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Tahoe Rim Trail

Tahoe Rim Trail — the trail guide

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 269.8 km trek in USA, typically walked in 10+ days, with 9250 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (34 m of gain per km, topping out at 3129 m).

The Tahoe Rim Trail encircles North America's largest alpine lake through pine forests, granite peaks, and alpine meadows. Sharing sections with the Pacific Crest Trail, this high-country route offers constant views of Tahoe's impossibly blue waters. Well-maintained with regular access points, it's perfect for section hiking or a full thru-hike.

Quick facts

Distance269.8 km
Total ascent9250 m
Typical duration10+ days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness34 m gain per km
High point3129 m
CountryUSA
RegionUSA

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 1901 m · high point 3129 m · 9250 m total ascent over 269.8 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 2261 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan3°-5°206 mm
Feb2°-6°172 mm
Mar4°-5°178 mm
Apr7°-2°75 mm
May11°0°60 mm
Jun20°6°22 mm
Jul25°11°25 mm
Aug24°11°23 mm
Sep20°7°22 mm
Oct14°3°56 mm
Nov6°-4°99 mm
Dec3°-6°199 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tahoe Rim Trail?

The Tahoe Rim Trail is 269.8 km, and most hikers complete it in 10+ days. Total elevation gain is 9250 m.

How difficult is the Tahoe Rim Trail?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 34 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 3129 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Tahoe Rim Trail is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Tahoe Rim Trail?

In USA. The route starts near 38.834, -120.043 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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