GUIDE TO THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL
THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION’S AND IMPACT REPORT
Our mission is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.
BOARD STAFF
President: Justin Knowles
Executive Vice President: Tricia Tong
Treasurer: Larry Stites
Secretary: Rebecca Cremeen
Trail Operations Chair: Jim Crompton
Trail Use Chair: Sharell Katibah
Directors: Gina Barth, Rish Batra, Amy Cornelius, Walid Khiari, John McCall, Theresa Papandrea, Faye Provenza, and Robin Soran
Executive Director: Lindsey Schultz
Development Director: Veronica Palmer
Communications Director: Anthony Porter
Trail Operations Director: Ryan Kuehn
Finance and Administration Manager: Judi Van Fleet
Guided Programs Manager: Angelique Carl
Development Manager: Brooke Clayton
Outreach Manager: Delaney Diamond
EACH YEAR, HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s (TRTA) 165 Mile Club and commemorate the achievement of completing the trail in its entirety. Yet the vast majority of the TRT’s estimated 700,000 annual users only see a glimpse of all that the trail has to offer; much the same as few people know the full scope of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s impact. In this guidebook, we invite you to explore the ‘big picture’ of the Tahoe Rim Trail through its 8 iconic segments. Each one will highlight the trail work, restoration efforts, and innovative programs that the TRTA hosted throughout 2023/24. From the rugged wilderness of Desolation to the panoramic views at Relay Peak, this report will not only guide you through the places that make the TRT special, it will illustrate this year’s progress in our mission to inspire stewards and preserve the trail.
In 2024, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association welcomed new leadership. With fresh perspectives guiding our mission, we remain committed to our core values and a path forward that protects the Tahoe Rim Trail’s legacy for generations to come. Join us as we explore the progress made together to maintain, improve, and reimagine this remarkable trail.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Nevada Division of State Parks.
TAHOE CITY TO BROCKWAY SUMMIT
Between Tahoe City and Brockway Summit the trail winds through forests and open hillsides, offering expansive views and intriguing lava formations before reaching denser forests and the stunning overlook at Lava Cliffs, with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe.
DISTANCE: 20.5 mi.
GAIN: LOSS:
3,510 ft. 2,720 ft.
HIGH POINT: 7,884 ft. Mt. Watson Trail Junction
LOW POINT: 6,316 ft. 64 Acres Trailhead
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 3
GUIDED HIKES: 2
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 5
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Volunteer Service
TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS: 14,210
TOTAL NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 287
In 2024, the TRTA kicked off the trail season at Tahoe City’s 64 Acres Trailhead with National Trails Day (NTD). This year we partnered with the League to Save Lake Tahoe to host a public trail work day and trash cleanup with a celebration at Tahoe National Brewery. This event has always been a catalyst for people to get involved with the TRTA: some of today’s most dedicated volunteers first learned about the Association by joining a NTD event. Volunteers contributed a total of more than 14,000 hours of service to the TRTA in 2024. We welcomed many new volunteers and also had the chance to honor some of our most longstanding, including John McCall, who received a Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award this year from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. Congratulations, John!
BROCKWAY SUMMIT TO MT. ROSE SUMMIT
The trail segment between Brockway and Mt. Rose showcases diverse landscapes, weaving through dense forests, vibrant meadows, and volcanic terrain. Highlights include wildflowerfilled meadows with panoramic views of the Tahoe Basin, ridgeline traverses offering vistas of the Sierra and Carson Ranges, and reaching Relay Peak, the highest point of the trail at 10,338 feet. The descent past Mt. Houghton concludes near a 130-foot waterfall at the Mt. Rose Trailhead.
DISTANCE: 20.2 mi.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Trail Use & Guided Programs Summary
TOTAL GUIDED PROGRAMS: 29
TOTAL NUMBER OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS: 395
NUMBER OF GUIDES: 39
This past summer, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s guided hikes transformed the outdoor experience for 395 adventurers in the breathtaking Tahoe Basin. Participants set out with friendly and knowledgeable guides who shared fascinating insights about the region’s rich ecology, history, and culture. Hikers of all skill levels came together over the course of 29 guided programs to explore stunning landscapes and forge connections with nature and each other.
4,623 ft.
GAIN: LOSS:
2,713 ft.
HIGH POINT: 10,338 ft. Relay Peak
LOW POINT: 7,065 ft. Brockway Summit Trailhead
GUIDED HIKES: 2
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 7
TAHOE MEADOWS TO SPOONER SUMMIT
Starting at Tahoe Meadows, this section is a favorite for many, with the unique chance to admire Marlette Lake and Lake Tahoe simultaneously. The route ends at Spooner Summit, where the landscape shifts, providing new perspectives of the region’s beauty.
DISTANCE: 24.5 mi.
GAIN: LOSS:
2,900 ft. 4,488 ft.
