When one thinks of all the adrenaline-pumping activities Tahoe has to offer, hiking usually comes to mind after mountain biking, wakeboarding, skiing/ snowboarding or rock climbing. Hiking, however, has the advantage over the expensive gear, difficult learning curves, time and money involved in these “popular” sports.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association officials said because of this, they have little problem convincing more and more outdoor enthusiasts to “take a hike.” “Hiking is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to spend an afternoon, a day or even a few days seeing what beautiful scenery Tahoe has to offer,” said Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s volunteer coordinator Michael Alvino. “It is for all ages, all skill levels and its just a matter of how far one wants to push themselves to tackle the endless amounts of trails around the area.”

• It’s easy to do. If you can walk you can hike. All you need is common sense and motivation.
• It’s social and fun. Hiking is a great way to bond with friends and enhance your vacation.
• Trails are everywhere. The Lake Tahoe area has a wealth of trails.
• There is no cost. One may have to put a little extra into filling up the tank that week but otherwise hiking is completely free.
• The gear list is minimal. Although we recommend a few extra items, all one truly needs for a day hike is adequate footwear and a water bottle.
• There are wonderful heath benefits. Through hiking one can burn calories, tone muscles and reduce stress.

Here is a chart detailing how many calories one burns hiking relative to other activities:
Hiking 474 or 504 w/11 lb. pack
Brisk Walking 312
Swimming 200
Bicycling 195

• Water: This is an extremely important item to have with you as most people require a gallon per day; however more is often needed when hiking.
• Map of area: Needless to say, a good map can help you find your way.
• Compass: Your compass should have a flat, clear base to provide alignment on a topographic map. Remember to trust your compass and not what direction you think is the right way.
• Flashlight: Good to have in case you are lost and stuck outdoors overnight or just to help you get back to your car late at night.
• Food: Hiking builds an appetite, bring lots of food (sandwiches, hard fruit, GORP and protein bars are all good things to bring. Be sure to bring at least one additional meal in case of an unexpected overnight stay.
• Hiking clothes: Prepare for bad weather even on the nice days, as the weather in Tahoe can change quickly. Be prepared and definitely dress in layers.
• First-aid kit: The contents of first aid kits can vary considerably. Some common items are: space blanket, aspirin, moleskin, ace bandage, antibacterial ointment, antihistamine tablets (like Benadryl), antiseptic soap, athletic tape, Band-Aids, latex gloves, sterile gauze pads, sunburn cream, and tweezers. Note: Remember to bring any prescription medicines or other personal necessities.
• Pocket Knife or Multipurpose Tool: An especially important tool for repairs and emergencies.
• Fire starter: We’ve heard of lots of day hikes that turn into overnights. Make sure you bring something
that works.
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Be sure to protect all exposed skin and your eyes.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is a volunteer, nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization established in 1981 to plan, construct, and maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail. This 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

For more information about hikes and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association visit www.tahoerimtrail.org or call (775) 298-0012. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is located at:

928 Incline Way
Incline Village, NV 89451