan a day hike on a manageable portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail above Lake Tahoe’s west shore, where about 50 miles overlap the Pacific Crest Trail. Confirm an access point and choose a turnaround suited to daylight, conditions, and fitness; this is not a plan to cover the entire overlap.
- East or south basin section · 2 days
Build a two-day backpacking trip on a selected portion of the east or south side of the basin. These sides contain 96 miles designated as a National Recreation Trail. Confirm access, water availability, overnight rules, and a suitable endpoint before choosing the section.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; timing depends on elevation and snow conditions
Treat this as a mountain transition season, not a guaranteed hiking window. With trail elevations reaching 10,338 feet, check snow coverage and overnight temperatures for the specific section before committing.
Summer
Summer; verify conditions by section
Plan for sun exposure and changing mountain weather. Do not assume every high section is snow-free or that water is available wherever needed. Confirm conditions before setting daily mileage.
Fall
Fall; suitability depends on current mountain weather
Allow for shorter daylight and colder nights. Check for freezing temperatures and snow before a high-elevation trip, and carry enough insulation for delays.
Winter
Winter; assess snow and weather before travel
Do not treat the loop as an ordinary hiking route without checking winter conditions. Snow, ice, and cold can change travel demands substantially at these elevations. Match equipment and skills to the actual conditions.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; timing depends on elevation and snow conditions | Treat this as a mountain transition season, not a guaranteed hiking window. With trail elevations reaching 10,338 feet, check snow coverage and overnight temperatures for the specific section before committing. |
| Summer | Summer; verify conditions by section | Plan for sun exposure and changing mountain weather. Do not assume every high section is snow-free or that water is available wherever needed. Confirm conditions before setting daily mileage. |
| Fall | Fall; suitability depends on current mountain weather | Allow for shorter daylight and colder nights. Check for freezing temperatures and snow before a high-elevation trip, and carry enough insulation for delays. |
| Winter | Winter; assess snow and weather before travel | Do not treat the loop as an ordinary hiking route without checking winter conditions. Snow, ice, and cold can change travel demands substantially at these elevations. Match equipment and skills to the actual conditions. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and overnight-use rules with the managing agency for each planned section.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Altitude: the trail ranges from 6,223 feet at Lake Tahoe’s outlet to 10,338 feet at Relay Peak. Allow time to adjust and reduce effort if feeling unwell.
- Mountain weather: carry protection against cold and precipitation, even when starting in mild conditions.
- Snow and ice: check high-elevation conditions before departure; turn back if terrain exceeds available equipment or skills.
- Distance and fatigue: the full loop is 170 miles. Choose daily travel goals conservatively rather than treating the loop length as a scheduling target.
What to pack for Tahoe Rim Trail
- Trail map covering the selected Tahoe Rim Trail section
- Offline navigation and backup power
- Written access, turnaround, and exit plan
- Insulating layers
- Rain and wind protection
- Sun protection
- Headlamp
- Water-carrying capacity matched to confirmed supply points
- Water treatment
- Food and emergency supplies
- For overnight trips, shelter and a sleep system suited to forecast temperatures
Tahoe Rim Trail FAQ
- How long is the Tahoe Rim Trail?
- The trail is a 170-mile loop around the Lake Tahoe Basin in California and Nevada.
- How high does the trail go?
- Elevations range from 6,223 feet at the outlet of Lake Tahoe to 10,338 feet at Relay Peak in Nevada.
- Does it share trail with the Pacific Crest Trail?
- Yes. About 50 miles above Lake Tahoe’s west shore are also part of the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Is the entire loop a National Recreation Trail?
- The designation covers 96 miles along the east and south sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin, rather than the entire 170-mile loop.
- Can the trail be explored without hiking the whole loop?
- A selected section can form a day hike or shorter backpacking trip. Confirm access, current conditions, water availability, and applicable rules before fixing the route or duration.