The Fantastic Tahoe Rim Trail
Like most good things, you must wait, and The Tahoe Rim Trail
proves it. The loop trail was not completed until September
2001. The 164-mile loop trail encircles glorious Lake Tahoe in
all its splendor and passes through National Forest, state parks
and several wilderness areas. The lake covers a surface area of
191 square miles, with 71 miles of shoreline snuggled among the
Sierra Nevada mountains on the border of California and Nevada.
The rim trail offers spectacular views of the alpine lake
shimmering up to the sky.
The trail opens usually in mid-June, when the snow has melted
off, and closes again in late October. The trail design takes
into account the hiker, mountain biker and equestrian. The goal
during construction was to not exceed an average grade of 10
percent. Mountain biking is permitted on half of the trail. The
loop can be accessed from anywhere around the lake or
surrounding cities.
Most of the trail winds along the ridge tops offering views of
nature at its finest. The peaks that surround Lake Tahoe, and
upon which the trail rests, consist of granite rock covered with
a wide variety of trees from mighty Aspen and Cedar to White Fur
and Ponderosa Pine. Saunter past meadows of wild flowers- golden
yellow Mountain Mule Ears and firecracker red Indian Paintbrush.
Rise past flowing mountain streams and don't forget to look out
over the incredible Tahoe Basin in all its brilliance. Hundreds
of small lakes rest peacefully at higher elevations above Lake
Tahoe. You can walk under trees, through meadows or above the
tree line rising close to 11,000 feet at points. Be on the
lookout for bears- the trail meanders through their country.
Triangular light blue trail markers planted along the trail help
hikers found their way, but the signs don't always last the
winter, so be prepared with map and compass. Camping areas
abound in some areas of the trail, while in other areas, like
Desolation Wilderness, no designated camping areas are
permitted. In some areas, campfire and camping permits must be
obtained.
The trail can be accessed from the Sierra Nevada and Carson
Range spur. Whether for a day hike or much longer, the Tahoe Rim
Trail caters to all levels.
You can visit the official Tahoe Rim Trail web Site at
TahoeRimTrail.org .