HIGH POINT: 8,962 ft. Near North Canyon Rd Junction
LOW POINT: 7,138 ft. Spooner North Trailhead
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 13
GUIDED HIKES: 5
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 5
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Trail Operations Summary
TOTAL TREES CLEARED: 392
TOTAL PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 70
NUMBER OF ACTIVE CREW LEADERS: 33
Our Trail Operations Program started in early May, with volunteers inspecting the TRT and clearing trees. Once the snow melted at higher elevations, our trail crews addressed our multi-week projects, performing extensive work in Desolation Wilderness armoring and improving the joint PCT/TRT, finishing the Horse Meadow connector trail to the TRT, and completing much-needed maintenance and switchback construction on the Christopher’s Loop trail in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Our season wrapped up with the Big Meadow Highway Crossing project, a new reroute that we are excited to present next summer!
SPOONER SUMMIT TO KINGSBURY SOUTH
This trail segment from Spooner Summit to Kingsbury South offers a journey through meadows, forests, and panoramic mountain vistas. The diverse terrain highlights the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Carson Valley, making it a favorite for hikers seeking varied landscapes.
DISTANCE: 19 mi.
HIGH POINT: 8,785 ft. Near Sierra Canyon Trail Junction
LOW POINT: 7,144 ft. Spooner South Trailhead
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 5
GUIDED HIKES: 10
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 20
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Trail Ambassador Summary
TOTAL DAYS SPENT EDUCATING USERS: 70
AMBASSADOR LOCATIONS: 16
TOTAL NUMBER OF AMBASSADORS: 16
Our 16 Ambassadors had a presence at every trailhead of the Tahoe Rim Trail this season, making trail users smile, supporting safe practices, and inspiring all to recreate responsibly. The Trail Ambassador Program saw a resurgence this year, leading to 70 days spent educating users at trailheads around The Lake.
KINGSBURY SOUTH TO BIG MEADOW
Between Kingsbury South and Big Meadow the trail traverses sunlit meadows, pine forests, and mountain passes, offering stunning views of the Carson Valley. Notable stops include Star Lake, nestled beneath Freel Peak, and Jobs Sister, and a scenic descent through forests to Big Meadow Trailhead.
DISTANCE: 22.9 mi.
GAIN: LOSS:
5,088 ft. 5,303 ft.
HIGH POINT: 9,569 ft. Freel Peak Trail Junction
LOW POINT: 7,485 ft. Big Meadow Trailhead
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 16
GUIDED HIKES: 4
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 4
YOUTH OVERNIGHT TRIPS: 2
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Youth Backcountry Camps
TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH TRIPS: 12
TOTAL YOUTH SERVED: 115
PERCENTAGE OF TRIPS PROVIDED AT NO COST: 60%
Our Youth Backcountry Program hosted 12 youth backpacking trips this summer in collaboration with six partner organizations, spanning from Sacramento, CA to Reno, NV. Over 60% of these trips were provided free of charge, thanks to the generous support of donors and grantors. These experiences fostered outdoor skills, teambuilding, independence, and confidence while targeting youth from diverse backgrounds in an effort to make nature accessible to all and help make lasting memories.
BIG MEADOW TO ECHO LAKES
Between Big Meadow and Echo Lakes, the Tahoe Rim Trail passes through lush meadows, serene lakes, and creeks, framed by dense pine, fir, and aspen forests. Notable sights include Round Lake, flower-filled Meiss Meadows, and Showers Lake. The trail climbs a granite ridge before descending to Echo Summit.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Big Meadow Highway Crossing
LINEAR WALLS BUILT: 1,126 ft.
TRAIL BUILT: 2,330 ft.
GRANT FUNDERS: Tahoe Fund, Vail Epic Promise
DISTANCE: 18.3 mi.
GAIN: LOSS: 2,231 ft.
2,995 ft.
HIGH POINT: 8,978 ft. Schneider’s Cow Camp Trail Junction
LOW POINT: 7,485 ft. Big Meadow Trailhead
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 30
GUIDED HIKES: 6
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 7
YOUTH OVERNIGHT TRIPS: 10
TRTA broke ground on a new section of trail that will reroute where users cross Highway 89 from the Big Meadow Trailhead, creating a much more enjoyable experience for all users. Over the season, crews moved thousands of tons of rock to build over 1,000 feet of retaining wall to support the new trail. While the trail is not completed yet, TRTA plans to finish this project early in the summer of 2025.
ECHO LAKES TO BARKER PASS
Venturing into the heart of Desolation Wilderness, this trail segment showcases the rugged beauty of Lake Aloha and the steep ascent over Dicks Pass, offering spectacular views. As the trail descends, it passes serene Dick, Fontanillis, and Velma Lakes before winding through forests to Barker Pass.
