Tahoe Rim Trail: Spooner Summit to Kingsbury North (South Camp Peak)

Carson Range above the east shore of Lake Tahoe (U.S. 50 at Spooner Summit to Kingsbury Grade, near Stateline)

South of U.S. 50, the Tahoe Rim Trail climbs from Spooner Summit onto the long ridge of South Camp Peak, then runs through old fir forest toward Kingsbury Grade. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) highlights panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and ancient fir trees on this stretch.

It works as a 12.9-mile point-to-point overnight or as a shorter out-and-back to South Camp Peak. Either way, it’s a dry camp: there’s no water on the trail.

The hike

From the Spooner Summit South trailhead, which has trailer parking and vault toilets, the trail starts at the back of the south lot near an information kiosk, according to Tahoe Trail Guide. Its write-up calls the climb to South Camp Peak “only five miles,” uphill the whole way, with views of Lake Tahoe, including north toward Crystal Bay.

Hiking Project describes a long traverse across the flank of South Camp Peak to the segment’s high point, near the halfway mark, with panoramic views of the lake. TRTA lists the peak at 8,866 feet and puts the segment’s highest trail point near it, at 8,830 feet. Tahoe Trail Guide adds that a spot called the Bench is less than a mile beyond.

Past the peak, a dirt road crosses the trail on the way to the steep summit of Genoa Peak (9,150 feet), Hiking Project says. TRTA’s conditions page says Genoa Peak Road is scheduled to be open from June 1 to November 15.

Visit Carson Valley calls this “the section for tree lovers.” It describes red fir forest, Jeffrey pine, and aspen groves, some with carvings left by Basque shepherds, plus views of the Carson Range, Lake Tahoe, and Carson Valley. TRTA’s map labels Castle Rock (7,904 feet), Shakespeare Rock, and Captain Pomin Rock along the way.

The trail then descends toward Kingsbury. Most hikers finish on the connector to the Kingsbury North trailhead, reached from Highway 207 by N. Benjamin Drive, which becomes Andria Drive, about 2 miles up. Hikers continuing south on the TRT reach water at Edgewood Creek and the Kingsbury South trailhead at the base of the Stagecoach chairlift.

North of Spooner Summit, the TRT continues past Marlette Peak Campground to Tahoe Meadows.

Tips

Carry all your water. TRTA lists no sources between Spooner Summit and the Kingsbury North connector.
Consider an out-and-back. Tahoe Trail Guide describes hiking in to South Camp Peak for sunset and dry camping.
Use an existing site. Tahoe Trail Guide asks hikers not to create new tent sites.
Shuttle or two cars. The trailheads are on different highways (U.S. 50 and Highway 207).
Bring a stove permit. TRTA asks for a California Campfire Permit even in Nevada.

Camping

TRTA’s rules for this segment are to camp within 300 feet of the trail, at least 200 feet from water and 100 feet from other trails, and on previously used sites. Camping is prohibited at trailheads, on the Van Sickle Connector, and in Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Hiking Project gives the same 300-foot and 200-foot rules. TRTA says campfires are prohibited along the trail, wood and twig stoves are banned in the Tahoe Basin, and bear canisters are required. Visit Carson Valley places this segment in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, where the park bans dispersed camping, so confirm land status before you camp (see needs review). No permit is needed for an overnight here; TRTA says Desolation Wilderness is the only part of the TRT that requires one.

Inside Intel: The Tahoe Trail Guide writer backpacked to South Camp Peak, hiked in for sunset, and dry camped overnight. They note that “there are no water sources near South Camp Peak,” so pack in every drop.

Trail facts

Distance: 12.9 miles to Kingsbury North (TRTA); 11.9 miles (Hiking Project); about 5 miles one way to South Camp Peak
Route type: Point to point, or out and back to South Camp Peak
Difficulty: Moderate
High point: About 8,830 feet near South Camp Peak (TRTA)
Campsites: Dispersed, on existing sites near the trail; none designated
Water: None on the trail; restroom sinks at Kingsbury North trailhead (daylight hours)
Permits: None for camping; California Campfire Permit recommended for stoves
Food storage: TRTA says bear canisters are required
Trailheads: Spooner Summit South (U.S. 50); Kingsbury North (off Highway 207)
Last verified: October 11, 2026

The Lowdown

A dry camp near South Camp Peak:

With no water between Spooner Summit and Kingsbury North, every ounce you save on your sleeping bag can go toward water. See which bags testers rate.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.