Tahoe Rim Trail Permit: Route and Dates
Tahoe Rim Trail permits are walk-up only in Tahoe Rim Trail. The route covers 165 miles.
This guide covers the Tahoe Rim Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free everywhere except Desolation Wilderness overnight ($6 Recreation.gov reservation fee + $5-$10 Forest Service use fee per person)
Permit Cost
10-14 days
Duration
165 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Tahoe Rim Trail
165 miles of single-track circling Lake Tahoe across two states, four national forests, three wilderness areas and one state park. No permit is needed except inside Desolation Wilderness.
The Tahoe Rim Trail
- Distance
- 165 miles
- Route type
- loop
- High point
- 10,338 ft
- Low point
- 6,300 ft
- Trip length
- 10-14 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Lake Tahoe Basin, Sierra Nevada. Nearest town: Tahoe City
Points along the route
- Tahoe CityMile 0, 6,300 ft
- Watson Lake7,759 ft
- Brockway SummitMile 20.5, 7,201 ft
- Relay Peak10,338 ft
- Mt. HoughtonMile 36.1, 10,490 ft
- Mt. Rose Summit / Tahoe MeadowsMile 40.7, 8,740 ft
- Christopher's Loop
- Marlette LakeMile 57.5, 7,839 ft
- Snow Valley PeakMile 59.3, 9,214 ft
- Spooner SummitMile 64.8, 7,144 ft
- Kingsbury South ConnectorMile 83.8, 8,830 ft
- Freel PeakMile 91.6, 10,872 ft
- Star LakeMile 95
- Big Meadow
- Meiss Meadows
- Echo LakesMile 125
And 5 more named points along the route.
Tahoe Rim Trail permit detailsandAll Tahoe Rim Trail permits
Get Tahoe Rim Trail Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Tahoe Rim Trail?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Tahoe Rim Trail?
+
Mid-July through September, after the high passes clear of snow and before the first fall storms.
How long is the Tahoe Rim Trail route?
+
The route is 165 miles, as a loop. Plan on 10-14 days.
How difficult is the Tahoe Rim Trail route?
+
This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Don't Miss Your Tahoe Rim Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Tahoe Rim Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