DISTANCE: 32.5 mi.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Desolation Wilderness Backcountry Camps
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPS: 3
MILES BRUSHED: 0.3 mi.
TREAD ARMORING: 659 ft.
GRANT FUNDERS: Tahoe Fund, American Trails Legacy
6,778 ft.
GAIN: LOSS:
6,559 ft.
HIGH POINT: 9,376 ft. Dick’s Pass
LOW POINT: 6,970 ft. Near Bear Lake Outlet
PUBLIC WORKDAYS: 22
GUIDED HIKES: 3
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 13
VOLUNTEER HOURS IN THIS SEGMENT: 958
TRTA staff, volunteers, and the California Conservation Corps spent much of the summer improving the PCT/ TRT around Heather Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Dicks Lake. Crews brushed back hundreds of feet of vegetation that was doing its best to take over the trail and fixed areas of cupped tread, using large stones to armor and crush in the trail, making it walkable and safer for hikers and equestrians. Over 70 trees were logged out Desolation this year by our crews using crosscut saws and axes.
BARKER PASS TO TAHOE CITY
From Barker Pass to Tahoe City, the trail meanders through wildflowerfilled meadows and craggy volcanic peaks. After splitting from the Pacific Crest Trail, it descends into Ward Canyon and passes a small waterfall and creek before winding through forests toward the lush Page Meadows, known for its seasonal wildflowers. The trail ends near the Truckee River at the Tahoe City South Trailhead, 64 Acres.
DISTANCE: 16.4 mi.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT: Fundraising Successes
NUMBER OF MEMBERS & DONORS: 2,411
NUMBER OF GRANTORS: 26
NUMBER OF RAISE THE RIM PARTICIPANTS: 157
At the close of this guided trip around the TRT, it’s important to recognize all the support that got us here. Just like a thru-hiker who relies on our trail crews to keep the path clear and marked, the Association would be lost without the community that makes our work possible. Our grantors, members, and donors help steer our course both with their financial contributions, and their input about how they envision the future of the trail. Thank you to those who bring our mission to life.
1,975 ft.
GAIN: LOSS: 3,412 ft.
HIGH POINT: 8,510 ft. Twin Peaks Trail Junction
LOW POINT: 6,231 ft. 64 Acres Trailhead
GUIDED HIKES: 3
AMBASSADOR DAYS: 6
GRANTS
DONATIONS MEMBERSHIPS
To see our financial statements and 990 visit our website at tahoerimtrail.org.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has two funds established for the longterm sustainability of the organization and our mission, the Tahoe Rim Trail Endowment Fund and Stewardship Fund. If you are interested in contributing to either of these funds, please contact Lindsey Schultz at 775-298-4489.
DONATIONS BETWEEN OCTOBER 2023–SEPTEMBER 2023
TRIBUTE DONATIONS
MEMORIAL
Art King
Meghan McShannic and Dave Wallace
Julie and Scott Render
Bill Holt
Elizabeth Boyst
Bob McDowell
Allegra Atkinson
Mark Kimbrough
Ron and Linda Overli
Wendy and Tony Schopf
Joseph Stuart and Nancy Wong
Chuck Greene
Rachel Davis
Mark Kimbrough
Dennis Dougherty
Patricia Dougherty
Dianne McCall
Gary and Jeanne North
Dave DeVoe
Brenda Davis
Robin Ashley Dolan
William and Daisy Lennon
Ingrid Ryst
Patricia Streck
John Richardson
Mark Kimbrough
Robert A. Susskind
Judy Feldman
Janet and Essy Saedi
Emily Susskind
Marilyn Susskind
Rachel Wysoki
Robert Kvam
Rick Oxoby
Sherie Schmauder
Ellie Hyatt
HONORARY
Mike Satyshur
Naomi Salling
Robin Soran
Michael and Elizabeth Schuler
Winifred C. Smith
Edward and Anne Smith
GRANTORS
American Trails
Athletic Brewing
Caesars Foundation
California Alpine Club Foundation
California Tahoe
Conservancy
City of South Lake
Tahoe
Jack Van Sickle Foundation
John Ben Snow Foundation and Memorial Trust
Joseph & Vera Long Foundation
Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation
Lana Vento Charitable Trust
Latrobe Fund
Martis Fund*
Nancy Eccles and Homer M. Hayward
Family Foundation
Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
NV Energy Foundation
NV State Parks
OK To Be Different Foundation
Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation
Reddere Foundation
Tahoe Fund
Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
United States Forest Service
Vail Resorts Epic Promise
William H. Moffat Jr Foundation
*a collaborative project of Martis Camp landowners, DMB/Highlands Group (the developers of Martis Camp), Mountain Area Preservation Foundation (MAP) and Sierra Watch.
