As I write this, I’m looking out the window and thinking I should be outside, not inside.  Regardless, summer is here and it’s a great time to be on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT). The Board just met and wow, the team is firing on all cylinders. We have unmatched participation from our strong and growing Board, and new avenues for trail improvements, promotion, and future planning are opening doors every day.

As we reach the significant milestone of 250 years of the USA, I am reminded of what I have learned by being involved with the TPT. All along the trail are signs of our place and our time in history. We can see the remnants of ancient Native American trails and gathering places, persistent ruts from what were once wagon trails, the brunt impact of the transcontinental railroad, the access provided by the Lincoln Highway, and of course, the major impact and convenience of Interstate 80. I’m grateful for the foresight, vision, and execution of the development of the TPT, providing unprecedented access to hikers and bikers through the entire length of the Truckee River Canyon. We are also now taking our place in history.

The TPT is a gift to ourselves, and perhaps most importantly, a gift to future generations. I can’t think of any other organization in Northern Nevada that had the wisdom to develop a permanent endowment along with implementing their core mission, which in our case is “Exploring the nature and history of the Truckee River at ground level.” The TPT helps preserve the history of the Truckee River Corridor by building the trail respectful of that history, and helps tell the story of past generations who lived and traveled along the river.

An endowment is a permanent fund that is invested, with the income forever directed to help achieve the mission. Our endowment, with major gifts by Janet Phillips, John Strangman and Greg Nelson, provides about a third of our total income, helping with major annual trail improvements as well as maintenance and other organizational expenses. An endowment may not sound sexy, but it is a true mark of permanence and excellence. Click this link to check out the thoughtful individuals who have planned to leave a bequest gift to the TPT endowment https://tahoepyramidtrail.org/legacy-giving/  

Please consider a bequest to ensure that the TPT is not only here forever, but that it also is able to be improved to provide even better access as well as the best experience ever for users.

~ Chris Askin,TPT Board Chair

This 4th of July is special, marking 250 years of independence. No matter where you are, you can enjoy fireworks, parades, and plenty of other fun activities.

If you’re feeling adventurous, some groups have set up relays and races across the country. One of them, called “The American Discovery 250 Relay”, will use part of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. On July 14, the route passes Olympic Valley and then joins the Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s a big challenge, and I admire their drive.

For me, I’ll take a more relaxed position. Some of my fondest summer memories center around the 4th of July celebrations. My hometown is on Lake Michigan, with a lovely park and a boat harbor. During the 200th celebration, I was in college and came home for the summer. The city band played at the bandstand and fireworks lit up the sky over the lake. Everyone brought blankets and sat on the grassy hill to watch. It really felt like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. And in some years, we even needed down jackets. Honestly, every 4th of July brings back wonderful memories from my childhood. My sister, who still lives there, will be keeping the tradition alive with about 30 other family members and friends on the beach! 

But this is a big celebration, so I am going to do my own challenge. I am going to pick 4 trails that I have not hiked or biked and create my own challenge for this monumental year. Sounds interesting? I could use some recommendations. Help me reach my celebratory goal. Send your ideas to mbroselli@tptrail.org

This year, I hope everyone stays safe, celebrates our 250th birthday with friends throughout the year, and appreciates all the amazing trails available to us.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

The sun-filled days we experience in the West filled with blue skies are hopefully calling out to you this summer. The views are amazing with towering mountains, pristine lakes, and forested trails right outside our doors. Maybe this summer, you will take the opportunity to hike the completed sections of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) and join our 93 Mile Club! Before you step out that door, take some time to prepare to safely enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Here are some tips to keep in mind even on a short hike. Preparation and planning can keep a great experience from turning into something no one wants, such as heat exhaustion, getting lost, or running out of daylight.

Let’s stick with some very basic tips:

For more details on how you can stay safe this summer while hiking the local trails, the American Hiking Society has a great article that is worth your time to read: 

https://americanhiking.org/summer-safety-series/

Challenge yourself this summer. Go out and explore a new trail. Join the TPT’s 93 Mile Club. You will never know what you will discover unless you allow yourself time to explore the great outdoors. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Our volunteer community came together this season for two impactful volunteer events, proving once again that a little elbow grease goes a long way toward keeping our trail beautiful and safe.

In early May, volunteers gathered along the Truckee River Trail section of the TPT in Tahoe City, for a clean-up event sponsored by Mesa Rim Climbing Center. Armed with tools and trash bags provided by the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD), the group spent the day picking up litter and tidying the trail corridor along the river. Big thank-yous to the generosity of Mesa Rim Climbing Center and TCPUD, and the hard work of every volunteer who showed up!

A bigger undertaking unfolded along an eastern section of trail, near NV Energy’s Tracy Pond, where TPT brought in Western Arborists to remove hazardous trees along the corridor. The work here didn't stop with the professionals; dedicated volunteers showed up three days in a row following the arborists' work, clearing debris from the trail and staging branches and brush for the chipper truck. It was a true team effort, and the trail is safer and clearer thanks to the combined efforts of Western Arborists and our incredible volunteer crew.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to these two events! Projects like these are made possible by a community that cares.

If you are ready to get involved again, then mark your calendars for this coming Saturday, July 11th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, when we'll be partnering with One Truckee River to plant trees at Fisherman's Park II, just east of downtown Reno. Whether you're a seasoned TPT volunteer or joining for the first time, we'd love to have you out there with us! Click below to sign up for this event, or feel free to email catherine@tptrail.org with any questions.

~ Catherine Escamilla, TPT Programs Coordinator

Most people consider REMSA an ambulance service, but they are much more. One service they provide is trained paramedics riding cargo bikes along the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) between downtown Reno and Sparks, as well as at other locations and outdoor events. They are part of REMSA's Special Teams, and their bikes are outfitted with life-saving equipment.

Based on a conversation I had with Sark Aerick, a REMSA Supervisor, these bicyclists can respond to medical emergencies faster than an ambulance. They can also navigate heavy traffic, crowds, or locations inaccessible to an ambulance, such as trails. Their purpose is to provide medical support until an ambulance can arrive. They also check in with people who may need assistance while on their bikes.

If you see them on the trail, thank them! We appreciate the service they provide to our community.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Our very cool TPT Cycling Jerseys are available at College Cyclery in Reno, Paco’s in Truckee, and Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City. 

We are looking for photos of people in action on the TPT. Take your camera and snap some publishable photos. Submit them to:

https://tahoepyramidtrail.org/2026-people-pictures/  

We would like to use them on social media and other marketing materials throughout the year. We are looking for fresh new images!

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

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