Trail Run Project Logo

One of the finest trails in all of the Sierra's.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

23.0

Miles

37.1

KM

89%

Runnable

9,716' 2,962 m

High

7,272' 2,217 m

Low

3,437' 1,048 m

Up

3,958' 1,207 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Section Of

Runner Notes

This is a burly section of trail with high elevations, steep grades and no drinking water.

Description

Beginning from behind the stagecoach lift at Heavenly ski resort, the Tahoe Rim Trail quickly gains elevation on switchbacks, immediately rewarding you with phenomenal views of the Carson Valley. There is a bench with a lookout early on. Multiple granite steps on switchbacks will begin to fatigue your quads.

The Tahoe Rim Trail traverses the top of Heavenly Valley before losing elevation and returning to the South Lake Tahoe side (western aspect) of the mountains beginning a series of climbs and descents on crumbling granite. You'll reach Star Lake, one of the most beautiful high alpine lakes in the Tahoe basin.

After Star Lake, you'll steadily gain elevation as you traverse the west side Freel Peak. At this point, you'll lose close to 1000 ft of elevation before regaining another ~800 ft to reach the final high point (~16 miles) of this section of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

This rugged trail continues to provide awesome vistas overlooking Lake Tahoe before descending through forests to finally arrive at the Big Meadow trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jco25 Colby

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#7365

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#54

in Nevada

#7,365

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,268 Since Aug 17, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Freel Peak from Monument Pass.
Mar 26, 2015 near South L…, CA
Star Lake, Excellent swimming, if a little cold!
Mar 26, 2015 near South L…, CA
Star Lake
Mar 26, 2015 near South L…, CA
Looking toward South Lake Tahoe on the TRT
Mar 26, 2015 near South L…, CA
Carson Valley from granite bench at Crew Leader's Vista near Mott Canyon
Jan 5, 2020 near Kingsbury, NV
Lake Tahoe in the background of the TRT.
Oct 18, 2020 near South L…, CA
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 15 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.