DESCRIPTION

We usually save this 21-mile portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail for our last long run prior to the Tahoe Marathon. The mid-September run is fairly dry but snow is often still seen. With Star Lake itself sitting at 9200 feet in elevation, you'll find the views unending and the air thin.

This run, the very essence of the spine of the Carson Range, requires plenty of stamina, water, and food as well as a camera to record your accomplishment. Tired smiles should await you, along with real food and a change of shoes, at the Big Meadow trailhead.

If your dog hasn't trained for ultra distances on rocky trails then leave her at home - it is a long way to carry her out otherwise.

Trees at start and finish and plenty of boulders and shrubs above the tree line.

Be prepared for changing conditions and carry back-country preparedness kit including first aid and space blanket in case you get caught out. Be prepared for wind on the exposed ridges.

From Stateline, take Kingsbury Grade almost to the summit, turning Right onto Tramway Drive and take it to Heavenly Valley Ski Resort's Stagecoach Lodge area. Look for the Tahoe Rim Trail trailhead bulletin board at the south end of the parking lot.

We need to need to leave some cars at trail's end on Luther Pass before driving up to Stagecoach. The Big Meadow Trailhead is on the NORTH (a left if you're driving up from Myers) on Highway 89 as you approach the Grass Lake Area. Watch for the Rim Trail signs and be careful - this one's easy to miss as the parking lot is out of sight from the highway.