Take a hike: The continuing evolution of the Tahoe Rim Trail
Miranda Jacobson, Sierra Sun
(PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA) July 5, 2022 — Lake Tahoe has become one of the most sought after places in the world to not only live at, but to explore. With rich history and immersion into the wilderness, backcountry trails in the Tahoe Basin give an up-close experience with nature like none other. Imagine a world where it was impossible to reach and explore hidden gems within the basin. Glenn Hampton thought about this potential future in 1981, and decided to get to work to create a way for anyone to hike or ride the entire circumference around Lake Tahoe.
STARTED AS AN IDEA
“Glen Hampton worked for the Forest Service and had a dream of a trail that circled Lake Tahoe,” said the Tahoe Rim Trail’s Developmental Director Veronica Long. “It was established back in the early eighties and construction started in the mid-eighties after they got permitting and approval.” Although the trail was originally proposed to be 150 miles, the trail eventually grew larger and is now a 200 mile-long trail system.
“The process took a lot longer than they thought to complete the trail. I think they were envisioning it was only going to take a few years, but it ended up taking 20 years to complete the trails,” said Long. “The final loop wasn’t completed until […]