165Miles
10–15Days
30,000 ftGain
LoopType
Permits
System
Desolation Wilderness permit (USFS) + California campfire permitThru-hikers need one Desolation permit for their dates in that section. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association offers a thru-hike guide and water reports. Camping is not allowed in some Nevada State Park sections.Apply or read more
Cost
Desolation: overnight fee per person; rest of loop free
Bear storage
Required in Desolation Wilderness
Season
Best
July – September.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Sparse on the Nevada (east) side — 20+ mile dry stretches. Plentiful on the west side.
Resupply
Trail passes near towns at most road crossings.
Notes
Circles Lake Tahoe on ridgelines; shares about 50 miles with the PCT on the west side. Relay Peak (10,338 ft) is the high point.
Elevation
6,300 ftHigh 10,338 ft
Resupply towns
South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe City
Incline Village
Kingsbury Grade
Recommended gear