Tahoe Rim Trail
10–14 days · 165.8 mi · strenuous · Loop
Quick facts
What the Tahoe Rim Trail is known for
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop around the ridgelines encircling Lake Tahoe, known for near-continuous lake and Sierra views and overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail on its west side.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 6,243 ft to 10,089 ft over 165.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 52.0 mi · 31%
- Downhill 48.7 mi · 29%
- Flat 64.9 mi · 39%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Tahoe Rim Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Tahoe Rim Trail scores 71/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: July through October.
Permits: No through-permit for most of the loop; Desolation Wilderness section requires one.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Tahoe Rim Trail take?
Most backpackers take 10–14 days to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail's 165.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Tahoe Rim Trail?
The Tahoe Rim Trail climbs roughly 30,860 ft total — about 186 ft per mile, topping out near 10,233 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail?
July through October.
Do you need a permit for the Tahoe Rim Trail?
No through-permit for most of the loop; Desolation Wilderness section requires one.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.