Horseback and Hiking Trails

Lake Tahoe Horseback & Hiking Trails

The Lake Tahoe Area has dozens of exceptional backcountry horseback riding trails, both on the Nevada and California sides of the lake. The area includes the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), as well as parts of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (TYT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The Eldorado National Forest and the Desolation Wilderness also have excellent horseback riding trails. You will need a permit to travel into the Desolation Wilderness. Another separate guide from this one is where to board your horses at Lake Tahoe.

Trail Regulations

Horses are allowed on all sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) except the waterfall trail and the interpretive trails. Please be considerate of other trail users. Due to the necessity of sharing the trial with hikers and bikers, experienced horseback riders only, please.

There are no motorized vehicles permitted on almost all of these trails. Exceptions are certain sections of the Meeks Bay Trail, which is part of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. On the Meeks Bay Trail, service vehicles occasionally drive along parts of the trail.

All of the trails in the area require visitors to abide by Leave No Trace rules. These rules are: Pack out what you pack in, bury all waste, dispose of garbage properly, respect wildlife, respect other visitors, lessen campfire use and impact, and don’t take rocks, flowers, or other objects.

Horseback Riding trails in Lake Tahoe Area

Kingsbury South to Big Meadows
Spooner Summit to Kingsbury
Bayview Trail to Granite Lake and Dicks Lake
Brockway Summit to Tahoe City
Carson Pass to Highway 50
Meeks Bay Trail (located in the Desolation Wilderness—you must get a permit from the Forest Service)
Spooner Summit to Tunnel Creek

Kingsbury South to Big Meadows

(Part of the Tahoe Rim Trail)

Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation gain: 2080 feet
Distance: 22.3 miles
Round trip distance: 44.6 miles
Start point: Heavenly Stagecoach parking lot
End point: Big Meadows
Details: This leg of the Tahoe Rim Trail climbs gently through forests, creeks, and meadows in the Carson Mountain Range. Ascending areas of the trail are fairly gentle—about 10% slope or less. You will pass through forests of Junipers, Jeffery pine, and red firs, and wind through meadows full of wildflowers. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It’s a good place to spot numerous birds and small wildlife, including marmots. Coyote and mule deer also inhabit the area, and are often spotted by visitors. Once you break out of the forested sections of the trail, and travel through meadows, you can see spectacular views of Tahoe Lake. Along the trail, you will see triangular, light blue Tahoe Rim Trail signs at regular intervals.
Camping: Backcountry camping is allowed off the main trail. Water is available from nearby streams, but will need to be filtered. Be aware of current restrictions on camp stoves and fires. During the dry summer months they are often not permitted.
Directions to trailhead: From Stateline: from the Highway 207/Hwy 50 intersection in Stateline, drive east on Highway 207 until you get to Tramway Drive. Turn South on Tramway Drive and follow the signs for Heavenly Stagecoach parking lot. On the south side of the parking lot, look for a sign for the Tahoe Rim Trail.
GPS Coordinates along the Kingsbury South to Big Meadows Trail:
Kingsbury South Trailhead GPS
- 38* 57’ 38” N 119* 53’ 13” W
- Elevation: 9,800′
Big Meadows Trailhead GPS
- 38* 47’ 21”N 120* 00’ 03” W
- Elevation: 7,720′

Spooner Summit to Kingsbury North Trail

(Part of the Tahoe Rim Trail)

Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation gain: +/- 1680 feet
Distance: 12 miles
Round trip distance: 44.6 miles
Start point: Heavenly Stagecoach parking lot
End point: Big Meadows

Details: This leg of the Tahoe Rim Trail ascends through ancient fir forests, hillsides with large granite boulder outcroppings, and peaceful aspen groves. A lengthy section of the trail ascends up the flanks of South Camp Peak to a picturesque sweeping view of Lake Tahoe (altitude: 8830′). From this point, the trail descends gradually to the Big Meadows trailhead. The trail has switchbacks at several points. In most areas, the trail does not exceed a moderate, 10% grade. Along the trail, you will see sweeping views of the Tahoe Basin, Lake Tahoe, and the Washoe Valley, in Nevada. You may catch a glimpse of the abundant Wildlife: birds, small mammals, (including marmots), coyote, and mule deer. Along the trail, you will see triangular, light blue Tahoe Rim Trail signs at regular intervals.

Camping: Backcountry camping is allowed off the main trail. Water is usually not available, as creeks run dry early in the season, so you need to bring your own water in. Be aware of current restrictions on camp stoves and fires. Often, during the dry summer months, fires and camp stoves are not permitted.

Directions to trailhead: The Spooner Summit trailhead is at the Spooner Summit Picnic/Rest area, on the south side of Highway 50.

Directions to the Kingsbury Grade North trailhead: From Stateline: Take Hwy. 207 East to Kingsbury. Turn North (left) onto N. Benjamin Drive. Keep going north on N. Benjamin Dr. until the road ends (N. Benjamin Drive. will turn into Andria Drive —just keep going). The trailhead is on the west, at the end of the road. Park on the side of the road.

