New Technology on the Trail

Land manager rules and regulations strive to strike a balance that allows for new activities without marring treasured sanctuaries.

Drones and E-bikes have become commonplace in our cities and towns and are becoming ever more present in the backcountry and on our trails as well. Whether you’re a Luddite or a technophile, there is no doubt that technology is increasingly ubiquitous in locations that once felt remote, isolated and far off the grid. Society is still grappling with important questions about the role of technology in wild places and land managers are struggling to keep up in a dynamic landscape with strong opinions coming from diverse points of view. As we work to strike a balance that allows for new activities to take place without marring treasured sanctuaries, perhaps the best thing we can do to avoid conflict and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation is to educate ourselves on current rules and regulations. The information below is subject to change, but as of this writing represents the best available knowledge regarding drone and e-bike regulations on and around the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Drones

Note: The following information pertains to ‘hobbyist’ drone users and is not necessarily applicable to those who carry a commercial drone license (Part 107 certification) from the FAA. Nevada State Parks prohibits all recreational drone flying, so the trail in the Spooner Backcountry should be drone-free (California State Parks in the Tahoe Basin also prohibit drones). Wilderness areas are also off limits for any motorized vehicles, including drones, so Desolation, Mt Rose and Granite Chief are all no-go for drones. Any area within 5 miles of an airport is considered restricted and requires special permission so, in general, parts of the trail within that 5-mile buffer near the Truckee-Tahoe Airport and the Lake Tahoe Airport should be clear of drones. FAA guidelines, with a few exceptions, do allow drone use on US Forest Service property, which includes the vast majority of land through which the TRT passes. Those exceptions include the aforementioned wilderness areas, as well as any area that has a temporary flight restriction due to special operations such as firefighting. Check out tips from the USFS on responsible drone use for more information.

USFS poster warning drone users to avoid wildfire areas.
A common E-Bike icon.

E-bikes

Note: The following information pertains to Class 1 electric bikes, which are pedal-assisted, have no throttle and do not provide power when the bike reaches speeds over 20 mph. Currently, the US Forest Service does not allow E-bikes on the Tahoe Rim Trail, with E-bikes being allowed on motorized trails. The TRT is a non-motorized trail. Simply put, there are no E-bikes allowed on the Tahoe Rim Trail.  Check out People For Bikes e-bike site for more information on e-bikes.

As you head out this season to enjoy the TRT and our public lands please remember that land managers, not the TRTA, create and enforce regulations for the trail – please respect their rules and other trail users.