Free guided hikes of Tahoe Rim Trail offered

Staff Reports

Preregistration is required for all hikes. Full moon hikes require Tahoe Rim Trail Association membership. Information and sign-ups at the TRTA office at (775) 298-0012 or programs@tahoerimtrail.org

Alpine Lakes, July 28

Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail on the southern portion of Desolation Wilderness along Lower and Upper Echo Lakes. Climb toward Haypress Meadows to discover what wildflowers the heavy snows delivered. Dip down to Lake of the Woods for lunch before the return hike back. Space is limited, register in advance only and no dogs on this hike. Start time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Distance: 10 miles. Difficulty: Moderate

Tahoe Meadows Full Moon Hike, July 25. Must be a TRTA member to attend

The trails, the trees, and the lake change after dark. Experience the Tahoe Rim Trail in a whole new light with full moon hikes in the Tahoe Meadows led by experienced guides. Enjoy inspiring views of the lake as the moon rises over the Lake Tahoe Basin. Expect casually paced hikes for all ages, slowing down to enjoy the flora and fauna. Register in advance only, no dogs on this hike. Start time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Birds, Views and Falls, Aug. 15

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Lahontan Audubon Society sponsor a hike from the Mount Rose Trailhead to Galena Falls in search of late summer birds and spectacular scenery. We will take time to enjoy birds and great views before arriving at Galena Falls and the surrounding alpine meadows. Possible avian participants are green-tailed towhee, Clark's nutcracker, mountain bluebird, and MacGillivray's warbler. Register in advance for this hike by calling the TRTA Office. Space is limited. Start time: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Distance: 5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Rose Summit, Aug. 29

Using a ridge on the foot of Mt. Haughton, we gain 200 feet in the first half mile, then cross that ridge to traverse for the next 2 miles with a zero-elevation gain. Expect great views of Lake Tahoe but the destination dominates the vista. The final 2.5 miles to the summit includes a few switchbacks up the more than 1,700 feet to the top of old volcano. Register in advance for this hike as space is limited. No pets on this hike. Distance: 10.2 miles. Start Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Difficulty: Strenuous

Tahoe Meadows Full Moon Hike, Aug. 24. Must be a TRTA member to attend

Experience the Tahoe Rim Trail in a whole new light with full moon hikes in the Tahoe Meadows led by experienced guides. Register in advance only, and no dogs on this hike. Start time: 6-9 p.m.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization, which works to enhance, expand, and promote the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and encourage stewardship, and provide access in the Lake Tahoe region. The association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Nevada State Parks.