finley_harris5•6d agoProlific Poster

Tahoe Rim Trail feels overhyped compared to the JMT

I just got back from a week on the Tahoe Rim Trail near South Lake Tahoe and honestly, I don't get the hype. Everyone talks about those clear lake views but 75% of the time I was hiking through dusty pine forests with barely a glimpse of the water. The trail is packed with mountain bikers too, which makes for some sketchy moments on narrow switchbacks. I did the 170-mile section over 6 days and the water sources were way more spread out than the guides said. Compared to the John Muir Trail, which I hiked last year, the TRT just lacks that variety in terrain and those big alpine passes. Am I missing something or did anyone else find it kind of flat and repetitive for long stretches?

2 comments

2 Comments

lindareed6d ago

Tbh the TRT is better if you go in with zero expectations and treat it like a chill weekend trip, not a big thru-hike. The JMT is all about those dramatic views and pushing yourself, but the TRT is more of a laid-back loop for people who want to camp and not deal with permits.

jadep415d agoMost Upvoted

Wait do you still need bear canisters for the TRT or is it more relaxed than that?