11.3 hr
Overview
The Tahoe Rim Trail is spectacular just about anywhere you happen to catch it and this section is no exception.<br><br>The trail follows along the spine of the Carson Range, mostly above 9,000 feet the whole way. The trail climbs at first as you're headed south, cruising through dense forest, then opening up to open ridges and rock outcroppings with incredible views.<br><br>About 1/3 of the way along this section, you'll pass right next to Star Lake. This majestic spot features great swimming and fishing spots, as well as excellent campsites.<br><br>After Star Lake, the trail gets a bit more rugged and technical, and continues to provide awesome vistas overlooking Lake Tahoe. it then descends back down through forests, until it reaches the Big Meadow trailhead.<br><br>The well-known Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Saxon Trail #18E13) is accessed from the southern portion of this section of trail, making for a couple of good big loop options.
Trail Stats
37.3 km
1180 m
2960 m
2225 m
—
Photos
Last TRT climb before fun descent!
Last TRT climb before fun descent!
Big trees on the TRT
Big trees on the TRT
This was pretty much the top of the last big climb before going down hill.
This was pretty much the top of the last big climb before going down hill.
The climb up from Armstrong Pass.
The climb up from Armstrong Pass.
Freel Peak from Monument Pass
Freel Peak from Monument Pass
High meadow off Tahoe Rim Trail
High meadow off Tahoe Rim Trail
Intersection of Armstrong and Tahoe Rim Trail
Intersection of Armstrong and Tahoe Rim Trail
TRT... wildflowers blooming... about to descend to the top of Toads!
TRT... wildflowers blooming... about to descend to the top of Toads!
Star Lake (early September).
Star Lake (early September).
Up, up and away
Up, up and away
The top of Freel Peak or as far as you can go on a bike. If you want to go to the TOP you have to hike.
The top of Freel Peak or as far as you can go on a bike. If you want to go to the TOP you have to hike.
Climbing TRT (Tahoe Rim Trail), looking over the southern Sierra peaks
Climbing TRT (Tahoe Rim Trail), looking over the southern Sierra peaks
Descending Tahoe Rim Trail towards Toads. Mix of rowdy and flowy!
Descending Tahoe Rim Trail towards Toads. Mix of rowdy and flowy!
Great views and lung busting climbs through this section of the Tahoe Rim Trail
Great views and lung busting climbs through this section of the Tahoe Rim Trail
Star Lake, Excellent swimming, if a little cold!
Star Lake, Excellent swimming, if a little cold!
Fun stuff on the Tahoe Rim Trail
Fun stuff on the Tahoe Rim Trail