Because Lake Tahoe is such a popular destination, parking can be difficult, especially with a horse trailer and on weekends. In general, the earlier in the day you can arrive, the more likely you are to find a spot. Some parking lots are small and tight so large rigs are not recommended. There are many parking areas in and around Lake Tahoe, but below is detailed parking information for all the recommended access points along the trail for horse trailers.
Tahoe Meadows
The Tahoe Meadows trailhead on the south side of Mt. Rose Highway has two large pullouts off the paved road through the parking area. These spots can accommodate large rigs, but the parking lot loop has some tight turns, so very long rigs are not recommended. This parking area has restrooms. From here you can ride south on the TRT through a lush meadow and into the mountain. If you want to ride north, you have to ride along Mt. Rose Highway a short distance. This is a popular and busy parking lot.
Spooner Summit
The Spooner Summit parking area on the south side of Highway 50 has two designated horse trailer spots (with a sign!). Unfortunately, sometimes cars do park in the trailer spots. This is a busy access point and parking lot. There are restroom facilities. From here you can ride south on the TRT into the mountains above Carson Valley.
If you want to ride north, you have to cross Highway 50. For safety, equestrians who intend to ride north usually opt to park on the north side of the highway, immediately next to the NDOT station. There is a small dirt pull-through / turn-out area that can fit a few rigs and is an approved parking spot for trailers. There are no restrooms here.
Additionally, horse trailer parking is also allowed within the Spooner Lake State Park at the junction of 50 and 28. Connector trails from there lead to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Kingsbury North
The Kingsbury North parking area is large and has eight horizontal spaces that can fit trailers, though there is no signage dedicating any sites. This trailhead is pretty deep into a neighborhood and slightly less busy. There are restrooms at the trailhead. From here you can hop on a short connector trail to the TRT in either direction or ride several spur trails.
Heavenly Boulder Lodge
The Boulder Lodge parking lot at the Heavenly Ski Resort is an excellent parking area for equestrians. Unlike the other spots on this list, you usually won’t have to worry about fighting for a parking spot here. Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge has a huge parking lot, and it is not heavily used in the off-season. From here, you can easily connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail from an unmarked path on the west side of the parking lot. There are no restrooms here.
Kingsbury South
The parking lot at Heavenly Stagecoach Lodge has a large parking lot and is a popular access point to the trail in summer. There are no designated horse trailer spots, but there is lots of space. There are no restrooms. From here you can ride south to connect to the TRT in either direction. This is a busy area because the parking lots are surrounded by large condo complexes.
Big Meadow
The Big Meadow trailhead parking lot has four pull through spots for trailers, but no signage. This is a very small parking lot and extremely busy, so unfortunately those spots fill up quick with cars. There are restroom facilities. If you can get a spot, from here you can ride in either direction, though if you plan to head south toward the aptly named Big Meadow, you do have to cross the road. The entrance to this parking lot has some tight turns, so large rigs are not recommended.
Echo Summit Sno-Park
A sno-park is a cleared area for parking for winter recreation. In the summer, they make for great trailer parking. The sno-park at Echo Summit features three large parking lots and can accommodate many rigs. The parking area does have restrooms. This is not an official TRT trailhead, but it is the recommended site for horse trailer parking to access this part of the Tahoe Rim Trail. From here you take a short connector trail to access the trail in either direction.
Barker Pass
This remote trailhead is small but can fit a couple small rigs. There is also a pullout on the main road next to the trailhead that could fit a small rig. There is a restroom here. The road to get to this spot is long and windy so it’s not the most convenient access point. But from here you can ride onto a remote stretch of Tahoe Rim Trail that is also the Pacific Crest Trail. North will take you into the Granite Chief Wilderness and south heads into Desolation Wilderness.
Tahoe City South
Also known as the 64 Acres Lot, this parking area is in the heart of Tahoe City. It is the most urban point on the Tahoe Rim Trail. From here the trail crosses a bridge over the Truckee River and follows a busy street. This is a very popular parking lot, especially for folks who use it as a launching point for river activities. The parking lot does not have designated parking spots for horse trailers, but it does have a nice big dirt pull out on the side that can fit a few rigs. There are restrooms here.
Other Parking Locations
Brockway Summit: This parking area is extremely small and cannot accommodate trailers because front-in parking is required. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association suggests that equestrians park about 0.2 miles north on Martis Peak Road. However, while this road does eventually connect to the TRT, it is currently in extremely rough shape due to road erosion, and we do not recommend this as an option unless in the case of an emergency.
Echo Lakes: Horse trailer parking is not recommended at the Echo Lakes trailhead parking area. It is extremely busy, spots are limited, and the parking lot has tight turns. If you want to access the section of TRT that heads to Echo Lake, Lake Aloha, and points beyond, your best bet is to park at the sno-park mentioned above.
Explore the Complete Guide to Riding the Tahoe Rim Trail
Trail basics, permits and regulations, maps, trailer parking, suggested day rides, thru-riding info and everything else you need to plan your adventure.
