Leader: Bart Pestarino
Complete downloadable itinerary (PDF format): 2025_September_CAI-PNW_Tahoe_Adventure
Day hikes Sep 5th thru Sep 7th
• Bicycle/kayak/paddleboard rentals and sportfishing options available every day
• Backcountry backpacking trip Sep 9th thru Sep 11th
• All hikers/backpackers must be CAI members
• Bicycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sportfishing are not CAI trip activities
Altitude
Summer training/preparation at altitude required. Reno Intl Airport is 4,415 ft elevation, Lake Tahoe 6,224 ft, Virginia City 6,106ft. Day-hike high elevation of about 7,800 ft. Backcountry trip starts at 7,150 ft with a high elevation of about 9,000 ft.
Weather
In Tahoe area, high temps 80°F, low temps 40°F, and 35% - 55% humidity
At Virginia City, high temps 90°F, low temps 60°F, and 25% -35% humidity
Lodging Summary
Day Hikers: https://camprichardsonresort.com/ Make reservations for Sep 4th/5th thru 7th. For the night of Sep 4th, you can stay at hotel in Reno, Incline Village, or Carson City if preferred. Many other hotel & short-term options in South Lake Tahoe, CA & Stateline, NV. Sep 5th & 6th dinner cookouts at Camp Richardson by the lake.
Backcountry: tent camping; contact Bart Pestarino for more information
Transportation Summary
https://southtahoeairporter.com/
https://camprichardsonresort.com/shuttle-service/
https://northlaketahoeexpress.com/
Uber/Lyft estimate Reno to South Lake Tahoe $90
Uber/Lyft estimate Reno to North Lake Tahoe $80
Getting around North Lake Tahoe: https://www.gotahoenorth.com/tart-connect/
Getting around South Lake Tahoe: https://www.tahoetransportation.org/transit/
Gear/Supplies Rentals Summary
Hiking/backpacking: https://nevadaadventurerentals.com/outdoor-gear-rentals/ in Reno
Hiking/backpacking: https://www.lowergear.com/rent_camping_and_backpacking_gear_in_reno
Bicycle rentals: https://camprichardsonresort.com/rentals/
https://camprichardsonresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/lt-bike-coalition-map-1.pdf
Kayak & paddleboard rentals: https://camprichardsonresort.com/rentals/
Sportfishing charters (per person): https://camprichardsonresort.com/marina/
Gear/Supplies Retailer Summary
Patagonia Outlet in downtown Reno
REI Reno near airport (note: this location does not have rentals)
Sportsmans Warehouse Reno & Carson City (Mountain House, Jetboil, bear spray, etc.)
Tahoe Gear Exchange & Tahoe Sports Limited – both in South Lake Tahoe
Excursions Summary
• Arrive Reno Intl Airport or drive on Thursday September 4, 2025
• Day hikes from Friday September 5, 2025 through Sunday September 7, 2025
• Day hikers depart the evening of Sunday Sept 7th / Monday Sept 8th
• Tahoe Rim Trail backcountry trip from Tues Sept 9, 2025 through Thurs Sept 11, 2025
• Backcountry hikers depart Reno Intl Airport or drive on Friday September 12, 2025
Day Hike Excursions Plan
Fri Sept 5th Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, CA
Late-start hike 3.75 mi; mountains/lakes/Tahoe Rim views
Sat Sept 6th Comstock Lode excursion in Virginia City, NV
1) Early-start hike 4.75 mi (5 historic gold/silver mines)
https://www.blm.gov/blog/2021-06-10/comstock-lode
2) 66th International Camel & Ostrich Races in Virginia City
https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/events/international-camel-ostrich-races-virginia-
city/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL5VBaMWacw
Sun Sept 7th Pony Express Trail / California Emigrant Trail excursion in Hope Valley, CA
4 mi hike in Desolation Wilderness
https://nvtami.com/2021/12/01/carson-river-route-pioneers-49ers/
https://emigranttrailswest.org/trail-guides-for-purchase/
Monday Sept 8th Rest Day
Backcountry Trip
Tuesday Sept 9th to Thursday Sept 11th Tahoe Rim Trail
For those interested in the backcountry trip, please contact Bart Pestarino
1) Tues Sept 9th: 9.5 mi
2) Wed Sept 10th: 5.75 mi
3) Thurs Sept 11th: 4.75 mi
Friday Sept 12 Depart from Incline Village to Reno Intl Airport via airport shuttle