Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes
~3 days · 17.4 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes is known for
Section 6 of Tahoe Rim Trail is an official 29.5 km point-to-point section from Big Meadow Trailhead to Echo Lakes (Echo Lake Trailhead).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23,747 ft to 29,449 ft over 17.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.4 mi · 54%
- Downhill 5.7 mi · 33%
- Flat 2.2 mi · 13%
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 — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes scores 17/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes take?
Most backpackers hike the Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 17.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes?
The Tahoe Rim Trail — Section 6: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes climbs roughly 3,179 ft total — about 183 ft per mile, topping out near 8,990 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.