Tahoe Rim Trail - Kingsbury Grade to Spooner Summit (Washoe and Douglas Counties, Nevada)

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. It does not, however, make him well-rested. Waking at 4:30 am for this hike reminded me of that old proverb . . . yawn.

Finding 2-3 weeks off of work when I could complete the entire Tahoe Rim Trail seems unlikely, especially with my upcoming nuptials. That being said, I've decided to complete the 165 mile trail in sections over the next year. This morning, Nick and I will knock out a small 12.2 mile section. After stashing Nick’s car at the Spooner Summit Trail head and then driving my jeep to the Kingsbury Grade Trail head, we begin our journey.

While I realize there is a group dedicated to the maintenance of this trail, I’m still very impressed with the amazing trail conditions. That is not to say it is an excessively easy trail, only that finding a misplaced rock or fallen tree seems impossible.

The beauty of Lake Tahoe can be seen along many parts of this eastern section, but never so majestically as the approximate mid-point of this section of the trail. From a flat grass-covered ridge top, the trail offers a sea of green pine, and looking further to the horizon the blueness that is Lake Tahoe; finally culminating in the still snow-covered mountain tops of the Sierra Nevada on the far side . . . breathtaking.

Five or so hours after we sat out and numerous panoramic views later, we arrive back at the Spooner Summit Trail head. 12.2 miles down. 152.8 miles to go!