Day Trips

Tahoe Rim Trail

If Lake Tahoe is the Jewel of the Sierras, then Tahoe Rim Trail is its crown. Encircling the lake, this 165-mile loop will make for an adventure of a lifetime. Those who complete the entire circuit are eligible to join an elite group: the 165 Mile Club.

Roughly following the ridge line around the Lake Tahoe basin, this trail is broken up into 8 segments ranging from 16 to 33 miles each. By breaking the route into segments, a hiker can complete the course over the span of weeks, months or even years. Each segment can be hiked in a day or two, and is easily accessible via automobile at both ends.

At 10,338 feet above-sea-level at its highest point, the TRT isn’t for the faint of heart. Those coming from the Central Valley or even Reno may find the elevation challenging. One should be in fairly good shape, have sturdy footwear, gear and be properly supplied. Also familiarity with back-country hiking is important. But it’s not all a hardscrabble journey. There are several easily-accessible portions of the trail, well suited for a pleasant day-hike.

Along the way you’ll be treated to some of the most outstanding views of the lake and wilderness surrounding the basin. You’ll travel through old-growth forests and see a wide-variety of wildlife. Best of all, due to its elevation, there are a plethora of wildflowers in bloom, even into late-Summer.

Additionally, the TRT shares part of its route with the Pacific Crest Trail, and inter-connects with several other area trail systems, such as the Flume Trail and the Mt. Rose Trail. The trekking opportunities are endless.

First envisioned in 1981, the Tahoe Rim Trail took shape over the course of 20 years. Of course, none of this could have occurred without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2021. Over the years volunteers have put in hundreds of thousands of hours in trail construction, maintenance and clean-up. This, in addition to public outreach and engagement programs makes the TRTA one of the most active environmental organizations in the nation.

They have also created the 165-Mile club for those who have hiked, biked or ridden horseback the entire loop. Some members have completed the trek in a matter of days, while many others have tackled sections over the course of years. Either way, being a “165’er” is an accomplishment to be proud of.

Select Group Real Estate is a proud supporter and contributor to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. You can support the TRTA by becoming a member or by making a tax-deductible contribution. They even have donation-tubes available at many of the trailheads along the route.

So if you want to add some backcountry adventure to your next Lake Tahoe visit, the Tahoe Rim Trail has to be experienced.

Be sure to visit the TRTA website for more information at: https://tahoerimtrail.org

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

Driving across the vast expanse of Northern Nevada, it can be difficult to imagine what the area looked like during the last ice age. While much of North America was covered in ice, a lot of the Great Basin was a great inland sea.

Some 12,000 years ago, Ancient Lake Lahontan covered over 8,500 square miles of present-day Nevada, as well as parts of Oregon and California. Although the lake reached depths of 900 feet at present-day Pyramid Lake, much of the lake was shallower and marsh like.

Some of the first people to inhabit the area were known as the Toi Ticutta or Tule Eaters, due to the abundance of cattail reeds which composed a majority of their diet. As the climate warmed, evaporation rates increased and Ancient Lake Lahontan gradually evaporated.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1948 by diverting water from the Carson River, providing habitat for native and migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Located 17 miles east of Fallon, Stillwater is a pleasant day trip for bird watching. If you would prefer a longer stay, there are designated campsites.

At nearly 80,000 acres, Stillwater NWR plays host to more than 200 bird species. Of course there are plenty of non-aeronautical animals in the area, such as beavers, foxes, coyotes, bobcats and mink.

There are plenty of hiking trails. Seasonally, hunting and non-motorized boating are allowed in designated areas.

If you really want to get to know Nevada, how it once was, and the efforts made to preserve it for future generations, a visit to Stillwater NWR is worth the journey.

For more information, visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/stillwater/visit-us