GPS Coordinates along the Spooner Summit to Kingsbury North Trail:
- Spooner Summit Trailhead GPS
  - 39* 06’ 15” N 119* 53’ 49” W
  - Elevation: 7,150′’
- Kingsbury North Trailhead GPS
  - 38* 59’ 46” N 119* 53’ 47” W
  - Elevation: 7,920′

Bayview Trail to Granite Lake and Dicks Lake

Eldorado National Forest

Permit Required

Difficulty level: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 1530 feet
Distance to Dicks Lake: 5 miles (one way)
Distance to Granite Lake: 2.5 miles (one way)
Distance to the three Velma Lakes: 10.5
Round trip distance: 10 miles
Start point: Bayview Campground (along Highway 89)
End point: Dicks Lake

Summary: Scenic, steep trail winds up Maggie’s Peak into the Eldorado Forest (Desolation Wilderness area). Along the trail you will pass several lakes and see beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. Granite Lake is located a few miles along the trail, and provides a picturesque resting point, a spot to swim or fish, or a destination for shorter excursions.

Details: Anglers and swimmers enjoy stopping at Granite Lake, located 2.5 miles along the trail. About 1.7 miles past Granite Lake, this trail joins the Eagle Falls Trail, which goes to Dicks Lake. The trail continues past Dicks Lake to the three Velma Lakes (“the three Velmas”). Wildflower meadows are in blossom from about mid-July through August. Hikers and equestrians enjoy swimming and fishing at the lakes. You must get an overnight or day-use permit at the wilderness permit station.

Corrals/facilities: At the Bayview trailhead, you can water and corral your horses temporarily, and/or get a 2-day camping permit for the campground. Water for the horses comes from the nearby creek, which usually runs dry by the end of July, and through August and September. You will need to bring your own water during these months.

Located in the Desolation Wilderness, and part of the Eldorado national Forest. You must get a wilderness permit from the Forest Service before you start on the trail. If you’re only using the trail for the day, you can get a pass at the self-service area at the trailhead. Overnight trail users need to get a pass from one of the Forest Service offices.
- Pacific Ranger District, 7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA 95726 / Phone: (530) 644-6048
- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Taylor Creek Visitor Center/ Located on Hwy 89, 3 miles north of the Highway 50/89 junction at South Lake Tahoe / Phone: (530) 543-2674
- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Forest Supervisor’s Office / 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 / Phone: (530) 543-2600

Conditions: Steep. Strenuous.

Trail Use: Used by equestrians and hikers. In winter, it is used for snowshoeing. Sections of the trail are open to bikers. Please be courteous of other users.

Water availability: Water is usually not available at all along this trail, so you need to bring in plenty of water. Most streams run dry early on, and any water found is not fit for human consumption. Water must be filtered or boiled

Cautions: Sections of the trail are steep. Look out for snow and ice in early summer on the trail. The Desolation Wilderness area sometimes has snow through mid-July.

Directions to Bayview trailhead: From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 north for 8 miles. Enter the Bayview Campground (you’ll see Inspiration Point across the street). Parking for equestrians and hikers is available. There is a small fee for a day-use Bayview Campground permit.

GPS Coordinates along the Bayview Trail:
- Bayview Trailhead GPS
- N38 56 45.0 W120 05 53.9
- Elevation 6,910′
- Dick’s Lake GPS
- N38 54 53.3 W120 08 48.6
- Elevation 8,440′

Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows Trail

Part of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT)

Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1460 feet
Distance: miles 19.7 (one way)
Round trip distance: (36 miles round trip)
Start point: Brockway Summit trailhead/ Mount Rose Summit Welcome Plaza
End point: Tahoe Meadows

Summary: This trail is known for its picturesque, sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Sierras and the Carson Range. It includes the highest point on the Tahoe Rim Trail, Relay Peak (10,338′). You can tether your horses just below Mt. Rose and hike the short (0.7 mile) access trail to the summit of Mt. Rose, which passes a waterfall on the way to the summit.

Details: This trail leads you from Brockway Summit, through forests, hillsides, ancient volcanoes, and fragrant meadows. Most of the trail offers sweeping views of the mountains and Lake Tahoe Basin. As the trail descends gently into the Tahoe Meadows, it enters forested areas. Along this picturesque trail, you will pass through younger forests of fir and pine, some of which are still recovering from extensive logging that occurred during the Virginia City mining boom. There are lovely views along the trail from the windswept meadows of evergreen shrubs and sagebrush. You can see Lake Tahoe sparkling below you, as well as impressive views of Donner Summit, the Carson Range, and the Sierra Crest

Conditions: This trail is narrow (generally about 2’ wide) and often sandy.

Trail Use: Used by hikers and equestrians. Sections of the trail are open to bikers (7.6 miles in from the Brockway trailhead, and 4 miles in from the Mt Rose/Tahoe Meadows trailhead). Be courteous of other users.

Cautions: Generally narrow. Sections of the trail are steep, sandy, and rocky.

