Camping and Permits
Plenty of camping opportunities exist around the greater Lake Tahoe area. The hard part may be securing a spot, as many of the campgrounds are extremely popular during the summer months, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. The U.S. Forest Service manages the bulk of public campgrounds in the greater Lake Tahoe area. California State Parks and Nevada State Parks manage several excellent campgrounds as well. South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City each offer a public campground. In addition, there are a number of private campgrounds, including popular Camp Richardson, on the southwest shore.
Desolation Wilderness is the one area in the Tahoe Basin that requires day hikers to secure a permit. Self-registration is available at most trailheads. Otherwise, permits can be obtained from the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center near Fallen Leaf Lake.
Wilderness permits are required for backpackers entering Desolation Wilderness or Mokelumne Wilderness. More specific information on these permits is provided in the chapter on trails in South Tahoe. Backpackers using the Pacific Crest Trail or Tahoe Rim Trail must use portable gas stoves (no campfires) and obtain a campfire permit for their use. At the time of research, wilderness permits were not required for overnight use of Granite Chief Wilderness or Mount Rose Wilderness.
Mount Rose (Trail 12)
On the Trail
Every outing should begin with proper preparation. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or suffering an injury, but unexpected things can and do happen. A few minutes’ worth of simple precautions can make the difference between a marvelous and a miserable outcome—or merely a good story to tell afterward.
Use the Top Trails ratings and descriptions to determine if a particular trail is a good match with your fitness and energy level, given current conditions and time of year.
Have a Plan
Choose Wisely The first step to enjoying any trail is to match the trail to your abilities. It’s no use overestimating your experience or fitness—know your abilities and limitations, and use the Top Trails difficulty rating that accompanies each trail.
Leave Word About Your Plans The most basic of precautions is leaving word of your intentions with family or friends. Many people will hike the backcountry their entire lives without ever relying on this safety net, but establishing this simple habit is free insurance.
It’s best to leave specific information—location, trail name, intended time of travel—with a responsible person. If there is a registration process, make use of it. If there is a ranger station or park office, check in.
Prepare and Plan
Know your abilities and your limitations.
Leave word about your plans with family or friends.
Know the area and the route.
Review the Route Before embarking on any trail, be sure to read the entire description and study the map. It isn’t necessary to memorize every detail, but it is worthwhile to have a clear mental picture of the trail and the general area. If the trail and terrain are complex, augment the trail guide with a topographic map. Park maps, as well as current weather and trail condition information, are often available from local ranger stations and at trailheads.
Carry the Essentials
Proper preparation for any type of trail use includes gathering the essential items to carry. Your checklist may vary according to choice of trails and daily conditions.
Clothing If the weather is good, then light, comfortable clothing is the obvious choice. It’s easy to believe that very little spare clothing is needed, but a prepared hiker has something tucked away for any emergency from a surprise shower to an unexpected overnight in a remote area.
Clothing includes proper footwear, essential for hiking and running trails. As a trail becomes more demanding, you will need footwear that performs. Running shoes are fine for many trails. If you will be carrying substantial weight or encountering sustained rugged terrain, step up to hiking boots and synthetic or wool-blend (not cotton) socks specifically designed for hiking.
In hot, sunny weather, proper clothing includes a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, and sunscreen. In cooler weather, particularly when it’s wet, carry waterproof outer garments and quick-drying undergarments (avoid cotton). As a general rule, whatever the conditions, bring layers that can be combined or removed to provide comfort and protection from the elements in a wide variety of conditions.
Water Never embark on a trail without carrying water. For most outings, you should plan to carry sufficient water to last you and your entire party the entire hike (including the return trip). At all times, particularly in warm weather, adequate water is of key importance. Experts recommend at least 2 quarts of water per person per day, and when hiking in heat 1 gallon or more may be more appropriate. At the extreme, dehydration can be life threatening. More commonly, inadequate water brings on fatigue and muscle aches.
If it’s necessary to make use of trailside water, you should filter or chemically treat it. You should regard all untreated water sources as being contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and fertilizers. There are three methods for treating water: boiling, chemical treatment, and filtering. Boiling is best but often impractical—it requires a heat source, a pot, and time. Chemical treatments, available in sporting goods and outdoor stores, handle some problems, including the troublesome Giardia parasite, but will not combat many human-made chemical pollutants. The most practical method is filtration, which removes Giardia and other contaminants and doesn’t leave any unpleasant aftertaste.
Trail Essentials
Dress to keep cool, but be ready for cold.
Bring plenty of water and adequate food.
One final admonishment: Be prepared for surprises. Water sources described in the text or on maps can change course or dry up completely. Never run your water bottle dry in expectation of the next source; fill up when water is available and always keep a little in reserve.
Food Though not as critical as water, food is energy and its importance should not be underestimated. Avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as candy bars and potato chips. Carry high-energy, fast-digesting foods, such as nutrition bars, dehydrated fruit, nuts, trail mix, and jerky. Bringing a little extra food is good protection against an outing that turns unexpectedly long, perhaps due to weather or losing your way.
Less Than Essential, But Useful Items
Map and Compass (and the Know-How to Use Them) Many trails don’t require much navigation, meaning a map and compass aren’t always as essential, but they can be useful. If the trail is remote or infrequently visited, a map and compass should be considered necessities.
A handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver can also be a useful trail companion, but is really no substitute for a map and compass; knowing your longitude and latitude is not much help without a map.
Cell Phone Most parts of the country, even remote destinations, have some level of cellular coverage. In extreme circumstances, a cell phone can be a lifesaver, but don’t depend on it; coverage is unpredictable and batteries fail. And be sure that the occasion warrants the phone call—a