12.0 hr
Overview
Park at the Heavenly Stagecoach chairlift Parking lot. join the Tahoe Rim Trail by looking for the iconic Blue and White TRT signs and head South West to Star lake. <br><br>The first section of the trail climbs on the Nevada side of the Sierra, overlooking Gardnerville Ranchos, to Monument pass. Mostly singletrack, with one short descent on fire road, the trail winds through steep alpine forest getting progressively narrower as the drop-offs get steeper and the trees thin out. About 1Km short of Monument Pass the trees, and the shade, disappear and the steps start. As the guy in the local bike shop told me "Everyone walks the steps!". Strictly speaking it might be possible to ride them, but this is just the beginning of a long day and you might want to save some energy for later.<br><br>The power line pylon greets you at the top of monument pass and you can take a well earned rest, While you contemplate the next sction to Freel Pass that is now laid out before you. <br><br>The trail to Star lake from Monument Pass is a long relatively shallow climb around the contours that only kicks up as you finally approach the lake. At the lake you can take a swim or continue on the climb to Freel Pass<br><br>From Star Lake to Freel Pass is a tough winding climb over exposed granite with strength sapping sandy sections. Depending on the time of year you may also encounter snow here. This climb gets steeper the closer you get to the pass. Finally you reach the pass below Freel peak. If you are feeling really energetic you can hide the bike and climb to the top of Freel Peak. Alternatively catch your breath before the long descent to Armstrong pass <br><br>From Freel Peak to Armstrong Pass is a long descent on a steep mountain side on a narrow singletrack trail. The trail has two switchbacks toward the top but is otherwise pretty straight. Be aware there are a few technical rocky sections on this descent that can come up quickly on the unprepared.<br><br>From Armstrong pass the climbing starts again first across a steep hill
Trail Stats
40.5 km
1104 m
2962 m
1942 m
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Photos
Granite Riding
Granite Riding
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
Intersection of Armstrong and Tahoe Rim Trail
Intersection of Armstrong and Tahoe Rim Trail
High meadow off Tahoe Rim Trail
High meadow off Tahoe Rim Trail
Star Lake (early September).
Star Lake (early September).
Mr Toad's Goodness!
Mr Toad's Goodness!
TRT... wildflowers blooming... about to descend to the top of Toads!
TRT... wildflowers blooming... about to descend to the top of Toads!
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