Tahoe Rim Trail Thru Riding

The Tahoe Rim Trail is an extremely popular destination for thru hikers – hearty folks who walk the entire 165 mile trail at one time, camping as they go. Is it possible to thru ride the Tahoe Rim Trail? Absolutely! Every year or so, an adventurous equestrian or two attempts to ride the whole trail and, with proper planning, many are successful! Assuming you know the basics of a thru ride (or multi day pack trip), here are some important tips for planning a thru ride on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Basics

• Thru hikers tend to complete the Tahoe Rim Trail in about 10 days. Thru riders should plan for about 14 days, if following recommended guidance from the Long Riders’ Guild of “two rest days per seven days of work and more frequently in higher elevations”. Given the technicality of the Tahoe Rim Trail, we recommend one to two rest days per four to five days.
  
• The elevation gain and loss is mostly the same overall in either direction, but most people thru hike and thru ride the trail clockwise.
  
• You can start a thru ride anytime, but most people plan for late summer or early fall.
  
• All food and scented items must be secured in an approved hard-sided bear canister throughout the entire Tahoe Rim Trail system.
  
• Bring a fly mask for you and your horse, as well as bug spray.

Camping

• Dispersed camping is PROHIBITED within the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (between Tunnel Creek and Spooner Summit). You must camp at a designated campsite. The only designated campground in the park on the TRT is the Marlette Peak Campground. There is no fee and reservations are not required.
  
• You cannot tie or hobble a horse within 200 feet of a water source or with 100 feet of a campsite.
  
• Highlining is the most common overnight containment system for horses on the trail.

Water & Feed

• There are meadows suitable for grazing throughout the Tahoe Rim Trail, but there are several long stretches without, especially on the California side. Thru riders should have a plan to carry additional feed or have supply drops.
  
• Lakes and creeks provide ample water along the trail. There is a water pump at Marlette Campground and Spooner Lake State Park. Additionally, trail angels often leave water at trailheads for trail users. Be sure not to use any water labeled for someone else.
  
• Use the FarOut app for the most up to date trail and water conditions. Locational information is added in real time by trail users and is extremely accurate. Hikers generally don’t notice if grass is growing, but they always note water availability.

Resupply & Support

• Even with a pack horse you may need to meet up with a support crew. There are many road access points along the Tahoe Rim Trail to meet with resupply teams or to get help. Otherwise, you can only access stores or services if you go off trail.

Permits

• If you are completing the full Tahoe Rim Trail in a single continuous journey you need a thru hiker permit (yes, it covers horseback riding) to overnight in Desolation Wilderness. The permit application window opens in March each year and the permit is mandatory (rangers do check) so don’t wait until the last minute to get yours. Permits can be obtained HERE and for more information on the permit process (including a helpful how-to video) click HERE.
  
• A permit is required to use a camp stove in California. Permits are free and available at readyforwildfire.org. Print and carry your permit with you. (Yes, rangers do check) Permits expire at the end of each year. Nevada does not issue its own permits, but you must carry a California Campfire Permit when using permitted stoves on the Nevada side of the lake.

Difficulty

• Every section of the trail has some technicality to it. Horses and riders should be fit for high elevation work and trail obstacles.
  
• Desolation Wilderness is considered the most remote and challenging part of the TRT for horses.

Mentors

Several skilled equestrians have finished the Tahoe Rim Trail in recent years and are willing to share their expertise with prospective thru riders. Please contact us at info@nevadahorsetrails.com for more information and to be connected with a mentor.

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