Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock
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For modern Italian cuisine (fried cheese curds, mushroom mac & cheese, Neapolitan-style pizzas) made using seasonal, sustainable ingredients, plus craft taps (beer and wine) and creative cocktails) in friendly, humble environs, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Truckee’s Old Town Tap (oldtowntaptruckee.com).
Kings Beach.
3.1 miles out-and-back.
Moderate.
Photo by @jack__nocap
Arrive early to snag a parking spot. No water is available on the trail, so pack accordingly. Though part of the route is shaded, come prepared with sun protection and lots of layers. Leashed dogs are welcome. As always, wear shoes with traction and leave no trace.
Considered the “best bang for your buck” for the effort, this short hike offers amazing views. The best part? You’re on the Tahoe Rim Trail—a 165-mile route that winds through a variety of terrain—so can easily extend your hike for a full- or multi-day adventure.
Old Town Tap photos by @a_l_gypsy and @yelpcentralcoast.
For modern Italian cuisine (fried cheese curds, mushroom mac & cheese, Neapolitan-style pizzas) made using seasonal, sustainable ingredients, plus craft taps (beer and wine) and creative cocktails) in friendly, humble environs, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Truckee’s Old Town Tap (oldtowntaptruckee.com).
by Ryan Martinez
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail—with its 165 miles of pristine alpine wilderness—is arguably one of the best trails in the U.S.
The Tahoe Rim Trail—with its 165 miles of pristine alpine wilderness—is arguably one of the best trails in the U.S.
Photo by @orenda_onatah
The entire route takes most people between 10-15 days. July through September is the time to go, and most people tend to hike it clockwise (but your total elevation gain will be the same either way).
Planning is key, and here are six considerations:
Get your permits. You’ll need up to three permits, depending on how you do the hike.
Water. There is, oddly, not much water available. Plan on carrying plenty, having a filter, and knowing where you can refill.
Plan your food drops. You can either send yourself packages at USPS offices in surrounding towns or hike into town to refuel.
Bring bear canisters to store food.
Plan your campsites.
Plan for contingencies. What happens if you’re injured? If you run out of food/water? Have a plan A, B, and C for all scenarios.
Get your permits. You’ll need up to three permits, depending on how you do the hike.
Water. There is, oddly, not much water available. Plan on carrying plenty, having a filter, and knowing where you can refill.
Plan your food drops. You can either send yourself packages at USPS offices in surrounding towns or hike into town to refuel.
Bring bear canisters to store food.
Plan your campsites.
Plan for contingencies. What happens if you’re injured? If you run out of food/water? Have a plan A, B, and C for all scenarios.
For more information, visit alltrails.com/trail/us/california/trt-to-picnic-rock-viewpoint.
Photo 1 by Randy Dickey. Photo 2 by @jack__nocap. Photo 3 by Kimberly Lam. Photo 4 by @orenda_onatah. Old Town Tap photos by @a_l_gypsy and @yelpcentralcoast.
Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock [6 Images]
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