Hiking The Tahoe Rim Trail – A Guide for Overseas Visitors

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail is a great introduction to hiking in North America. It's a different world from the European hut-to-hut treks, and for Australasians, getting their heads around bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes might take some adjustment.

But fear not, as someone who embarked on the Tahoe Rim Trail as my inaugural North American trek, I can share that my initial apprehensions about bears, mountain lions, and finding wild campsites soon faded as the hike started.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a stunning hiking trail with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, one of the largest alpine lakes in North America. The trail encircles the lake, passing through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is 174 miles (288 km) long and can be accessed from many different trailheads around the lake, making it possible to hike shorter sections or take on the entire loop.

With a highest point at Relay Peak at 10,338 feet, the trail offers a variety of ecosystems, from high alpine meadows to dense forests. There is also the possibility to see wildlife including black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions in their natural habitat.

For me, the entire trail had a wow factor—from the bear sightings to the experience of high altitudes and the great track camaraderie, to the excitement of a resupply town.  It was my first North American hike—and it won't be my last!

In this Guide I will Cover:

• Tahoe Rim Trail Map
• Registrations for the Tahoe Rim Trail
• Water Sources on the Trail
• Safety
• Camping on the Tahoe Rim Trail
• Tahoe Rim Trail Sections
• Transport and Logistics

A full list of inclusions can be found in the Table of Contents

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Tahoe Rim Trail – Overview

Location:	Lake Tahoe Basin, California/Nevada
Distance:	174 mi /288 km
Elevation Gain:	8190m /26,902 ft
Highest Point:	Relay Peak at 10,593 feet (3228 metres)
Duration:	10-15 days
Track Type:	Loop
Grade:	Moderate to Difficult

Tahoe Rim Trail Map and Elevation

For an online Tahoe Rim Trail map, I recommend FarOut Guides. Their guides are excellent, and I've also used them for the Heysen Trail, Greenstone and Caples tracks, and the Larapinta Trail.

FarOut is a GPS enabled app which is easy to follow and full of helpful information. It uses crowdsourcing to add comments and updates on water sources and campsites.

While FarOut requires you to pay for each map individually without a time limit, GAIA is an online mapping app with a monthly subscription and also a great resource.

A detailed topographic map of the Tahoe Rim Trail can be purchased from REI  or local outdoor retailers. This can be a valuable resource in the event your electronic mapping system fails and the weather turns nasty.

You will also need a compass and the knowledge to use it. I recommend taking a navigational course. Just like first aid, navigation is a good skill to have.

There are in-person training sessions in most areas, but if you can't get to any of these or need to brush up on your skills (like me), then The Columbia River Orienteering Club has excellent tutorials on YouTube. They also have tutorials on using GPS systems such as GAIA and similar.

Know Before You Go

Fees and Registrations for the Tahoe Rim Trail

Desolation Wilderness Permit

Unlike many of the other bucket list hikes in the USA, the Tahoe Rim Trail requires no booking. However, it does require a permit for the Desolation Wilderness area.

Obtaining the permit can be a slightly problematic, as you need to call the LTBMU Forest Service  – and speak to them directly. They cannot call you back on an international number. However at the time of writing, the ranger has stated that he is at his desk for the majority of the day, and if he doesn't answer within 3 rings, he's just stepped away.

The permit for Desolation Wilderness is free of charge.

Procedure to Obtain a Permit for Desolation Wilderness
Call the LTBMU Forest Service Supervisor’s Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, at +1 (530) 543-2600.
They need to speak with you verbally before they can issue you with a permit. You will need to supply an email address for the permit to be sent to you.
You must do this 7-10 days before embarking on your hike.

California Campfire Permit

As well as the Desolation Wilderness Permit, you will need a California Campfire Permit. The state of Nevada does not issue its own campfire permits, but does require you to carry a California Campfire Permit in the Nevada backcountry on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Although campfires are forbidden on the Tahoe Rim Trail, a campfire permit is required to use any kind of camp stove – even the humble Jetboil.

You can obtain your California Campfire Permit online for free.

Procedure to Obtain a California Campfire Permit:
Visit readyforwildfire.org to watch a video on campfire safety. After you have watched the video, you will be asked to complete a short quiz. Get the questions right, and you are given a permit to download and print out. It's essential to carry this permit with you both in California and Nevada.
Permits expire on the last day of the year in which they are issued.

