NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IS A HUGE SUCCESS IN LAKE TAHOE
Residents and visitors encouraged to register for 2013 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge this summer
One hundred and forty volunteers came together in Van Sickle Bi-state Park to build trail with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association on National Trails Day (June 1), and dozens of new participants trekked to the first of six exceptional Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge destinations in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Offering incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, the 165-mile long Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the world’s most scenic trails. Established in Tahoe in 1981, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is a membership-supported organization that maintains and enhances the Tahoe Rim Trail.
“Our new program highlights alpine lakes and creeks, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, amazing vista points, and unique geologic features. We’re still in the early phase of the first-ever Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge, so now is the time to round up your friends and coworkers to start an incredible summer adventure,” said Kristine Mitchell, TRTA’s Vice President of Trail Use. “Depending upon the trail and season, you can bike, hike, ride horseback, ski or snowshoe to the Trail Challenge destinations. It’s all about fun - get out there and go!”
“The Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge presents our faculty, students and staff with a unique motivation to get outside and explore a region we sincerely treasure,” said Dr. Stephen Wells, President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI). “For several decades DRI scientists have produced an array of comprehensive scientific studies to better understand the region’s complex ecology. This work, combined with the environmental stewardship efforts lead by community organizations like the TRTA is providing the roadmap to a healthier future for the entire Tahoe basin.” DRI joins Spin Games, NV Energy and REI among other corporate participants in support of the 2013 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge.
The Trail Challenge is a self guided outdoor recreation program offered by TRTA. Everyone who registers becomes eligible for many on-the-trail giveaways. Coming up soon, Squeeze In, a favorite restaurant that is consistently voted Best Breakfast in North Tahoe, Truckee and Reno and home of “The Best Omelettes on the Planet,” is offering up to 300 EggHead Gift Certificates on a pre-designated “giveaway day” exclusively for Trail Challenge participants. Squeeze In President, Shila Morris exclaimed, "We live here too! This is our community and our trail. The Squeeze has been a favorite with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for decades. We love the opportunity to support the Tahoe Rim Trail. We'd like to help you get egg on your face with a free breakfast!"
Additional surprise giveaways are planned throughout the summer and fall. Registration also includes access to a special members-only webpage where participants share pictures and trail experiences, a trail tech T-shirt and a full year TRTA membership. The website offers descriptions of the six Trail Challenge locations, photo and story sharing capability, and electronic tracking of individual achievements.
Wondering which places along the Tahoe Rim Trail have been signaled out for 2013? Part of the fun of joining the challenge is discovering the absolutely stunning sites. Here’s a peek – one journey takes you 2.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 700 feet and culminates with a spectacular waterfall and stunning Lake Tahoe vistas. Another site is 3.5 miles roundtrip and features wild flowers blooming in a lush meadow. Register online to learn more about these amazing sites and begin your adventure on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Join the Trail Challenge to get started in 2013. Trail Challenge membership costs $55 for individuals, $85 for couples and there are custom corporate packages. Existing TRTA members can enroll for just $20. For details and registration visit www.tahoerimtrail.org.
Support for the 2013 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge comes from individuals and companies including NV Energy, Spin Games, REI, Desert Research Institute, The Weekly, 101.5, KOLO 8, Reno Gazette Journal and Capital Public Radio as well as Sunshine Tahoe, Squeeze In, KristineMitchell.com, KPS|3, North American Embroidery and NC Communications.
Nicole Cheslock, NC Communications, nicole@nicolecheslock.com, (415) 902-8494
ABOUT THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION (TRTA)
Established in 1981, TRTA is a membership-supported organization that maintains and enhances the Tahoe Rim Trail, a trail like no other™. TRTA exists to practice and inspire stewardship, promote access to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe region and sustain the Tahoe Rim Trail system. This mission is accomplished through two overarching programs: Trail Operations and Trail Use. Both programs offer in-depth trainings and rewarding volunteer opportunities. TRTA recruits, trains and manages approximately 1,000 volunteers who contribute more than 17,000 hours annually to support TRTA’s mission. Volunteer efforts, individual and corporate donations and grant funding make TRTA’s annual stewardship work and more than one hundred free public offerings possible. Visit http://www.tahoerimtrail.org.
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