PARTNERS
Clayton Middle School
Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
Heavenly Ski Resort
Lake Tahoe Pride
Latino Leadership Council
National Forest Foundation
Nevada Urban Indians
ONE APIA Nevada
SOS Outreach- North Lake
SOS Outreach—South Lake
Sugar Pine Foundation
TAMBA
Thomas Edison
Language Institute
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
MEMBERS & DONORS OVER $1000
Kim Ainsley
Anonymous
Brian Ashe and Cynthia Rigatti
Kyle and Jessica Aster
Jim Backhus
Doug Ballinger
Brian Beffort and Laura
Brigham
Benzak Foundation
David C. Bewley
Ralph Bijou
Susan Brown
W Don and Cheryl Brown
Frank and Susan Calfa
Richard and Mo Campo
Kathleen Cheever-Bonfire and Mars Bonfire
Kevin and Nancy Cooper
Laura and Ray DePole
Drew Dorsey
Joseph and Lisa Downes
Joel Earnest
Nancy Eichhorn
Feibusch Foundation c/o
Chris and Bob Feibusch
Paul Feigenbaum and Judy Kemeny
Steve Foulke
Mike and Mary Frandsen
Carole Freeman and Sharon McBryde
Chris and Patrice Gibson
Eleanor Gimon
Michelle Glickert
Janice Golda
Barbara Hall
John Hartog and Margaret Hand
Alex and Katherine Henderson
Steven and Barbara Hill
Margaret jo Hoyle
John F Strangman Trust
Kathleen Justice-Moore and Steve Moore
William and Elise Kearney
Pauline Kitagawa and Chris Iwata
Justin Knowles
Eileen Landauer and Mark
Michael
Dr. Cori and Mr. David
Lentz
Debbie Leonard
Esther Levandoski
Nick Levinson and Julia
Moll
Tricia Lundrigan and Neil
Walker
Madeline Ackley Trust
David and Alette Mahler
Kim and Mike Mardesich
John McCall
Kevin and Pam McKenna
Doug Mcpartland
Margie McWilliams
Steve Miller and Maureen
Mullarky
Patricia Minnix
Ginger and Ron Mitchell
David and Tobey Mraz
Terry and Marianne
Murphy
James Nelson
Paul and Antje Newhagen
Laura O’Brien
Tina O’Dell
Olander Family Foundation c/o Cindy and Ron
Olander
Lance Olson
George Prince
John and Diane Rettig
James T. and Cynthia
Richardson
Jim and Chris Russell
Janet and Essy Saedi
Carrie Sage
Sarah Ketterer Family Foundation
Paul and Edna Schumacher
Cindy Scripps
Naomi Silvergleid
Bruce and Bettie Smith
Winnie Smith
Colonel Edward L. Smith
Larry Stites
Joseph Stuart and Nancy Wong
Karen Stubkjaer
Emily Susskind
Marilyn Susskind
The Crystal Family Foundation
The Rogers-Holloway Donor-Advised Fund
Tricia and Kuo Tong
Mike and Alex Tonner
Truettner Family Foundation
Sarah Uppal
Joanne White
John Zeisler and Jennifer Bailey
Carol and Ray Zelinski
Sandra and Fred Zoerner
We also thank all of our $999 and below donors.
MATCH DONORS
American Water
Apple Inc.
BD
Boeing
Caterpillar Foundation
Chevron Matching
Employee Funds
Dell Inc.
GAF Materials
Gartner
Gilead
Google, Inc.
Intel Foundation
JSA International U.S.
Holdings, LLC
Revamp Engineering
Splunk Take Two Software
The Pepsico Foundation
The Trade Desk
Visa
Wells Fargo Foundation Wisk
IN-KIND DONORS
Alpen Sierra Coffee Co.
Backpack Buddies
Bear Vault
Blackbird Mountain Guides
Bleu Wave
Barton Health
Carole Taylor
Carl Woods
Clearly Tahoe
Connie Lelouis
David Schnake & Lorraine
Bruce
Drink Coffee Do Stuff
Deschutes Brewery
Fox and Hound
Front Street Station Pizza Co.
GearLab
BUSINESS MEMBERS OVER
$1000
Golden Nugget
Granlibakken
Gym Love
Janice Williams
John Peltier Photography
Jim Bagan Toyota
Kats Kitagawa
Lover’s Leap Guides
Margie Maxhimer
Nancy Greenhalgh
Patagonia Heavenly Village
Pauline Kitagawa
Raley’s Grocery Store
Rubi Mountain Heli
Sharell & Robert Katibah
South of North Stio
Tahiya Sultan
Tahoe Bleu Wave Cruise
Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards
Tahoe Gear Exchange
Tahoe Heartbeat
Tahoe Helicopters
Tahoe National Brewery
Tahoe Sports Fishing
Tahoe Sports LTD
Tahoe Treetop Adventures
Team Whiskey
The Hanger
Tipsy Putt
T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
Wilderdog
Yellow Submarine Sandwich
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