Spooner Summit to Ophir Creek

Spooner Summit North: on the north side of Hwy. 50 at the Spooner Summit sign. Dirt pull-off parking.

For 21 miles the trail roams high above sparkling alpine lakes rimmed with aspens, through sun-warmed conifer stands, and across steep flower-strewn slopes. From Marlette Peak, magnificent views stretch across Lake Tahoe and over distant peaks beyond. A rocky perch beneath Herlan Peak seems to float directly above the clear waters lapping at Sand Harbor. The trail ends up on the southeast side of Hwy. 431 1 mile below the Mt. Rose summit. Park near the south edge of Tahoe Meadows and look for a small Ophir Creek Trail (OCT) sign near the treeline. The TRT intersects the OCT 600' from trailhead. Roadside parking, no kiosk.

Spooner Summit to Kingsbury

Shadowing the rugged peaks of the Carson Range for 12 miles, the trail weaves between the huge trunks of. ancient firs and over sun-splashed granite outcrops. Ridgetop crossings showcase stunning views of the Tahoe Basin and Washoe Valley.

Spooner Summit South: on the south side of Hwy. 50 at the USFS day use area. Dirt parking lot.

Kingsbury Grade North: at the end of Andria Dr. (an extension of N. Benjamin Dr.), 2 miles north of Hwy. 207, west of Daggett Pass. Limited roadside parking.

So, take your pick of two very nice runs on either side of the highway!

Free parking, restrooms and picnic tables with an interpretive display (gravel walkway and historical eco displays) can be found at the paved US Forest Service parking lot on the summit of Highway 50 at the top of Spooner Summit. There is free parking on both sides of the highway here. But the larger lot off the highway has the interpretive center.

Money Saving Notes: You don't have to pay a fee to the Nevada State Park to run on the Tahoe Rim Trail here. You will notice there are fee collection "tubes" available, but only required if you take the trail into the State Park to Spooner Lake.