TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

• Tahoe Rim Trail

The TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City is a local favorite, featuring expansive mountain views and spectacular wildflower meadows. While its almost 17 mile length can be daunting to many runners, campsites along the way can divide what would be an arduous day trip into a much more manageable, and potentially more enjoyable, two-day backcountry endeavor.

Starting at the Barker Pass Parking Area, follow the trail to the north as it winds through swooping terrain amidst mountains and wildflower meadows. After the trail joins up with the PCT, continue on to traverse yet another set of wild alpine meadows dense with wildflowers during the summer.

At Twin Peaks, the trail deviates from the PCT, dropping steeply into lush stands of fir and aspen. It then traverses a broad valley near the meandering waters of Ward Creek before embarking on a steady climb out of the canyon to Page Meadows, where an impressive confluence of alpine wonders always leaves visitors in awe. During any given season, expect to see copious amounts of wildlife and abundant, colorful foliage. During the autumn, this area truly shines as its deciduous trees erupt in fiery fall colors.

From Page Meadows, one last moderate downhill is all that lies between you and the trailhead near a crossing of the Truckee River.

Those who wish to preemptively place a shuttle vehicle near the trail's end can do so either at the 64 Acres Park Parking Area or at the trailhead for the TRT: Tahoe City to Brockway Summit.

Fir and aspen dominate the high country in this area. During the summer, keep your eyes open as wildflowers abound through nearby meadows.