Updated August 14, 2026
The Tahoe National Forest has issued an emergency closure in response to the Talbot Fire, affecting a portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) near Barker Pass.
For Tahoe Rim Trail users, the closure affects the portion of trail from Barker Pass Trailhead north to the Tahoe Rim Trail/Pacific Crest Trail junction near Twin Peaks.
The Forest Service closure order went into effect at 9:00 a.m. on August 14, 2026, and prohibits entry into the designated Talbot Fire Closure Area, including National Forest System trails, roads, and recreation sites within the closure boundary.
What Portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail Is Closed?
CLOSED: Barker Pass Trailhead → TRT/PCT Junction near Twin Peaks
From Barker Pass, the Tahoe Rim Trail travels north along the same route as the Pacific Crest Trail. This shared TRT/PCT section is within the Talbot Fire closure and is closed to trail users.
Near Twin Peaks, the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail separate. The TRT turns east toward Lake Tahoe before descending through Ward Canyon and continuing toward Page Meadow and Tahoe City.
The Pacific Crest Trail Closure Extends Farther North
The closure extends beyond the portion of trail shared by the TRT and PCT.
The Forest Service order specifically closes the Pacific Crest Trail from Barker Pass Trailhead north to the PCT trailhead on Placer County 9001 Road.
After the TRT and PCT separate near Twin Peaks:
- The TRT turns east toward Ward Canyon and Tahoe City and leaves the Talbot Fire closure area.
- The PCT continues north through the closure area and remains closed.
TRT users should be especially mindful of this distinction when looking at PCT closure information or planning alternate routes.
Please Respect the Closure
The Talbot Fire closure is in place for public safety and to provide firefighters and emergency personnel the space they need to safely respond to the incident.
Do not enter the closed area, travel on closed trails, or attempt to bypass closure barriers.
Wildfire conditions and associated closures can change quickly. Anyone planning to recreate on the Tahoe Rim Trail should check the latest available information before heading out and be prepared to adjust their plans.
View the full Talbot Fire Closure Order and Map
Check Current Tahoe Rim Trail Conditions
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available.
