Giddy-Up

Tahoe rim trail association

Petra Keller and Red, a Nevada Mustang, ride a portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail during the June 2014 Historic Pony Express Re-Ride.

Did you know that every year the National Pony Express Association conducts a re-ride of the historic 1,800 miles of the Pony Express Trail? It's true! More than 600 equestrians ride the original route carrying mail along the trail each year.

This Saturday, Aug. 9, visitors and Tahoe Rim Trail challengers are invited to join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) for a fun event centered around the Pony Express.  

TRTA volunteers will be stationed at the Grass Lake trail head (off of Hwy 89 in Meyers, CA near Big Meadow visitors) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event runs in conjunction with the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge. Participants of the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge (they’ll know if you’re registered by your black and green Trail Challenge T-shirt) are eligible to receive a free Coffeebar gift certificate and photo opps with the trail mascot, McLeod the Marmot.  

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Tahoe Rim Trail and the historic Pony Express Trail," shares Petra Keller, a member of the TRTA Board of Directors. “Everyone loves seeing horses on the trail and kids especially love to feed carrots to our horses.” Ranked among the most remarkable feats of the American West, the Pony Express was in service from April 1860 to Nov. 1861. Its primary mission was to deliver mail and news between St. Joseph, MO and San Francisco, CA.

Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge

Participants have until Dec. 31 to explore six pristine locations selected for the 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge while supporting the organization that is focused on trail stewardship. Upon registration, receive direct access to downloadable maps and hike descriptions as well as a one-year membership to the TRTA. Members will also receive a tech T-shirt.

Membership: $55 for individuals, $85 for families, $20 for existing TRTA members

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association also offers a variety of hikes, like this weekend’s full moon excursions, designed especially for the public and members.