Highlights:
▲ Christopher’s Loop (most photographed spot on TRT) ▲ Marlette Lake view

Segment Descriptionmap

Between Tahoe Meadows(8740') and Spooner Summit (7150'), the TRT roams high above sparkling Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lakes, through sun-warmed conifer stands, and across steep, flower-strewn slopes. This segment is celebrated for its magnificent views, stretching across Lake Tahoe and the high Sierra and past the jagged ranges of the Great Basin. The route is rich in historical reminders, skirting lakes and flumes built to supply water to distant miners on the Comstock. It traverses both dense forests that sprang up after clear-cutting a century ago, and ancient red fir stands spared the ax by their remoteness.

 

Between the lush grasses of Tahoe Meadows and the ephemeral sparkle of Twin Lakes, the trail winds through rolling, wooded terrain. Breaks in the trees showcase grand vistas of the Tahoe Basin and Washoe Valley. The steeper, often open interior of the segment travels through Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park including possible side trip to North Canyon Campground and Marlette Lake. A TRT spur leads to Christopher's Loop and a glorious cliff perch that seems to float above Lake Tahoe's translucent shallows and Sand Harbor. The trail segment reaches its highest point as it threads between the bare rock of Snow Valley Peak(9214') and shimmering aspen groves that turn North Canyon to gold each fall. Near Spooner Summit, the trail slips back into the pines, but still offers occasional panoramic lake and valley views

Trailheads

  • Spooner Summit North, is on the north side of Hwy. 50 at Spooner Summit. Limited paved parking, interpretive signing.
  • Tahoe Meadows, is on Hwy. 431, 1 mi. west of US 395 and 1 mile west of the Mt. Rose Summit Welcome Plaza. Vault toilets, paved parking with room for horse trailers. Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail starts and ends here. Closed due to snow in the winter
  • Alternate access - Tunnel Creek Rd. climbs steeply 3 miles from Hwy. 28( Hwy. shoulder parking) to intersect the TRT 9.2 mi. north to Tahoe Meadows and 13.1 miles south to Spooner.


Trail Conditions
The trail from Spooner Summit (7,150’) to Tahoe Meadows (8,740’) is wide, sandy and hard packed. Most of the trail maintains a 10% or less grade but there are steeper sections near Twin Lakes.

Trail Use

  • Biking - For Experienced Riders Only!
  • Biking the 9.2 miles between Tahoe Meadows and Tunnel Creek Rd. is allowed only on even numbered days. From Tunnel Creek Rd. to North Canyon-Hobart Rd. biking is allowed every day, but not on the 1 mile Marlette Peak Trail segment on the west side of Marlette Peak. Bikes are not allowed between North Canyon-Hobart Rd. and Spooner Summit. One can ride 5 miles down the North Canyon road to the parking area and facilities at Spooner Lake.
  • Camping - Within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park camping is restricted to two backcountry campgrounds:
  • 1. Marlette Peak, 13 miles south of Tahoe Meadows.
  • North Canyon, 5.2 miles north of Spooner then follow signed connector trail 1.4 miles.
  • The US Forest Service fee campground at the Mount Rose Summit (8900') has water, restrooms, campsites, paved roads, and fire pits.
  • Caution - Much of the TRT is exposed. You are likely to be effected by frequent extreme weather changes, intense sun, cooler temperatures and high winds. We recommend that you be prepared.
  • Signage - The trail is marked as needed with light blue triangular TRT signs, but there are trails and roads that cross the TRT, so be careful and take a map and compass with you.
  • Fire - Fire danger can be extreme; know and follow current restrictions (for up to date info: 530-543-2600 or 775-882-2766) Camp stove permits are required (www.r5.fs.fed.us/eldorado/).

 

 

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