Tahoe Rim Trail Puns

Fairly athletic, beginner backpacker. I like to travel with my pup, Milo. He’s a 1 year old Siberian Husky. I am planning to drive from Wisconsin/Minnesota area. Ideally I would like to do this trip late summer or early fall of 2022. I’m looking to make this a 2-3 week trip.

DM if interested!

Milo-

https://i.imgur.com/Rgg3cDN.jpg

Where: Tahoe Rim Trail

When: 10:00AM 7/1/2021 to 9:30AM 7/10/2021

Who: My partner and I hiked from Kingsbury South to Tahoe City. My friend joined us from Tahoe City to Kingsbury South.

Distance: 175 miles

Conditions: Hot, but ended up sneaking between two record breaking heat waves. Had rain, hail, thunder and lightning on July 3rd, and an earthquake on July 8th. Buggy on the South and West side.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/4p95ol

Useful Pre-Trip Information or Overview: Everything you need is either on the TRT’s website or in u/DeputySean ’s post & comment history. However we struggled to find a decent itinerary online that matched the time we had to hike so I’m writing up this 9 or 10 day itinerary.

The Report:

Day 1 Kingsbury South to Horse Meadows (14 miles)

We drove in and parked at the Heavenly Stagecoach lot, and started hiking clockwise (CW) around 10am. After the half mile connector we were on trail. We quickly crossed into California and made our way to Star Lake for a break to get water and soak our feet. The hike to Star Lake was hot but we luckily found a few shady spots for breaks. As sea-level dwellers we both got headaches throughout the day as we were adjusting to the elevation, dryness, and probably also the heat. Throughout the day we passed by a few CCW hikers, none of which we saw later on. As we continued on we passed by Willow Creek and a few more water sources where we stopped for dinner. We dry camped a mile or so past those water sources, in a nice flat area just off trail bringing an adequate amount of water, but not as much as preferred. After dusk we could smell a fire, no campfires are currently allowed so I wondered if it was an illegal campfire or smoke blowing in from somewhere else (Note: this is before the fires broke out). We only got a few glimpses of Lake Tahoe throughout the day.

Day 2 Horse Meadows to Showers Lake (17.5 miles)

Throughout the night and into this day I had a pretty bad headache that would not let up. The day started by going over Armstrong Pass after a 7am start. We definitely didn’t bring enough water, but it was doable and we had hiked 10-20 miles on less than 2L before so we knew we would be fine for our pacing. We found a water source at CW Mile 99 that was not on the app, but we were excited to see it. While filtering I got my first five mosquito bites all at once. We made it to Big Meadow and it

I'm thinking of starting roughly on the 15th of September. I've seen a lot of mixed information in other threads about the weather, some saying they got caught in snow storms, others saying the weather was totally fine. Obviously you can't predict it this far out, but does anyone have insight on what temperatures I should prepare for? How about the (estimated) chances of snow? Thanks

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Tahoe Rim Trail, in mid-august, starting at Echo Lake and going counterclockwise, expecting temps from the high 40s to the low 80s.

Goal Baseweight (BPW): If it weren't for the BV450 I'd probably be happy with my baseweight, but I'm not trying to feed the bears. I'd like to shed a pound or two, if at all possible.

Budget: I can probably spare another $200.

Non-negotiable Items: Olympus XA2 + Film, and the BV450

Solo or with another person?: With another person

Additional Information: We'll be doing this hike over 10 days. It's definitely the longest backpacking trip I've done by far. We'll be crushing more miles than I'm used to, so any weight savings would be appreciated. I know the camera and film are major luxury items, but I like being able to snapshots on the trail while avoiding my phone as much as possible. Perhaps I could cheat and just count the camera as worn weight, haha.

If there's anything you think I can drop, or anything that you're seeing that I'm missing, please let me know!

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/i8jksl

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

Planning a thru hike of the TRT starting on September 3 and completing on September 14. Start and end point will be Kingsbury South heading counter-clockwise. Planning a zero in Tahoe City which is the approximate halfway point on this route.

The east side of the basin (first half of the hike) is typically very dry and this year will be no different. I'm anticipating several long water carries with a couple approaching 15 miles. Water will be more plentiful on the Sierra side (2nd half), but it's still pretty dry out there so there will occasionally be a need to carry a little extra.

