The Tahoe Yosemite trail isn't an official trail such as the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail. Its existence is due to a book written to describe a route in the Sierras. The Tahoe Yosemite Trail book is written by Thomas Winnett and is available at hiking stores or over the internet. The trail receives no funding for maintenance except what any other trail would receive. The fact that this isn't an official trail is illustrated by the fact that there are two cross country routes, one of which will take you to over 10,000 feet. The northern most route is fairly easy, but the second higher one is more difficult just because the elevation makes it harder to breath. This past summer I was in this area and I noticed that the Forest Service map showed a trail for this higher cross country route from Clark Fork Meadow connecting with St Marys Pass above Highway 108. I wrote the Forest Service to inquire about this section and their reply was that this is not a trail and that this segment will be removed from future maps. Their map is the only one I've seen that shows this trail.

That said, this is a trail I'd like to hike again. The trail starts at Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe and ends 185 miles later at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. There is one trail option that I recommend. The second cross country route takes you over the crest from Clark Fork Meadow to highway 108. From there you must travel 10 miles along the highway to Kennedy Meadows before you get back on a trail. I recommend that when you reach the highway you go up the road half a mile to Sonora Pass where you can join the Pacific Crest Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail rejoins the Tahoe Yosemite Trail shortly after entering Yosemite. This is the route I chose and I think its very scenic.

FOOD: There is one post office along this route at Echo Lakes near Lake Tahoe. You can mail a package to yourself General Delivery. Make sure to put an expected arrival date. I've also heard that you can deliver packages to Kennedy Meadows and they'll hold them. I don't know if they charge a fee. The Lake Alpine Lodge used to accept food packages but I'm no longer sure that they still do. I find it hard to believe that they would have stopped so I would contact them before mailing anything to them. 

2015. Check back because I've heard that someone has obtained permission from the Forest Service to deliever packages to Sonora Pass.

NOTE: Food Canisters are required when you enter Yosemite National Park when hiking above 9,000 feet. This trail goes through some areas that are known for bears so be prepared to chase bears off. Make sure you leave nothing in your pack that smells, even your tooth brush! If you don't they might rip your pack apart. Leave all pockets open at night on your pack. Be prepared for bears along the rest of the route, but you're less likely to see them.

PERMITS: Permits from the north end of the trail can be obtained from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Center as its the closest to the trailhead. If you start your hike from Yosemite you'll want to visit their webpage.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE TRAILHEAD: