View Full Version : Tahoe Rim Trail
I am trying to plan a thru hike next August of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Thus far, I haven't been able to find a lot of information about the TRT. There are a few YouTube videos and a few posts here and there. Has anyone on WB completed this trail and, if so, what's your advice concerning transportation to the trailheads in south Tahoe, resupply, and the trail itself? I'm desperate for help.
have you thought to look on youtube?
I just searched it and came up with several videos.
I'll bet it would be a fun trail. If I were closer I'd sure look into it!
Tahoe Rim Trail Association. They have a web page even. Expand your search.
How are you planning to get to the vicinity of the trail? Reno and Sacramento airports are nearby. Trains and busses will get you close to the trail. There is a taxi service that serves some of the communities on the trail.
August is typically dry. The snow is gone and some water sources dry up. Last year a critical pump was out of service making for a lengthy water carry. Call the TRTA for information on that section.
Good luck. Keep searching. The information is there.
Wayne
https://tahoerimtrail.org/water-sources/
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/15297/
https://www.google.com/search?q=tahoe+rim+trail+water+report+site:backpac kinglight.com&client=safari&rls=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqqLXhk8bYAhXqhFQKHfnyCfQQrQIISCgEMAQ&biw=1408&bih=789&dpr=2
https://www.thequietadventures.com/blog/tahoe-rim-trail
That should get you pointed in the right direction.
Wayne
went up mt baldy at the n end of tahoe last sunday - was told we crossed the TRT near the top (under snow)
very nice veiws
not a popular distance hiking trail with service providers etc, mostly a lot of day hikers
since it is a loop having a car and doing some supply drops would be a good option IMO
There’s Popular and there’s overrun.
The Southwest-Northwest portion is shared with the PCT. Not exactly a deserted area of California. There be Casinos too.
To the Original Ppster: You may find helpful information for the PCT section shared with the TRT.
Wayne
I plan to hike the TRT this coming year too, with friends. Hadn't gotten around to looking into details yet, but the part that overlaps the PCT was nice (and well signed --- as TRT, not PCT), so I wouldn't anticipate any challenges. We're going in July. Should be a fun walk!
My knowledge of "normal" thru-hiking trends on the PCT is dated now, but I would nevertheless not expect the PCT portion to be crowded in August --- certainly most at least would be further north by then.
I've used the Blue Go from Carson City NV. I first take a regional bus from Reno to Carson City. You do NOT have to go through Truckee CA from Reno NV to get to S. Tahoe. Bus scheduling should be researched possibly more so going through Carson City to flow with your transfers.
https://www.tahoetransportation.org/transit/south-shore-services
http://www.tahoetransportation.org/transit/tahoe-transportation-map-1
I thru'd it last Aug. Used pocket atlas by Eric Black and guthook app. Atlas was okay but guthook was well worth it, used daily. Flew into reno, South tahoe airporter shuttle to SLT. Rode city bus around SLT and caught trail at Kingsbury. Resupply in tahoe city, kings beach or echo chalet (pricey). Took me 11 days with zero in tahoe city and Nero in desolation wilderness. Awesome trip.
Knowing water situation on north and east side is critical. Can be found on trta website.
I thru'd it last Aug. Used pocket atlas by Eric Black and guthook app. Atlas was okay but guthook was well worth it, used daily. Flew into reno, South tahoe airporter shuttle to SLT. Rode city bus around SLT and caught trail at Kingsbury...
This approach is easiest. Costs you about $35 which is not bad in terms of an out of state thru-hiker budget getting from the AP to a TH.
Good advice about the H2O on the east side if doing with no snow on the ground.
There are plenty of other places to start and end a TRT thru though.
First info: The first place to stop for route information for The Tahoe Rim Trail (https://tahoerimtrail.org/)
Overall planning: The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has a very good planning page (transportation options, permits needed resupply, etc) (https://tahoerimtrail.org/backpacking-thru-hiking/)for that trail.
Maps: Again, super easy. The resources needed for the trails is straightforward. For the Tahoe Rim Trail, a map is available by Tom Harrison (the map guru for the Sierra and nearby). (https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=15483&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLake-Tahoe-Trails-Harrison-Maps%2Fdp%2F1877689599)
Databooks: For quick, at a glance info, (https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=15483&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FColorado-Trail-Databook-Mountain-Guide%2Fdp%2F1937052257%2Fref%3Dpd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0% 3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1%26refRID%3D0FGSZJYSME GAXY3KD8GQ)The Tahoe Rim Trail (http://blackwoodspress.com/tahoe-rim-trail/maps/atlas/) has some info.
Apps: For your smart device, Atlas Guides (Guthook) has apps for both The Tahoe Rim Trail. (http://atlasguides.com/tahoe-rim-trail/)
Resupply: The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has an informative page (https://tahoerimtrail.org/backpacking-thru-hiking/re-supply-information/)for resupply info.
One of the key issues is finding campsites that have a water source nearby for some sections of the trail. Agree that Tom Harrison map and Guthook apps are helpful. Hiked the Desolation Wilderness portion of the TRT in 2016, early September. Very nice section. Locals we met told us they thought it was the best part of the TRT. We had originally planned to do a thru hike of the TRT but ended up changing plans and headed off to hike for a loop into JMT country over Kearsarge Pass and another loop in Yosemite for the rest of our time.