Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · California, Nevada

Tahoe Rim Trail

111 mi of trail, end to end · Mt. Rose Wilderness: 12 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · native material surface · trail No. 19E00 · trail class 3 · typical grade 12-20% · tread 18-24 inches wide

Trailhead Big Meadow Drive there

Big Meadow the Forest Service's write-up

Big Meadow is located in Meiss Country on the south end of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Big Meadow Trailhead serves as an entrance to the Tahoe Rim Trail and boasts breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley and the Carson Valley. For additional information including trail conditions, trail maps, and thru-hike permits, visit the Tahoe Rim Trail Association website.

Restrictions No Campfires

This hike on fs.usda.gov

Kingsbury South Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up

Kingsbury South Trailhead is located on National Forest lands on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe and provides access to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Parking is available at the trailhead located off of Andria Drive on Kingsbury Grade. Additional information is available on the Tahoe Rim Trail Association website . Views of the Carson Valley as well as glimpses of Lake Tahoe can be seen along this forested trail. Please note: Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Propane appliances are allowed with a valid CA Campfire Permit .

Restrictions Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted.

This trailhead on fs.usda.gov

Mt. Rose Wilderness 12 mi round trip · the Forest Service's write-up

Fees are not presently required for day or overnight use in the Mt. Rose Wilderness.

Blue lakes, colorful wildflowers and a variety of wildlife are just a few attractions this wilderness has to offer. Nestled between the Carson range and the Great Basin is the 30,000 acre Mount Rose wilderness, named after the highest peak in the Carson Range. The Tahoe Rim Trail, a scenic trail that circles Lake Tahoe, runs for approximately 7 miles through the Mount Rose wilderness, and offers magnificent views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The strenuous 12 mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Rose (10,776 feet) is popular among those seeking a wilderness challenge. The Mount Rose Wilderness offers great scenery and a memorable wilderness experience.

Restrictions Maximum Group: 15 people and 25 head of stock. Permits: Wilderness permits are not required, but campfire permits are required for all open fires (including camp stoves). A campfire permit does not authorize the use of fire when fire restrictions are in effect. Wilderness areas are special places where motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited (this includes motorcycles, bicycles, carts, and strollers).

This hike on fs.usda.gov

Every trail in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

All 152 trails in Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitFind a trailForest on fs.usda.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the US Forest Service's National Forest System trails layer (public domain), read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end, and the class, surface, grade and tread width are the forest's own entries where it publishes them - a forest that publishes the centreline alone has none. The trailheads and the points along the way are the Service's recreation points, and the write-ups its own recarea text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the forest's own site before you go.