Big Meadow To Echo Lake
Distance: 17.5 Miles
Highlights: Alpine Lakes, Open meadows with wildflower displays
View Trail Map: Big-Meadow-to-Echo-Lake-Trail-Hike
Trailheads
Big Meadow: On Hwy 89, 5.3 mi. south of the US 50/Hwy 89 junction in Meyers. Trailer parking available. Vault toilets.
Echo Summit: Hwy 50 at Echo Summit. Parking lot on the south side of the road. Trail traverses western edge of parking lot. Trailhead is marked by PCT signs. Limited parking, no facilities.
Echo Lake: Off Hwy 50 at Johnson Pass Rd. (1 mi. west of summit). Turn north on Echo Lake Rd., follow 1 mi. to Echo Lake. Park in upper lot.
Echo Lakes Side Note : Echos Lakes has a lot to offer and just minutes from the shores of South Lake Tahoe. Take a minute to learn more about Echo Lakes hiking trails and for historical background and photos visit our page about Echo Lakes, California.
Trail Information
Signage: The trail is marked at intervals with light blue, triangular TRT logo signs.
Best Season: late June to early October
Distances
Big Meadow trailhead to Big Meadow 0.7 mi.
Big Meadow trailhead to Round Lake 2.6 mi.
Big Meadow trailhead to PCT junction 4.9 mi.
Echo Lake to Echo Summit 2.2 mi.
Echo Lake to Bryan Meadow 6.1 mi.
Echo Lake to Showers Lake 10.5 mi.
Elevation
Big Meadow: 7300’
Echo Lake: 7525’
Highest Point: 9000’
Water Sources
Year round water at Round Lake and Showers Lake. Some seasonal streams. All water found on trail must be treated before drinking.
Multiple Use Trail
The TRT hosts bikers, equestrians and hikers. Please yield accordingly. Note: where the PCT and TRT are coincident, bikes are not allowed.
Camping: Camping is allowed within 300’ of the trail and 200’ away from a water source.
Fire: USFS permit required for camp stove as fire regulations allow. Fire danger can be extreme and fires, camp stoves and smoking may be prohibited. Check trailhead kiosks or call the USFS (530-543-2600) for current regulations.
Terrain: Technically challenging, especially on section of steep rock steps south of Echo Summit.
Mt. Bikers & Equestrians: Equestrians and stock allowed on entire section. Mt. bikes allowed on first 5 mi. from Big Meadow trailhead. Bikes not allowed on PCT.
Leave-No-Trace: The TRTA supports and encourages LNT practices while on the trail.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Caution – Be prepared for sudden weather changes and be sure to carry a complete TRT or Tahoe Basin map. The map on reverse side is limited.
Lake Tahoe Hiking
Lake Tahoe hiking – embark on an adventure into unspoiled wilderness! Lake Tahoe hikes are an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Fill your lungs with pure mountain air, burn some energy on a challenging slope, and then pause to rest at the summit and take in the gorgeous views. Discover many more trails by region: North Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails and South Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails – your gateway to amazing natural wonders.
Information Provided by
Tahoe Rim Trail Association
PO Box 3267
128 Market Street, Suite 3E
Stateline, NV 89449
(775) 298-0012
info@tahoerimtrail.org
www.tahoerimtrail.org
