Lake Tahoe to Open Last Stretch of Hiking, Bike Trail

A 150-mile trail for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians that encircles Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada will be dedicated next month after 17 years of work by more than 10,000 volunteers.

The Tahoe Rim Trail has been open during construction; an estimated 3,000 people use it during peak weeks in summer and fall, organizers say. But Sept. 22 will mark completion of the final four miles. To help celebraView from Tahoe Rim Trail, which encircles the lake, straddling Nevada and California. The 150-mile route will be dedicated next month. te, more than 20 hikers will hit the trail Sept. 8, aiming to walk the whole route by the dedication date.

The trail, studded with scenic overlooks, crosses two states, three national forests and three wilderness areas, plus state parkland. It rises to 10,333 feet and dips to 6,229 feet, the lake’s level.

All 150 miles are open to hikers and equestrians; access for mountain bikers is limited on about 40% of the trail. Camping is allowed near the trail, with some restrictions. For instance, Desolation Wilderness has limited sites; reservations, telephone (530) 644-6048, are advised.

The nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail Assn. maintains the trail; tel. (775) 588-0686, Internet https://www.tahoerimtrail.org.

Compiled by Jane Engle