Alex

The Winthrop Chelan Traverse gives you everything you want in a two-day bikepacking trip: big climbs, beautiful views, a relaxed campout, and an exciting descent straight to lakeside beaches. It’s a classic central Washington ride with dry air, wide-open country, and miles that fly by faster than you

Your ride begins in the old Western-themed town of Winthrop, where you can park your car or get dropped off. Bring your own bike or rent one from a local bike shop. Methow Cycle & Sport and Winthrop Mountain Sports are both super friendly spots with bike rentals. Start early on your first day and follow

Wake up surrounded by calm forest and morning light, break camp, and continue climbing for a short while before the big descent. As you ride past Parrish Peak, the gravel quickly becomes a bit rougher, and the grade steepens near Cooper Mountain. Once you crest the high point, the rest of the day trends

First thing in the morning, say goodbye to the Pacific Crest Trail and head east on the Tahoe Rim Trail, descending toward Tahoe City, where a warm meal and a hot shower await. Early in the day, you have the option to take a slight detour to summit Twin Peaks. From the top, there are fantastic views

My favorite thing about hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail is the early mornings; there is usually clearer weather closer to dawn, and birds chirping. I recommend waking up early to enjoy a quiet morning before setting out, especially today with the sun rising in the east, lighting up the peaks around Lake Aloha

The Tahoe Rim Trail circles 165 miles around the entire “Jewel of the Sierra,” Lake Tahoe, with beautiful forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and ridge walks that take your breath away. I have chosen my hands-down favorite 50-mile section of the TRT, a moderately challenging route that traverses the Desolation

Leaving camp near Upper Velma Lake, rejoin the Tahoe Rim Trail and pass Middle Velma Lake, heading north. The Tahoe Rim Trail passes through thick forests and occasional open meadows. Filter and fill up water from Phipps Creek, it is your last reliable water source for the next 5.5 miles.



As you continue

Begin your journey into the Desolation Wilderness on the Tahoe Rim Trail at Echo Summit, just south of the town of South Lake Tahoe. Start early in the morning on your first day at a mellow pace if you are getting acclimated to the altitude here. Before you set out, double-check that you have packed

Depart from Richardson Lake and continue north through a mix of lodgepole pine and fir, crossing Miller Creek early in the day. You’ll encounter several more small streams after that, some of which are seasonal, so fill up when you can. As you approach Tahoe City, the Tahoe Rim Trail occasionally crosses