Camping: Backcountry camping off the trail is permitted, although you must bring in your own water. There is a campground near the Tahoe Meadows / Mt. Rose Summit Welcome Plaza. It’s the US Forest Service Mt. Rose campground (fee area). The campground has campsites, water, restrooms, and fire pits. Be aware of current restrictions on camp stoves and fires. Often, during the dry summer months, fires and camp stoves are not permitted in backcountry areas, and sometimes in the campground.

Trail markings: Along the trail, you will see triangular, light blue Tahoe Rim Trail signs when needed.

Water availability: Water is usually not available at all along this trail, so you need to bring in plenty of water. Most streams run dry early on, and any water found is not fit for human consumption. Water must be filtered or boiled

Directions to Brockway Summit trailhead: Located on the North shore of Lake Tahoe. From Highway 28, get on Highway 267 going north. Just North of a “Leaving National Forest” sign you’ll see a dirt pull-off, located 1/2 mile South of Brockway summit. The Brockway Summit trail starts here (part of the Tahoe Rim Trail).

Directions to Tahoe Meadows trailhead / Mount Rose Summit Welcome Plaza: From Highway 28, get onto Highway 431 (the Mount Rose Highway). The Mount Rose Summit Welcome Plaza is off Highway 431.near Tahoe Meadows

GPS Coordinates to the Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows Trailheads:
- Brockway Summit Trailhead
  - GPS: 39* 15’ 31” N 120* 03’ 51” W
  - Elevation: 7,000’
- Tahoe Meadows Trailhead
  - GPS: 39* 18’ 27” N 119* 54’ 29” W
  - Elevation: 6,300’

Carson Pass to Highway 50

Part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) (also referred to as Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail)

Difficulty level: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 1610’
Distance: varies depending on destination: 5 -13.4 miles, one way
- Distance to Meiss Col: 1.0 mile (one way)
- Distance to Red Lake Peak: 2.0 miles (one way)
- Distance to Meiss Lake: 4.0 miles (one way)
- Distance to Round Lake: 5.0 miles (one way)
- Distance to Showers Lake: 5.1 miles (one way)
- Distance to Echo Summit: 13.4 miles (one way)
- Distance to Big Meadow Trailhead: 7.7 miles (one way)

Round trip distance: 26.8 miles
Start point: PCT Trailhead, one mile past Carson Pass
End point: various lakes and summits: Meiss Col, Red Lake Peak, Meiss Lake, Round Lake, Showers Lake, Echo Summit, or Big Meadow Trailhead (Big Meadow Trailhead joins into the Tahoe Rim Trail/ TRT).

Summary: This uphill climb past lakes and meadows can be strenuous. The first part of the trail is a climb up to Meiss Col, where there is a pond during the early summer; it dries up later on. From Meiss Col, the trail forks off to the Meiss Meadows, the Meiss ridge, or Red Lake peak. The trail ascends in switchbacks in several areas. Most of this trail is a section of the PCT Pacific Crest Trail (except for the trail to Red Lake peak, and the section that joins the Tahoe Rim Trail leading to Big Meadow). Parts of the trail pass through open meadow, with Mule’s Ear and other wildflowers blooming. Unobstructed views of Lake Tahoe are seen from Meiss Meadow and along other sections of the trail. From Meiss Meadow, you will pass through a few forested areas, and you will have to cross the Truckee River. This river crossing can be difficult and deep during spring runoff (higher than knee deep).

Meiss Lake — To get to Meiss Lake, you will leave the PCT and pass through a meadow a short distance to the lake. Meiss Lake is known for being warmer than most mountainous lakes, and is often a spot for anglers or swimmers.

Showers Lake & Echo Summit — If you are continuing on to Showers Lake or Echo Summit, you continue on the PCT for several miles. If you want a longer trek, you can take the PCT to Highway 50 (near Echo Summit).

Trail Use: Used by hikers and equestrians. Sections of the trail may be open to bikers. Be courteous of other users.

Camping: You can camp at Carson Pass, but no water or toilets are available. Backcountry camping off the trail is permitted, although you must bring in your own water. Be aware of current restrictions on camp stoves and fires. Often, during the dry summer months, fires and camp stoves are not permitted in backcountry areas, and sometimes in the campground.

Trail markings: Look for PCT/ Pacific Crest Trail signage along most of this trail, or TRT (Tahoe Rim Trail) signage, if you are going to Big Meadows.

Water availability: Water is usually not available at all along this trail, so you may need to bring in plenty of water. Most streams run dry early on, and any water found in lakes or streams is not fit for human consumption. Water must be filtered or boiled

Directions to Carson Pass/ PCT trailhead: This trail begins from the Carson Pass parking lot, which is located about 0.2 miles west from the Carson Pass visitor information station and 1 mile past Carson Pass. To get to Carson Pass, take Highway 88, from Highway 89. While on Highway 89, you will go through Luther pass before you turn right onto highway 88.

Elevations along the Carson Pass Trail:
Carson Pass parking lot: 8553′
Meiss Col: 8790′
Meiss Ridge: 9450′
Red Lake Peak: 10,063′
Meiss Lake: 9450′
Round Lake: 8790′
Showers Lake: 8790′
Echo Summit: 8790′
Big Meadow Trailhead: 7260′

Meeks Bay Trail

Part of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (TYT)