Bear Canister Regulations

As of 2024, it is now mandatory for all overnighters in Desolation Wilderness and the Tahoe Basin to carry and use a Bear Canister

To prevent human-bear conflicts and maintain the wild nature of the local bears, proper storage of food and refuse is now imperative. Overnighters in the Desolation Wilderness need to pack a bear canister, while forest campgrounds will provide wildlife-resistant dumpsters and food lockers.

This is good news for some, as it follows the Leave No Trace Principle, Respecting the Wildlife.

Pro-Tip: You can pre-purchase items such as bear canisters or map as your hotel will hold mail and parcels for you until your arrival (within reason – like 2-3 weeks max).
Address your mail like so:
Name: Joe Walsh (check in 01/20/24)
Address: Hotel California
1032 N Sycamore Avenue, CA, 90038
This allows you to purchase items prior to your arrival into the USA.

(note – address/hotel is fictitious, obtain your hotel address from your booking)

Options and Direction to Hike The Tahoe Rim Trail

Trailheads for the Tahoe Rim Trail are numerous. While not all are easy to access with public transport, trailheads such as South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City are possible to reach and good access points.

Should you hike clockwise or counter-clockwise? It really doesn't matter. It's not like there's a prevailing wind that you have to take note of. However certain aspects such as water caching, resupply, and if you want to get the steep bit out of the way first, may influence your decision. Ask on the Tahoe Rim Trail Facebook Group, and you'll start a lively discussion!

The east of the lake is drier, steeper and more remote. The west side overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for about 50 miles, which can feel like a fast highway as the PCTers race through, clocking miles. However, the west side of the lake runs through Desolation Wilderness and it is insanely beautiful.

I started on the lower east side of the lake at Kingsbury, and walked counter-clockwise. I cached water at Spooner Lake, thanks to a friend who lived nearby who also dropped me to the trailhead.

I remember almost dying, while gaining elevation heading towards Mt Rose and over Relay Peak. Three steps, stop three breaths, and so on. It took me a while to acclimatise! But the hard increase in elevation was over as I reached Mt Rose Campground, and from there on it was pretty much even keel.

It really boils down to logistics and a matter of choice. For me, keeping Desolation Wilderness until the last, was picture perfect. I also loved the fact that I would meet people on one side of the lake, and then again on the other—that was fun!

Tahoe Rim Trail Resupply

Welcome to resupply. The Tahoe Rim Trail is remote and you will need to resupply as it's impossible (or not advisable) to try and carry 12-14 days of food. Thankfully, the resupply concept is well accepted in the USA.

As I started in Kingsbury South, I resupplied in Tahoe City. I was able to drive my car to the hotel and drop off my box—however I could just as easily have mailed it. Post in the USA is generally very good, and not too expensive.

The main resupply stops are at South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. Alternatives, Incline Village, Kings Beach and Truckee are all a bit off the trail so hitching a ride might be necessary.

Both South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City have all the services you might need such as supermarkets, camping stores, post offices and the like.

Don't be fooled by the name, Tahoe City is smaller than South Lake Tahoe, and way more compact. It's a really nice little town with a few great restaurants. As the town is compact, it's easy to find the laundry mat, post office, ice cream bar etc. Plus it's very easy to get back onto the trail.

Water Sources on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Depending on which time of the year you hike, water supply can be plentiful or not.

Early summer the snow melt provides endless streams and rivers to fill your water carriers. Fall, or autumn, these supplies might run dry. The beauty of the FarOut App is that it identifies where the water sources are located, and being a crowd-sourced app, hikers regularly update it with information about each water source.

Without water caching, the most you will be carrying during the summer/fall will likely be 6 litres on the east side of the lake. My gear list which outlines what I took on the Larapinta Trail, would also be well-suited for this hike, as that trail often required carrying more than 6 litres.

Desolation Wilderness is a plethora of stunning little lakes and steams, so you are pretty well sorted for the area. It's the west side which is drier – and I water cached anyway, even early on in the season.

How to Water Cache
Supermarkets in the USA sell 3 gallon containers (they call them jugs) of water. Get a black marker, and write your name and expected arrival date on the container. Go to the location where you are caching and hide the water jug. Make sure you take photographs or video of exactly where you are hiding the water container, and even go as far as to count steps.
When you collect the water container, don't forget you will have to dispose of it. There are normally large garbage bins at each trailhead.

Marlette Peak Campground had a large water pump, which is removed over the winter. That was the only man made water device I saw on the entire trail (minus the towns).

It's a good idea to filter your water and protect yourself against Giardia.