I'm having trouble pinning down temperatures since this year has been so warm in comparison to the typical climate. My planning has been with an assumption of daytime temps in 70°F - 80°F range and the overnight lows in the low 30s with possible dips into the 20s. September weather tends to be unpredictable so thunderstorms and even snow are a possibility.

Goal Baseweight (BPW):

Honestly, it's just a number so I'm more concerned about being smart with my choices. I'd like to shave some weight off what I have calculated, but I don't want to sacrifice efficiency just to drop some grams here and there.

Budget:

Nothing specific. If I need to spend a few hundred dollars then that's fine.

Non-negotiable Items:

Almost everything is negotiable, but I'll put up a fight on a few items.

• Hand warmers -- I suffer from Renaud's and if my fingers get too cold I lose all dexterity. Probably won't need the pads for more than a short time each day so I'm planning to shut them down by sealing them in a ziploc.
• Bear Can -- I know I don't absolutely need it, but bear activity has been pretty high (especially in Desolation) and I don't want to have to be dealing with hangs and bear-proofing in addition to all of the other stress I'll be under. I also want to get used to it as I plan to do the JMT next year along with a few others where the can is required or highly recommended.
• Camp shoes -- This isn't the weight that's going to make or break my hike and they make time in camp much more efficient, especially if my shoes got wet during the day.
• Pillow -- A good pillow has made the difference between a restful sleep and tossing / turning all night. If I don't get good sleep I hike like crap the next day.

Solo or with another person?:

Solo

Additional Information:

The lighterpack list is compre

Prepping to hit the TRT in a couple months and I’m hoping someone has experience with Tahoe weather in mid to late September and what some good clothing combinations are! I hear Tahoe is really dry in September, then someone else says surprise snow storms and 60 degree days, so I’m pretty confused by what to expect at this stage of prep.

I’m of course trying to keep things light, so I’m wondering if I could be warm enough with a light hooded fleece and a wind jacket on top along with a beanie, or if I’m better off with the fleece combined with a puffy + beanie?

Is it the type of weather that gets really hot suddenly? Should shorts be in the equation? I’m gonna wear a long sleeve underneath everything btw, as well as possibly bringing gloves. I’ll mainly be wearing pants.

Basically what’s the lightest variation I can choose for unpredictable weather like this?

Hey there! I was planning on hitting the TRT for 10 days starting next week, but it looks a little smoked out at the moment. I was wondering if anyone knew of any amazing multiday hikes that would make a solid alternative?

I'm based out of Los Angeles, so the closer the better, and I'd prefer longer hikes that don't have super competitive permits. Also, if you could suggest a resource for finding trails, that would be greatly appreciated! As of now I just scour google and alltrails, but perhaps there's some kind of guide book I should be consulting. Let me know!

This summer I’m looking to accomplish my first thru hike. The plan is the start from the front door and connect with the TRT (6ish miles away) then complete the trail within 4 days. This may be a bit ambitious, so there is a plan B in case.

This is a solo trip, supported with a resupply in Tahoe City. Plan is to cover nearly 50 miles daily, with all campsites at a water source.

I have completed plenty of ultras in the past, so covering 50 miles sounds reasonable for now, but it may be different day after day, or with the pack on.

I will be completing some shakedown runs before the actual hike in order to test all the gear and ensure it is packed as efficiently as possible, but I would appreciate any input in terms of load out currently.

Thank you for any insight you can offer 🙏🏻

Location: Lake Tahoe

Weather: mid 80’s for the high High 30’s to low 40’s at night

Goal base weight: 9ish pounds, lighter is better

Non-negotiable items: camera (hoping to document the trip), pillow

Plenty of reliable water sources along the trail

https://lighterpack.com/r/woa3c2

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

Tahoe Rim trail/early July temps (high 30s - high 70s)/12 days on trail planning on hiking about 14-15 miles a day

Goal Baseweight:

Undecided. I actually like my setup right now and find it comfortable. But, my dog is coming, so I'd like to minimize my pack weight so I can comfortably carry her stuff. (She's a strong pupper and hikes with me every weekend, but she's a corgi and I don't want to load up her long back.)

Budget:

Less than $1000. But, I'm also not into the idea of spending $600 to save 2 oz.

