Tahoe Rim Trail?

[GregB]

We're thinking of doing TRT in July 2013, but a bit worried about mosquitoes. Some posts seem to say it's miserable, others imply there aren't many there. Is it handleable or just for a small section (seems like Desolation Wilderness is most of the problem)? Is there a better time of year, or does it not matter too much, and you just roll the dice?

I hike in that area and I live right down the hill about 60 miles from Tahoe.

July, in general, is the worse time for mosquitoes in the Sierras. These head nets are very good, lightweight, and inexpensive. I'm getting one this year because I'm tired of getting eaten alive.

However, it also depends on the year. If it's been a big snow year then there will more mosquitoes and there are several places which may still be snowed in. I've hiked in 5 feet of snow at 6500 feet elevation on Father's day in late June. I've had to turn the car around up near Sierra City because road access to the trail was still under 3 feet of snow on the 4th of July. I've even been unable to drive the dirt back roads as late as early August due to heavy snow coverage.

More snow = more bugs. So it's really going to depend on how much snow we get this year. I'd like to go in September when the weather is wonderful and the bugs will be less of a problem. It may still be useful to carry a bug net in September. By late September I don't need a bug net even when I sleep.

However, right around late August we go on fire restrictions which would disallow the use of wood burning stoves like the Element or Caldera Cone. So that means bringing fuel for the whole trip.

Also, I'm hearing that bear canisters are absolutely needed up there. I've seen black bears in the town of South Lake Tahoe so that makes sense.

Overall, July will be buggy, but not overwhelmingly so. If you can get 50 yards away from lakes or marshes you'll notice that it's vastly better

[davidalynn]

GregB, thanks for the response. And obviously understood that a late winter makes things potentially impassable. I'd also like to go in September, but that's not looking good for everybody's schedule. And obviously the risk of the early storm - Truckee just got dumped on yesterday, right?

How hard is it to stay away from the marshes and lakes?

[GregB]

GregB, thanks for the response. And obviously understood that a late winter makes things potentially impassable. I'd also like to go in September, but that's not looking good for everybody's schedule. And obviously the risk of the early storm - Truckee just got dumped on yesterday, right?

Heck WE got dumped on Monday night with marble size hail. Blue Canyon had 6" of snow in one night. Truckee probably had more. Another storm is coming through today but it's warmer so it may actually be melting the snow which is good because I had hoped to go up this weekend for at least a day hike.

How hard is it to stay away from the marshes and lakes?

Gosh it really depends on the area. But I find that even getting away 100 feet or more makes a huge difference. But in July/August I'd certainly bring bug nets for the hammocks and DEET.

Oddly enough, when I fly fish I find that it's better if I wade out into the water 30 or 40 feet if possible. The bugs are right at the shore. Even though I'm standing in the lake, as long as I can get away from the shore there are noticeably fewer bugs. Then again, when I hike out from the lake I've had mosquitoes follow me out and keep biting.

Also, there's about a half hour to an hour right before sunset when the mosquitoes go nuts. I've often just gone into my tent and taken a nap during that time. Then I come out and cook later when the bugs have died down. Unfortunately, that "bug nutty" time is also when the fish really start feeding. So it's one or the other. Bugs or good fishing.