Safety

Alpine Thunderstorms

When hiking in alpine regions, it's important be vigilant for thunderstorms, especially at high altitudes where storms can develop quickly and with little warning.

The thin air and isolation can heighten the risks associated with lightning strikes. Keep an eye on the sky, and if you notice the signs of a storm brewing, prepare to take safety measures.

If you find yourself caught in a storm while thru-hiking where turning back is not an option, seek shelter away from open spaces and high points.
Avoid isolated tall trees or rocky outcroppings, and if caught in an exposed area, assume a low, crouched position with your feet together to minimise contact with the ground. Read More from the USDA

Weather

The Tahoe Rim Trail traverses high-altitude areas and wilderness, which can experience rapid weather changes. You need to be prepared for all conditions and make good choices about weather and navigation. Cell service can be spotty, so do not rely on it for safety communications.

Wildlife

My first sighting of a black bear was so special. The bear ran off before I go a chance to take a photo, which was a shame – I was just in awe! I've also woken up to bear scats (poops), near my tent. It doesn't worry me. Much like a snake in Australia. We just get on with it.

The most important thing is to use a bear canister and stash it 100 yards (90-odd m) away from your tent. Your garbage, toiletries, sunscreen lip-balm etc, all go inside your bear canister. If you do not have food on you, rest assured, the bear is not interested in you.

If the bear decides that your bear canister is some sort of fun item that can be rolled around (potentially down a hill in order to smash it open), then adding a tracker. – such as an air tag is a good idea. I have found my canister covered in slober, and actually saw a bear walk away in disgust when it couldn't open it!

If you do see a bear, identify yourself as human by calmly talking and gradually waving your arms. Be careful not to trip or turn your back on the bear. Running could trigger the bear to chase you.

If the bear attacks, unlike with grizzly bears, you should fight back using whatever items you have at hand and aiming your counter-attacks at the bear's face, especially the eyes and nose. Your goal is to persuade the bear that you're not worth the trouble of attacking.

Snakes

The venom in USA snakes is slightly different from Australian snakes and, therefore, management of snake bites differs. Rattlesnakes and copperheads, which you might encounter when hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, produce a hemotoxic venom, as opposed to neurotoxic venom.

Coming from Australia, you may come armed with a snake bandage in your First Aid Kit. However, if bitten by a snake in the USA, the pressure immobilisation technique that is commonly used in Australia should not be used for hemotoxic venom.

Instead, immobilising and keeping the affected area lower than the heart is advised to slow the spread of the venom.

For more information on how to manage a snake bite with hemotoxic venom, here is a useful article.

Personal Locator Beacon and Emergency Assistance

It's important when hiking in remote regions to carry a Satellite Communication Device, whether it's a one-way Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), or a 2-Way Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SEND). This allows the local emergency services to find you, especially important if hiking alone.

I use a RescueME as a PLB and a Garmin Inreach Mini as my SEND device.

When you are overseas, Emergency Rescue may not be free. In fact, it varies from state to state in the USA alone. Emergency Rescue services in Asia, South America, and many countries in Europe are also not free, and will need to be covered by your travel insurance.

Check with your travel insurance whether they cover Emergency Rescue – which is different from Emergency Assistance. Also as important, check to make sure that your activity is covered. Hiking over a certain elevation can void your coverage for hospital care.

Essentially, Emergency Rescue is getting you from the point of injury to a hospital. Think of it like a wilderness air-ambulance with specialised teams.

Emergency Assistance is a very broad term, but typically includes staff in a call centre who help orchestrate repatriation or medical assistance for you. Most travel insurance companies include Emergency Assistance with their policies, however, it is basically fancy customer service.

Having worked for an Emergency Assistance company that outsourced services to travel insurance companies many moons ago, I can't stress enough how important it is to be covered if the unexpected happens.

It's always a good idea to call your travel insurance company and run a few scenarios past them – just to make sure you are covered.

Camping on The Tahoe Rim Trail

There are no huts—in fact, backcountry huts are virtually nonexistent in the USA. As I prefer my tent above any hut, I love this. However, I understand those of you who are used to extensive hut systems, like in Europe or New Zealand, might find the concept a bit of a challenge.

Not only that, the majority of the trails do not have official campsites, and hikers need to ‘find a spot to camp.' So, how does that work?

I start looking for a campsite within an hour of when I think I'll finish for the day. By studying my map and the contours of the land, I can see what’s ahead. It's always a good idea to start looking an hour before you finish hiking for the day, when you are more alert and can make better decisions.

