Route guide · Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada

Tahoe Rim Trail

A 170-mile crest loop around the Tahoe basin, ridable in sections and walkable end-to-end with only moderate daily gain. Water is the planning problem — long dry ridge stretches between reliable sources — and the Desolation Wilderness segment is the one part with real permit competition.

Length: 167.7 mi
Duration: 10–14 days (or 2–4 day sections)
Gain: +14,570 ft
Season: Jul – early Oct

loophigh point 10,109 ft

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permit required · we track who booked what · the whole crew on one page

12 camps

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Permit required — Free thru-hiker permit for the full loop; Desolation Wilderness overnight zones have their own quota permit. Official info

The shape of the trail

Route profile · camps

campelevation

Day by day

A reference itinerary, from balanced miles

Camp spots below are estimated to balance the daily miles; exact sites depend on conditions and bookings. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.

Total167.7 mi · 12 nights

Days on trail

Day 1 · 12.9 mi · +1,460 ft
Trailhead → Camp 1
A very short initial leg from the trailhead to Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, perfect for a late start to get on the trail.
easy start
Day 2 · 12.9 mi · +1,850 ft · hardest
Camp 1 → Camp 2
This leg from the trailhead climbs significantly to Showers Lake, a popular and scenic camping area with reliable water.
first major climb
Day 3 · 12.9 mi
Camp 2 → Camp 3
A long day from the trailhead past Showers Lake, ending with a descent to Luther Pass Campground.
significant mileage
Day 4 · 12.9 mi · +1,490 ft
Camp 3 → Camp 4
An extremely long and challenging multi-day segment with significant elevation gain, ending at Marlette Peak Campground, which has a vault toilet and a water pump.
multi-day push
Day 5 · 12.9 mi · +1,280 ft
Camp 4 → Camp 5
A massive, multi-day undertaking covering a huge portion of the trail with extreme elevation gain, culminating at Mount Rose Campground.
major expedition leg
Day 6 · 12.9 mi · +720 ft
Camp 5 → Camp 6
From Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, this leg involves a strenuous climb up to the scenic and popular Showers Lake area.
climb to a popular lake
Day 7 · 12.9 mi · +1,430 ft
Camp 6 → Camp 7
A relatively moderate hike from the high-elevation Showers Lake down to the road-accessible Luther Pass Campground.
mostly downhill
Day 8 · 12.9 mi
Camp 7 → Camp 8
A very long multi-day section with major elevation gain, traversing the dry eastern shore to reach Marlette Peak Campground. Water planning is critical here.
long and dry section
Day 9 · 12.9 mi · +970 ft
Camp 8 → Camp 9
This leg from Marlette Peak Campground to Mount Rose Campground involves a solid climb and passes through scenic, high-altitude terrain.
high-altitude hiking
Day 10 · 12.9 mi · +960 ft
Camp 9 → Camp 10
A demanding multi-day leg from Marlette Peak, continuing north along the east shore to Watson Lake Campground. Water sources are a key planning concern.
eastern shore traverse
Day 11 · 12.9 mi · +360 ft
Camp 10 → Camp 11
This significant section connects Mount Rose Campground to Watson Lake Campground, featuring varied terrain and requiring careful water management.
north shore connection
Day 12 · 12.9 mi · +700 ft
Camp 11 → Camp 12
This represents the majority of the loop back to the trailhead, an immense multi-day journey with substantial elevation changes.
the long haul home
Day 13 · 12.9 mi · +550 ft
Camp 12 → Back to trailhead
A challenging multi-day hike from Watson Lake into the western part of the trail, ending at the rustic Ludlow Hut.
west shore push

Conditions at the trailhead

Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada · updated daily

FRI 10·09

67° / 51°

part sun · 1%

SAT 10·10

56° / 42°

clear · 2%

SUN 10·11

51° / 36°

rain · 44%

MON 10·12

40° / 35°

rain · 66%

TUE 10·13

50° / 34°

rain · 21%

WATER SCARCITY — The eastern side of the trail has very few reliable water sources. Hikers must be prepared to carry large amounts of water, sometimes for over 20 miles.

DESOLATION WILDERNESS — This popular southwestern section requires a specific permit for all overnight use and has a quota system in effect during peak season. Camping is restricted to specific zones.

Know before you go

tahoerimtrail.org · hikingamerica.com · beeswildlife.com · backpacker.com

Best months

share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead

PERMITS

A free thru-hiker permit is required for the full loop, which includes passage through Desolation Wilderness; separate quota-based permits are needed for other overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

WATER

Water can be scarce, especially on the eastern sections of the trail, with some dry stretches lasting over 20 miles; planning and carrying extra capacity is critical.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

BEAR SAFETY

Approved hard-sided bear canisters are required for all food and scented items for all overnight users along the entire Tahoe Rim Trail.

USDA Forest Service

CAMPING

Dispersed camping is allowed along most of the trail, but specific campgrounds must be used in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and permits are required for camping in Desolation Wilderness.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

FIRES

Campfires are prohibited along the Tahoe Rim Trail; a California Campfire Permit is required even for the use of a gas stove.

USDA Forest Service

CELL SERVICE

Service is unreliable and should not be expected for communication or navigation; coverage is most likely on high points with a view of Lake Tahoe or the Carson Valley.

Asked around the fire (about this trail)

Do I need a permit for the Tahoe Rim Trail?

Yes. Free thru-hiker permit for the full loop; Desolation Wilderness overnight zones have their own quota permit.

How many days does the Tahoe Rim Trail take?

Most groups take 10–14 days (or 2–4 day sections). The reference itinerary here plans 12 nights, camp to camp.

When is the best time to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail?

July – early October. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.

Are bear canisters required on the entire trail?

Yes, as of January 2024, approved hard-sided bear canisters are mandatory for all overnight trips along the entire Tahoe Rim Trail, not just in Desolation Wilderness.

Can I have a campfire?

No, wood and charcoal campfires are prohibited everywhere along the Tahoe Rim Trail. A permit is still required to use a portable gas stove.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on all sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail. They should be on a leash in busy areas and under voice control at all times.

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