Tahoe Rim Trail Thru-Hike Permit
A 165-mile loop circumnavigating Lake Tahoe along ridgelines spanning two states, four national forests, and three wilderness areas—with alpine lakes, volcanic peaks, and ever-present lake views.
“Circle the jewel of the Sierra—a 165-mile ridgeline journey around one of the world's most beautiful alpine lakes, with views at every turn.”
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Be notified instantly when TRT Thru-Hike permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when TRT Thru-Hike permits become available.
TRT Thru-Hike Quick Facts
Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •165 miles over 10-14 days with approximately 28,000 feet of total elevation change
- •Continuous Lake Tahoe views from ridgeline trail
- •50 miles shared with the PCT through Desolation Wilderness
- •Variable terrain: volcanic formations, granite wilderness, mixed conifer forest
- •Limited water on north and east sections (20+ mile dry stretches possible)
- •Multiple road crossings for potential resupply
Best Time to Visit
July through September. Snow may linger on Relay Peak and Dick's Pass into July. August offers the most reliable conditions. September has fewer crowds and beautiful light but shorter days.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Dehydration—north and east sections have limited water
- !Altitude—trail reaches 10,338 ft at Relay Peak
- !Heat exposure on shadeless sections
- !Snow may linger on high passes into July
- !Black bears active, especially in Desolation section
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers comfortable with multi-week trips and significant daily mileage. The loop format simplifies logistics compared to point-to-point trails.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed at least one multi-day backpacking trip. Prior experience with long-distance trails helpful but not required.
Not Recommended For
Those unable to carry water for 20+ mile stretches or uncomfortable with high-elevation travel.
About This Permit
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe along the ridgelines of the surrounding mountains. The trail crosses two states (California and Nevada), six counties, four national forests, and three wilderness areas. Approximately 50 miles are shared with the Pacific Crest Trail through the Desolation Wilderness.
Most thru-hikers complete the TRT in 10-14 days, though strong hikers have done it in as few as 5 days. The trail offers continuous lake views and passes through terrain ranging from volcanic formations to stark granite wilderness.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Tahoe Rim Trail represents one of America's great circular long-distance hikes. Unlike point-to-point trails, the TRT returns you to where you started, eliminating shuttle logistics while offering continuous views of Lake Tahoe's incomparable blue. The trail crosses two states, four national forests, and shares 50 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail through the Desolation Wilderness—arguably the most stunning section.
The Route
Most thru-hikers begin in Tahoe City, walking clockwise to save the spectacular Desolation Wilderness for the final leg. The first segment climbs through dense forest past the volcanic Lava Cliffs before reaching Watson Lake, an idyllic swimming hole.
The Nevada sections traverse the Mount Rose Wilderness, including the trail's high point at Relay Peak (10,338 ft) with its panoramic view of the entire basin. South of Spooner Summit, the trail enters Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, where camping is limited to designated sites.
The southern reaches near Luther Pass and Big Meadow offer easier terrain before the climb to Echo Summit. Here, you enter the Desolation Wilderness—50 miles of granite grandeur, including iconic Lake Aloha and the Dick's Lake basin.
The PCT-shared section through Desolation rewards all the miles that came before, with stark granite landscapes and crystalline alpine lakes before the final descent back to Tahoe City.
The Feeling
For 165 miles, Lake Tahoe is your constant companion. One moment you're walking a volcanic ridgeline 4,000 feet above the lake's surface, the next you're descending through silent pine forest toward a hidden alpine pond. The trail traces the rim of an ancient caldera, alternating between Nevada's high desert peaks and California's granite wilderness. And always, the lake draws your eye—impossibly blue, shimmering far below, visible from almost every ridgeline.
Trailhead Information
Tahoe City / 64 Acres Park
6,300 ft elevationMost popular starting point for TRT thru-hikes. Easy access to town services and transportation.
Parking
Free parking at 64 Acres Park. Ample space but fills on busy summer weekends.
Getting There
Located in central Tahoe City off Highway 89, near the Truckee River outlet.
Nearest Services
Tahoe City has full services: grocery stores, gear shops, restaurants, and lodging.
Echo Summit
7,380 ft elevationGateway to the Desolation Wilderness section. Popular alternate start point.
Parking
Echo Lakes trailhead parking fills early. Overflow parking along highway.
Getting There
Located at Echo Summit on Highway 50, approximately 1 hour from South Lake Tahoe.
Nearest Services
South Lake Tahoe (12 miles) has full services.
Rules & Regulations
- •California Campfire Permit required for all stove use (free, available online)
- •Desolation Wilderness overnight permit required for that section—book via Recreation.gov
- •TRT Thru-Hike Permit available for more flexible Desolation camping
- •Bear canister REQUIRED for entire TRT as of 2024
- •Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park: camping only at designated sites (Marlette Peak, Hobart, North Canyon)
- •Group size limits: 12 in Desolation/Granite Chief; 15 in Mt. Rose Wilderness
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister (required for entire trail)
- Water capacity for 20+ mile dry stretches (4-6 liters)
- California Campfire Permit (free, for stove use)
- Desolation Wilderness permit (for that section)
- Water filter (sources require treatment)
Recommended
- Trekking poles for rocky terrain and elevation change
- Sun protection (much of trail is exposed)
- Detailed TRT map or GPS tracks
- Satellite communicator for remote sections
- Swimsuit for lake access opportunities
Key Landmarks
Landmarks (13)
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for TRT Thru-Hike.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
TRT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a TRT Thru-Hike permit?
TRT Thru-Hike permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit TRT Thru-Hike?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the TRT Thru-Hike permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a TRT Thru-Hike permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Relay Peak offers the entire Lake Tahoe basin spread below in golden light. Sunset at Lake Aloha with its countless islands is equally spectacular.
Best Light
Lake views are best in early morning before haze develops. The granite in Desolation glows in late afternoon light.
Beat the Crowds
The Desolation section is busiest on weekends July-August. Weekday timing or September travel significantly reduces crowds.
Classic Shots
- 📍Lake Tahoe panorama from Relay Peak
- 📍Lake Aloha's granite islands at sunset
- 📍Christopher's Loop viewpoint of Sand Harbor
- 📍Star Lake with Freel Peak backdrop
- 📍Dick's Lake from Dick's Pass
- 📍Watson Lake at golden hour
Can't Get a TRT Thru-Hike Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
TRT Section Hikes
Easier AlternativeHike individual sections of the TRT as overnight trips. Popular sections include Tahoe City to Truckee, the Mount Rose section, and Desolation Wilderness.
Tradeoffs
Sample the TRT without full commitment. Still requires Desolation permit for that section.
Desolation Wilderness Loop
Same AreaVarious loop options within Desolation covering the TRT's most spectacular terrain.
Tradeoffs
Concentrates on the best scenery but misses the lake-circling experience.
Pacific Crest Trail Section
Similar ExperienceThe PCT shares 50 miles with the TRT through Desolation. Continue north or south for extended Sierra hiking.
Tradeoffs
Point-to-point logistics but connects to the greater PCT system.