Keeping with Leave No Trace Principles, look for areas that have been used for camping before to minimise impact on untouched land. Also, you need to be close enough to a water source to be able to obtain water, but far enough away to protect wildlife habitats and water quality.

I never really had an issue. There were a couple of times, where I may have camped on a slant – but for the most part, the campsites I chose were pretty much idyllic.

Marlette Peak Campground has toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes. It also has an electrical socket in the entrance to the toilets. It's right near the floor and very easy to miss, but a great opportunity to charge up.

Mt. Rose Campground is a traditional front-country campground, with vault toilets. There's a tap with potable water right at the entrance, which is always a welcome sight for hikers coming through from both directions. When I arrived, the campground was full, and the camp hosts let me camp in their ‘front yard.'

Your FarOut Guide will list these and any other official campsites, but generally, you should be prepared to wild camp. Just go with it – it's fun!

Hiking Culture in the USA

The hiking culture is fantastic in America, and I can totally understand the draw for some people.

Hikers in North America tend to greet each other—more so than anywhere else I've been—sharing trail information, and sometimes offering to share food, water, or gear.

They often look out for one another, providing encouragement and assistance during difficult parts of a hike or when facing adverse conditions. The hiking trail in the USA is a space where social barriers tend to dissolve, allowing for a sense of unity and mutual respect to flourish.

Trail Names

Hikers in the USA, especially those who are or have embarked one of the longer hikes, use trail names. A trail name is essentially a nickname given to a hiker, by other hikers.

The name generally reflects a memorable or humorous event, a personal characteristic, a favourite food, a habit, or anything else that is distinctive about the hiker.

The adoption of a trail name is part of the camaraderie and culture of long-distance hiking, and for many, it becomes an integral part of their identity while on the trail.

Americans on the trail are a super friendly bunch, and nearly everyone will stop and chat. They will also introduce themselves by their trail name—almost never by their given names.

As the PCT runs along approximately 50 miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail, you will meet many who will introduce themselves by their trail name—as well as on the Tahoe Rim Trail itself, since a trail name is yours to keep for ongoing hikes.

Trail Angels

Trail angels are benevolent individuals who support long-distance hikers by offering various forms of assistance, often without any expectation of payment. Their help can include providing transport to trailheads, supplying meals, and sometimes allowing hikers to stay overnight or shower.

These acts of kindness, known as “trail magic,” are particularly common on long distance trails like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

While the Tahoe Rim Trail is not a long distance trail per se, there are trail angels that service the hike. They can help you get to and from a trailhead, and maybe help with water caching. Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail Facebook Group for a list of trail angels servicing the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Want to Hike the High Sierras—but Not Ready to Go It Alone?

If hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail excites you but you're not quite ready to go it solo, these guided hikes through the High Sierra might be just the thing. From Yosemite to alpine lakes above 9,000 feet, these multi-day tours take the stress out of planning—no gear worries, no permit puzzles, no second-guessing your route.

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly camping trip or a premium wilderness experience, these small group hikes give you a safe, supported, and deeply rewarding way to explore this incredible corner of the USA.

Here are three excellent options to consider:

🏕️ Short & Scenic: Yosemite Escape Camping – 3 Days

Operator: Incredible Adventures
Starts/Ends: San Francisco

This is a great entry point for anyone who wants to experience the High Sierra without committing to a full-blown backpacking expedition. You'll base yourself in a campsite near Yosemite Valley, explore highlights like Tunnel View, El Capitan, and Tuolumne Meadows, and go on day hikes hand-picked by your guide. All camping equipment is provided (except sleeping bags), and you’ll travel with a small group in a biofueled minibus. It’s an ideal trip for first-time campers or those short on time.
👉 View the full itinerary – Yosemite Escape Tour

🏞️ Wilderness Immersion: High Sierra Loop – 5 Days

Operator: Wildland Trekking
Starts/Ends: Yosemite National Park

If you’re ready for a true backcountry adventure but want the safety and ease of a small guided group, this is the one. The High Sierra Loop takes you deep into Yosemite’s alpine wilderness—think glacier-fed lakes, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and granite ridgelines with sweeping views of the Cathedral Range. You’ll hike a stunning section of the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails, sleep by high alpine lakes, and summit mountain passes you’d never reach on a day hike.
Expect hearty camp meals, top-tier guides, and jaw-dropping campsites at Vogelsang and Emeric Lakes. This trip balances challenge and reward beautifully—and it’s by far the one I’d recommend if you want a proper High Sierra experience.
👉 Take a closer look at the High Sierra Loop

⛰️ Premium Option: John Muir Trail – Florence Lake to Yosemite (13 Days)

Operator: Wildland Trekking
Starts/Ends: Fresno, California

This is the big one. A 13-day guided hike through the heart of the High Sierra, covering one of the most stunning and remote sections of the John Muir Trail. You’ll start near Florence Lake and finish in Yosemite Valley, crossing alpine passes, camping beside high mountain lakes, and hiking through landscapes that few ever get to see—except in postcards.

