The 1844 Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, 10 California-bound families from Iowa, pioneered the first wagon route from the Humboldt River and through the Sierra Nevada. They drove their covered wagons up this section of the rugged Upper Truckee River Canyon.

Once fully developed, this trail will extend 114 miles, connecting Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake following the Truckee River. Depending on what part of the trail you’re on, you may find a mix of pavement, fire road, and singletrack. The section in downtown Reno is paved, and a popular starting point is Idlewild Park (parking lot and public restrooms). Find the downtown Reno section map here and the full trail map here.

Executive Director Mark Cameron and Board Member Mary Beth Roselli explain the “audacious idea” that is the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, update the progress of the trail as they strive for its completion, and share their favorite sections for hikers, runners and cyclists.