Tahoe Rim Trail October 20? Too late? Cold? Kids?

But we've usually had at least a couple of snowstorms by then. The good news is that Tahoe has lots to do if you get too much snow….from skiing to casinos to good restaurants…whatever you like

I know the great white wild card…….. But if someone local or who does this trail often knows the "likelihood" of weather complications. But some white stuff would make for a memorable trip to be certain…………. Still on the possibles shelf. Thanks!

It's not the factor of being to cold.
You can bring a 15 degree sleeping bag and be fine.

What you can't predict is if the passes will have 60mph winds.
Even if it's 45 degrees, with that wind it makes horrible conditions.

I've had a warm weekend and went to the top of Mt. Brewer 13,600' on the last weekend of Oct.
It was 13 degrees at the top that night but no wind.

I have a lot of experience with the Tahoe area.
The weather is entirely unpredictable that far out this time of year.
Tahoe has already had two small storms that dropped snow up high.
This fall, so far, seems to be cooler than typical… that could continue… or it could warm up… entirely unknown.

But it is highly unlikely that there would be enough snow to ski on by the 20th.
But maybe enough to make hiking difficult.

Be prepared for cold nights, cool/windy days, and high winds.

Bill D

There are MANY other places to hike in Utah… with more dependable/warmer weather than Tahoe is likely to be by October 20.

Escalante area… Cedar Mesa Area… to name two..

Bill D

"I even brought my dog as I did not see a single person the entire time."

Too bad you didn't see a ranger. Bringing dogs into KCNP backcountry is against the law, not to mention downright irresponsible even if you don't get caught.

"Too bad you didn't see a ranger. Bringing dogs into KCNP backcountry is against the law, not to mention downright irresponsible even if you don't get caught."

A big +1 to that. Lame.

A good book that has beginner to intermediate+ Utah trips is:

Wow Guides: Utah Canyon Country… by Kathy & Craig Copeland..
(with lots of nice pics to inspire)

Michael Kelsey books tend to be more advanced… and 3x his times

Many of these are on BLM land and it's hard to imagine the government having much control over who goes out there this time of year…

Bill D

"I even brought my dog as I did not see a single person the entire time."

Why edit that out? We know who. +1 on Lameness x 100.

Thanks to you all. Ruled off is Tahoe until spring. I have been trolling the trip report index and been pulled time and time again towards the grand gulch area. Just not sure if I'm getting over my head bringing a few little ones with me to a new area. Skills are good but want no silly risk. Sounds pretty tame…. Thanks for the advice and the reads… looking into them tomorrow!