Rim Trail offers course on Women's Backpacking 101

If you've wanted to try backpacking, join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the free Women's Backpacking 101 course.

Led by volunteer guides and experienced backpackers, Ellen Goldsmith and Sue Henson, this class will introduce the basics of backpacking, trip planning, how to pack, bear awareness, campsite selection and set up, meal preparation and Leave No Trace principles.

Beginning backpackers are welcome but should be able to hike at elevation with a 20-30 pound backpack.

Participants must provide their own gear, food and clothing. Do not buy new gear, it can be rented for a small fee from the TRTA or outdoor stores, such as REI.

If borrowing equipment, try it out at home before the backpack to determine if it meets your needs. A gear list will be sent to participants.

This course will start with a review of participant gear. The guides will assist in fitting participants with their packs for best performance. Participants will follow the Tahoe Rim Trail through Big Meadows toward the western shore of Dardanelles Lake for an overnight camp. The total mileage for two days is eight miles.

The course begins 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Big Meadows Trailhead and ends 2 p.m. Sept. 19 in the same place.

For more information, and for prerequisites for this course, call the TRTA office at 775- 298-0238 or e-mail programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

Other upcoming Tahoe Rim Trail hikes include:

Watson Lake to Tahoe City

The hike will start 7:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the shallow Watson Lake and follow the Tahoe Rim Trail as it meanders through groves of fir, cedar and aspen and across open hillsides covered with Manzanita and Tobacco Bush.

Midway, the terrain flattens and a denser forest provides cool, quiet shade. The trail continues past the Lava Cliffs, a lovely overlook of Lake Tahoe, the peaks lining its north shore and the Truckee River Canyon before descending steadily to Tahoe City through a mixed forest.

Meeting place is Tahoe City North Trailhead, then carpool to Watson Lake. Participants must be fit and able to easily hike 12 miles. Bring three liters of water, lunch and snacks. Dress in layers. A hat, sunscreen and hiking poles are encouraged.

Diamond Peak

The route to Diamond Peak is mostly level, as it travels south through forests of western white pine, lodgepole pine, red fir, and Jeffrey pine.

The high point of the hike is slightly above 8,800 feet, while the destination is at 8,540 feet. After reaching the destination, we'll turn around and head back to the start for an 11-mile round trip hike.

Meet at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead and parking lot.