due in some part to the abundance of these other attributes.
Multiple Uses
All the trails in this guide are suitable for hiking, with the exception of the Flume Trail (Trail 46). Even though hikers are permitted to use it, the Flume Trail is so popular with mountain bikers that hikers should yield their rights to the two-wheeled crowd. Though all the trails are equally legal for runners, some have been determined impractical for such use.
Lake Tahoe has become one of the West’s premier meccas for mountain bikers. Mountain biking is not permitted on the Pacific Crest Trail or in the wilderness areas around Lake Tahoe, which currently include Mount Rose, Granite Chief, Desolation, and Mokelumne Wildernesses. If two proposed wilderness areas become reality, this ban may extend to areas around Castle Peak and Meiss Meadows. Other trails—though they may be administratively classified as multiuse trails—have been excluded from prospective use by mountain bikes because of unsuitable terrain or conditions.
Equestrians will find plenty of trails within the Lake Tahoe Basin to ride. A handful of trails have been restricted from equestrian use by governmental agencies, primarily for environmental concerns or a high probability of conflict between horses and humans. Others are not recommended for horses because of unsuitable terrain.
Trail Safety
Elevations in the Lake Tahoe Basin vary from 6,229 feet at lake level to 10,881 feet at the summit of Freel Peak. Though these elevations are not considered extreme by mountaineering standards, people living near sea level who recreate at the higher elevations may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. These include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, and loss of mental acuity. Untreated, altitude sickness can lead to acute mountain sickness, which is more serious and requires immediate medical attention.
To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatize slowly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a diet high in carbohydrates prior to your trip. A rapid descent generally alleviates any symptoms if they develop. A severe case of altitude sickness is unlikely, though not impossible, at elevations around the lake.
Less atmosphere to filter the sun’s rays at higher altitudes increases the risks of exposure to the sun. Wear an appropriate sunblock on exposed areas, and reapply as necessary. Sunglasses will protect the eyes, which is especially important in areas where the sun reflects off snowfields or the granite bedrock that is prevalent on the west side of the basin.
Dehydration is another potential hazard while recreating in the backcountry of Lake Tahoe. Carry and drink plenty of fluids while on the trail. Any water gathered from streams or lakes should be filtered or treated. Some of the trails in the Tahoe area, particularly in the Carson Range, have long, waterless stretches, so plan on packing extra water in those areas.
Though the weather in the mountains around Lake Tahoe is predictably fair, conditions can change rapidly at any time. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing to endure any change in the weather. Even if the day is fair, temperatures can be radically different at lake level than at the summit of a windswept peak like Mount Tallac or Freel Peak. Dousing thunderstorms can leave the ill prepared wet, cold, and potentially hypothermic; snowfall has occurred at Lake Tahoe during every month of the year.
Mosquitoes can be a major irritant for recreationists during midsummer, when long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and mosquito netting are good apparel choices. Application and reapplication of an insect repellent with plenty of DEET should keep the winged pests at bay. Clothing manufacturers have developed lines of pants, shirts, scarves, and hats that have insect repellent infused into the fabrics, and products are also available to wash this protection into your clothes at home. Such measures are a good deterrent against ticks as well, though they are generally much less of a nuisance. There is a remote possibility, however, that a tick could infect you with Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Inspect your body for bites at least once a day and check your clothes for any unwanted travelers. If you are bitten by a tick, firmly grasp the pest with a pair of tweezers and use gentle traction for its removal, making sure that the head is not left behind. After successful removal of the entire tick, wash the area thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Consult a physician if flulike symptoms, headache, rash, joint pain, or fever develop.
Camping and Permits
Plenty of camping opportunities exist around the greater Lake Tahoe area. The hard part may be securing a spot, as many of the campgrounds are extremely popular during the summer months, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. The U.S. Forest Service manages the bulk of public campgrounds in the greater Lake Tahoe area. California State Parks and Nevada State Parks manage several excellent campgrounds as well. South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City each offer a public campground. In addition, there are a number of private campgrounds, including popular Camp Richardson, on the southwest shore.
Desolation Wilderness is the one area in the Tahoe Basin that requires day hikers to secure a permit. Self-registration is available at most trailheads. Otherwise, permits can be obtained from the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center near Fallen Leaf Lake.
Wilderness permits are required for backpackers entering Desolation Wilderness or Mokelumne Wilderness. More specific information on these permits is provided in the chapter on trails in South Tahoe. Backpackers using the Pacific Crest Trail or Tahoe Rim Trail must use portable gas stoves (no campfires) and obtain a campfire permit for their use. At the time of research, wilderness permits were not required for overnight use of Granite Chief Wilderness or Mount Rose Wilderness.
Mount Rose (Trail 12)
On the Trail
Every outing should begin with proper preparation. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or suffering an injury, but unexpected things can and do happen. A few minutes’ worth of simple precautions can make the difference between a marvelous and a miserable outcome—or merely a good story to tell afterward.
Use the Top Trails ratings and descriptions to determine if a particular trail is a good match with your fitness and energy level, given current conditions and time of year.
Have a Plan
Choose Wisely The first step to enjoying any trail is to match the trail to your abilities. It’s no use overestimating your experience or fitness—know your abilities and limitations, and use the Top Trails difficulty rating that accompanies each trail.
Leave Word About Your Plans The most basic of precautions is leaving word of your intentions with family or friends. Many people will hike the backcountry their entire lives without ever relying on this safety net, but establishing this simple habit is free insurance.
It’s best to leave specific information—location, trail name, intended time of travel—with a responsible person. If there is a registration process, make use of it. If there is a ranger station or park office, check in.
Prepare and Plan
Know your abilities and your limitations.
Leave word about your plans with family or friends.
Know the area and the route.
