LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and El Dorado County announced the opening public scoping period for a joint environmental study of a proposed 6.5-mile extension to the West Shore Tahoe Trail from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park. The proposed project would extend one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic shared-use paths and bring the Tahoe Basin one step closer to a complete trail around the lake, according to the agencies.
The West Shore Tahoe Trail project is part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a network of more than 80 partners collaborating to solve Lake Tahoe’s most significant environmental challenges. More than 900 restoration and community revitalization projects have been completed since the program began in 1997.
Federal, state, and local government partners are planning the trail extension, which requires a joint environmental document. The initial public comment period, called scoping, allows community members, agencies, and other stakeholders to help identify potential impacts and specific areas of study, such as wildlife, water quality, forest health, and more.
About the Project
The proposed shared-use path is generally 10 feet wide and separated from the roadway. Designs include water quality improvements, accessibility, bridges, and boardwalks to protect sensitive stream zones, safety railings and retaining walls where needed, vista points, a transit stop with restrooms, and more.
The existing West Shore Tahoe Trail, part of Tahoe City Public Utility District’s 23-mile trail network, currently spans approximately 12 miles from Tahoe City and ends at Meeks Bay, leaving a critical gap in the shared-use path network for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users traveling south. The proposed project would extend the trail approximately 6.5 miles to D.L. Bliss State Park, advancing the regional vision for a continuous shared-use path around Lake Tahoe, commonly referred to as the Tahoe Trail. Completing the connection between Meeks Bay and D.L. Bliss State Park would improve connectivity between destinations, improve safety, and help reduce traffic congestion by providing alternative ways to travel the State Route 89 Corridor.
In 2025, the West Shore Tahoe Trail was dedicated to the memory of the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a longtime West Shore homeowner and Lake Tahoe advocate.
Engagement Opportunities
- Review the Notice of Preparation
- Attend the public scoping meeting on Nov. 2 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Tahoe City Public Utility District, 221 Fairway Drive, Tahoe City.
- Attend or tune in to the TRPA Advisory Planning Commission meeting Nov. 12.
- Submit comments in writing by Nov. 20 through the online comment form [trpa.gov/westshoretrail-commentform] or mail to TRPA at PO Box 5310, Stateline, NV 89449. Email comments to rcremeen@trpa.gov.