Expect full pack carries, a strong team vibe, and nights spent under a sky full of stars. Wildland’s experienced guides handle every detail—from resupplies and bear canisters to gourmet backcountry meals—so you can focus on the trail. It’s physically demanding, yes, but for seasoned hikers ready for a life-changing route, this one’s hard to top.
👉 See what the John Muir Trail Trip Covers

Tahoe Rim Trail Sections

Considering that you are allowed to camp anywhere, planning your hikes on a day-to-day basis isn't a major concern. However, if you're considering section hiking parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail, it is useful to know the different sections and the locations of the trailheads.

Hike	Distance	Access Points
Brockway Summit to Watson Lake M	6.7 miles	Brockway (Hwy 267) to Watson Lake
Watson Lake to Tahoe City North	12.5 miles	Watson Lake to Tahoe City
Ward Canyon to Tahoe City South	6.3 miles	Ward Canyon to Page Meadows
Ward Canyon to Baker Pass	11.5 miles	Barker Pass to Ward Canyon
Barker Pass S. to Emerald Bay	22.1 miles	S Barker Pass to Eagle Falls Campground
Echo Lake to Emerald Bay	20.2 miles	Echo Lake to Bayview Campground
Echo Summit to Big Meadow S	16.0 miles	Big Meadow (Hwy 89) to Echo (Hwy 50)
Armstrong Pass to Big Meadow	10.5 miles	Armstrong Pass to Big Meadow
Armstrong Pass to Kingsbury South	14.7 miles	Armstrong Pass to Kingsbury South
Kingsbury North to Kingsbury South	7.3 miles	Trailhead to Trailhead
Kingsbury North to Spooner South	14.7 miles	Trailhead to Trailhead
Spooner North to Tunnel Creek Rd.	18.2 miles	S Spooner North to Tunnel Creek Rd
Tahoe Meadows to Tunnel Creek Rd	13.4 miles	Tahoe Meadows (Hwy 431) to Tunnel Creek Rd.
Mt. Rose to Brockway East	19.7 miles	Trailhead to Trailhead

Similarly, knowing the locations of the trailheads is beneficial for planning your arrival and departure. Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail offical site for more information.

Transport and Logistics

Getting to the Trailhead

Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area (airport San Francisco) all have public transport options to trailheads on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The number of transport services is extensive as this is a major tourist town. Click here for a great list of all public transport services.

Getting to the USA

USA is probably one of the easier countries to get to as basically all major airlines service the country. Internal flights within the USA can be quite cheap, however flights can skyrocket fairly quickly especially during holiday time.

Ensure you check the visa requirements for your country. Here is the link to the official US Customs and Border Protection website, where you can also check the duration of your existing visa

Where to stay in Tahoe City

Save Your Pennies
Mother Nature's Inn

Very Good and Won't Break the Bank
Basecamp Tahoe City

Splash Out
Sunnyside Resort and Lodge

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

Save Your Pennies
Blue Jay Lodge

Very Good and Won't Break the Bank
The Jeffrey Hotel

Splash Out
Marriott's Timber Lodge

And That's a Wrap on the Tahoe Rim Experience

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail is more than a simple walk in the woods—it's an initiation into the heart of North American wilderness. For those of us coming from different continents, it's a new realm.

Starting off as a rookie on the Tahoe Rim Trail, any jitters about the wilderness tapered off with each new sunrise, bearing witness to the stunning vista of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

Navigating through this guide, we've plotted maps, untangled regulations, and discussed water sources, all essential waypoints in the hike ahead. But the true essence of the trail lies in the intangible—comradeship among strangers, the quiet satisfaction of overcoming the day’s mileage, and the nights spent under a canopy of unfiltered stars.

Safe travels, fellow wanderer. Here's to the trails we tread and the memories we weave under the vast Sierra sky.

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Frequently Asked Questions