Non-negotiable Items:

Bear bag; Spare underwear; Power bank. (I could be talked down to a smaller one, though.)

Solo or with another person?:

Technically solo. I have found some other solo female hikers who are hiking around the same time frame. We plan to camp together some nights, but we're not officially doing this together.

Also my corgi, Phoebe, will be with me.

Additional Information:

I'm potentially making a new double-wall tent, which would increase my weight a bit. I just haven't liked dealing with the condensation on my single-wall.

I'm potentially making a new pack with lighter foam in the straps and hip belt, but adding a removeable 1.2oz frame from ULA. Undecided if I would use the frame on this trip, but I feel like it would be nice for the longer water carries.

I'm undecided between an Ursack and a BV450. Ursack is definitely more convenient to pack and weighs less. BV450 is definitely more secure.

Looking at about 6 day food carries, one resupply in Tahoe City.

Really, I just want to know if there's something I'm missing. I've taken this setup out quite a bit and I’m very comfortable in it. It's a far cry from where I was with a 25lb base weight on the Wonderland Trail in 2018. But, if I can save myself from lugging unnecessary weight for 165 miles, that would be lovely!

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/k9voji

Dog Tax: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDl9wYcBL52/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I know this depends on a lot of factors, but I am hoping to get general advice/direction. Ive been doing research about backpacking and am very interested in doing the TRT but I have no prior experience (just hiking, no backpacking/overnight trips). I would like to do the whole thing but am okay with just doing half or so if needed.

I have a solid 6 week break between quitting work and starting med school. Ill be busy with that so I'm hoping to take a backpacking trip while I have the chance. Because of this being my last opportunity in a while, idc about cost of gear. I am planning on taking this trip with a couple friends with the same experience. We are all in very good shape and will train beforehand too.

So I'm wondering, is the achievable with just researching how to do it ahead of time? Or is it just asking for trouble going out there with no expereice? Are there other trails that will provide a better experience? Ill also be doing a guided 4 day trip in the Grand Canyon a couple weeks before this so hopefully I will learn some stuff there. Im just wanting a fun but challenging experience to remember/

Thank you!

I'm looking at thru hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer (should COVID conditions allow). I'm seeing several sites and the like describing it as "difficult" and others describing it being completed in as few as 8 days. So, as I'm wont to do, I'm questioning my ability, skill, and fitness level.

I've hiked about 450 miles of the PCT over two years; California Sections A, C, and D as well as SOBO from Old Station to Chester and the first 50 miles of Section B.

I'm looking for a comparison of the TRT to the sections of PCT I've completed to see if I'm up for the challenge of the TRT and what I might need to do to be more physically prepared. (Ideally, I'd like to have it by section of the TRT but that's probably asking too much.)

(Pretty sure my gear is pretty well set and I'm aware of the longer water carries of 15-20 miles.)

Thanks!

I’m hoping to accomplish the TRT as my first thru-hike this summer, to those who have completed it any suggestions in terms of heading clock-wise vs counter-clockwise? Any other advice would be appreciated as well 🙏🏻

I will be hiking the TRT mid September (hopefully the air quality will be okay). The plan is to start at Kingsbury North, average about 14 miles a day, make one resupply in Tahoe City, and finish in 12 days. My big 3 are set, I'm really questioning my clothes list. From what I understand the weather can be unpredictable. I am a hot person by nature, never wearing pants unless required (usually work). I have not been able to quite break into the Ultrlight weight but I do appreciate a lighter pack. Please let me know your thoughts...

https://lighterpack.com/r/5ppvvg

Ok I’m really really hoping I can continue as planned and hike the TRT in 3 weeks time, but the fire situation seems to be getting worse! So here I am, wondering if anyone thinks it’ll get better or be worth it in 3 weeks, or should I change my plans? I’m based in Southern California with 2 weeks off work, any other thru hikes I can do in the west instead?

Hello,

I am considering bikepacking the Tahoe Rim Trail and bringing a sleeping pad and camping at Marlette Lake and Star Lake. I have never bikepacked before, but have a lot of experience with mountain biking. I'm worried about bears and mountain lions (especially while I am sleeping, as I would not be sleeping in a tent, just on a sleeping pad on the ground). Is this a bad trail to bikepack alone? If it is, would staying in hotels at night make any difference (since I wouldn't be sleeping out in the open)?