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Western States Trail

Nevada · Managed by Tahoe National Forest (USFS) · Region: Tahoe NF backcountry
Difficulty 70/100 · Very strenuouspoint to point#usfs#backcountry#tahoe
Distance
73.4 mi
Days
4–6
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Western States Trail is a 73.4-mile point-to-point route in Tahoe NF backcountry. Difficulty is estimated from distance (Very strenuous); the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

  • 73.4 miles of trail per the Forest Service trail page
  • No entrance fees on national forest land

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Western States Trail Trailhead
  • Water: Streams and lakes along the route; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Point-to-point route — arrange a shuttle or key swap.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Tahoe National Forest (USFS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in established rings, and seasonal forest-wide restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.

Snow: Snow clears by late spring at most trail elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons can be hot at lower elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in early summer near water.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions and forest alerts before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Bear canisters are required in the Granite Chief Wilderness.
  • Water sources are seasonal — confirm flows before you go

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Western States Trail. Tahoe National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/recreation/trails/western-states-trail. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (73.4 mi one way) and trail number (16E10) per the Forest Service trail page.
  2. Hiking — Tahoe National Forest (USFS). Tahoe National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  3. Passes & Permits — Tahoe National Forest (USFS). Tahoe National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.