Permits and Regulations

Wondering what you need to know before getting out on the trail? The first half of this page discusses regulations on how to conduct yourself on trail. The second segment is to find the right permit(s) for your adventure.

Regulations

Tahoe Rim Trail Regulations

• The Tahoe Rim Trail is a multi-use trail open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians for the majority of its length. However, mountain bikes and equestrians are prohibited from some sections of the trail.
  • More info on mountain bike restrictions
  • More info on equestrian restrictions
• Dogs are allowed on all sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Owners are asked to keep dogs on a leash in high use areas and under voice control. Please see our hiking with dogs page for more information.
• All motorized vehicles are prohibited from all sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail.
• Electric bikes (ebikes) are not allowed on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
• The maximum group size in Desolation and Granite Chief Wilderness Areas is 12; Mt. Rose Wilderness Area is 15.

Camping Regulations

• Camping is permitted 100 to 300 ft. from the Tahoe Rim Trail, at least 200 ft. from water sources, and 100 ft. away from other trails.
• Camping in Desolation Wilderness is by permit only (see permits below).
• Camping is prohibited at trailheads.
• Camping within the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is restricted to three established campsites: Marlette Peak, Hobart and North Canyon Campgrounds.
• Camping is prohibited near Watson Lake outside of the Watson Lake Campground.
• Camping in Desolation Wilderness is by permit only (see permits below).
• Bear-resistant storage is required: all food and scented items must be secured in an approved hard-sided bear canister throughout the entire Tahoe Rim Trail system (effective January 2024).

Fire Regulations

• Campfires are prohibited along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Within the Tahoe Basin, campfires are only permitted in designated campgrounds and only when fire restrictions are not in effect. For current fire restrictions, click here.
• A permit is required for camp stove use (see permits below).

Permits

Updated 3/20/2026: All trail users entering Desolation Wilderness or using a camp stove will need to obtain permits. Please respect the permit system to protect wilderness resources and mitigate wildfire risk.

Day Use Permits

• The only location on the Tahoe Rim Trail requiring a permit for day use is Desolation Wilderness. Permits are free, self-issued and available at all trailheads entering the wilderness. For more information on Desolation Wilderness click here.

Overnight Permits

• The only location on the Tahoe Rim Trail requiring a permit for overnight use is Desolation Wilderness.
• Non-TRT Thru-Hike Overnight Permit:

These permits are for general overnight users in Desolation Wilderness. You can select any zone (01-45) within Desolation and can be reserved up to six months in advance through recreation.gov. They’re also available in person at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe when open. For more information, click here.

• TRT Thru-Hike Overnight Permit:

This new permit is specifically for those completing the entire Tahoe Rim Trail. There is a designated quota zone for thru-hikers (Zone 46, Tahoe Rim Trail). They became available March 20, 2026 through recreation.gov. Benefits of this change include:

• • • Maintaining the character and ecological integrity of Desolation Wilderness
    • Improving customer service and visitor experience
    • Consistently managing overnight use within Desolation Wilderness, including use of quota system.

Need to Know:

• • • Zone 46 (Tahoe Rim Trail Zone) has a quota of 10 permits per night.
    • Permit holders are limited to a maximum of 2 nights in the Wilderness while traveling on the PCT/TRT corridor.
    • Permit holders must camp within 300 feet of the PCT/TRT corridor.
    • Camping in Zone 33, Lake Aloha, is prohibited.
    • Permit holders can access and print permits up to 14 days in advance.
    • All Desolation Wilderness regulations and requirements apply to TRT Thru-Hike Permits.
    • Select either Echo Lakes or Richardson as your entry point.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to reserve your TRT thru-hike permit via Recreation.gov.

Did you hike around the entire Tahoe Rim Trail? Do you plan to? Join the 165-Mile Club to commemorate your experience! Click here for more information.

Campfire Permits

• Campfires are generally prohibited, even with a valid campfire permit (see Fire Regulations above).
• A California Campfire Permit is required to use any gas or liquid fuel camp stove on the trail.
• Wood-burning or twig stoves (those that burn sticks or natural materials) are prohibited throughout the Tahoe Basin.
• Permits are free and available online at readyforwildfire.org– watch a short safety video, complete a quiz, and print your permit to carry with you. Permits expire at year end.
• Nevada does not issue its own permits, but you must carry a California Campfire Permit when using permitted stoves in the Nevada backcountry.