With the start of the summer hiking season upon us, Tahoe’s peaks, wildflowers and vistas are beginning to beckon. Enjoy the wonders of the Tahoe Rim Trail with a free guided hikes in July.

These hikes are great for all abilities (shorter hikes are most appropriate for kids).

Advanced online registration is necessary.

July 6 – Van Sickle Family Friday Hike (2.2 miles) – The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are sponsoring this fun, family friendly interpretive hike each Friday in July. Participants will enjoy interesting facts about the history, flora and fauna of Van Sickle Bi-State Park and Tahoe. This is the perfect hike to take your family out on.

July 6 – Tahoe Mountain Sports Leave No Trace Sunset Family Hike (3 miles) – Tahoe Mountain Sports, the Leave No Trace Center for Ethics and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are teaming up for a fun and educational hike that will include interactive Leave No Trace activities, night hike games and prizes for the entire family. Tahoe Mountain Sports will also provide a variety of headlamps to demo. Bring dinner for a sunset picnic on a ridge overlooking lovely Lake Tahoe.

July 13 – Van Sickle Family Friday Hike (2.2 miles) – The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are sponsoring this fun, family friendly interpretive hike each Friday in July. Participants will enjoy interesting facts about the history, flora and fauna of Van Sickle State Park and Tahoe. This is the perfect hike to take your family out on.

July 17 – Hawley Grade History Hike (6 miles) – Join us for a journey into the past as we hike a portion of the original trans-Sierra emigrant route and Pony Express trail through the Sierra. Learn a little of the history of the early settlers as we hike from the Tahoe Valley floor near Meyers and climb to the junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail just past Echo Pass.

July 20 – Van Sickle Family Friday Hike (2.2 miles) – The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are sponsoring this fun, family friendly interpretive hike each Friday in July. Participants will enjoy interesting facts about the history, flora and fauna of Van Sickle Bi-State Park and Tahoe. This is the perfect hike to take your family out on.

July 21 – Big Meadow to Echo Summit Backpack (about 8 miles/day) – Complete a beautiful segment of the TRT on this overnight backpack trip led by experienced TRTA guides. Beginning at Big Meadow trailhead, this hike will follow a scenic journey through wildflower covered meadows and past the shady shores of Round Lake. Participants will enjoy an overnight at Showers Lake. Hikers must be in very good physical shape and able to carry a backpack weighing 25-35 pounds, plus some group supplies.

July 27 – Van Sickle Family Friday Hike (2.2 miles) – The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are sponsoring this fun, family friendly interpretive hike each Friday in July. Participants will enjoy interesting facts about the history, flora and fauna of Van Sickle Bi-State Park and Tahoe. This is the perfect hike to take your family out on.

July 30 – PCT Travels the TRT (7 miles) – The Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail share more than 20 miles in Desolation Wilderness. Hiking on the PCT/TRT to Lake Aloha from the Upper Echo Lake water taxi, one will hike steadily on rocky terrain. The destination for this hike is the shore of Lake Aloha with its unique landscape of windblown trees and small flat, rock islands. We will enjoy snacks and lunch on the rocky shores of Lake Aloha before returning to the Echo Chalet. Fees: $20 cash for water taxi/person, as well as cash for ice cream and a cold drink at Echo Chalet after the hike.

For further details on what to bring and other dates and locations, visit the Tahoe Rim Trail Association website.