LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – A new homegrown endurance challenge is taking root in the Reno–Tahoe region with the launch of the Tahoe Five Peaks (T5), a 24‑hour, five‑summit mountain route created for everyday people who want to test themselves on Tahoe’s most iconic terrain.
The T5 links five major peaks, more than 50 miles of trail, and over 13,500 feet of elevation gain into a single continuous push. Unlike a race, the T5 is a self‑paced challenge: no bibs, no start gun, no finish‑line arch — just a big day in the mountains and a community that celebrates effort over competition.
“The T5 is built on a simple idea: big days build big people,” said Philip Clark, co‑founder of the Tahoe Five Peaks Challenge. “Tahoe has some of the most inspiring terrain in the West, and we wanted to create a challenge that honors that landscape while remaining accessible to normal people with big goals. We are calling this the Toughest Day Hike in America”
The route, maps, and planning resources are available at www.tahoe5peaks.com, including trailhead briefings, safety notes, and recommended preparation. Participants can attempt the T5 on their own or with a group of friends for fun or to raise money for charity.
“This is about connection — to the mountains, to the community, and to your own capacity,” said Jason Perkins [co-founder]. “People finish the T5 with a different sense of what they’re capable of.”
A Community‑Driven Challenge
The T5 is part of a growing movement of grassroots endurance challenges in the Tahoe Basin. Organizers emphasize safety, preparation, and Leave No Trace principles, encouraging participants to plan thoroughly, carry proper gear, and respect seasonal conditions.
Local businesses and outdoor groups have already expressed interest in supporting the challenge through awareness, training meetups, and community events. As the challenge grows and evolves, we seek partnerships with local businesses and charities for the benefit of the community from what we hope will become a national hiking rite of passage.
Upcoming Event Dates
There is no defined event date for the T5, participants chose the day that best matches their schedule. The challenge organizers highly recommend the period from July 1 through October 31 as the optimal weather window. Even if you’re not pushing for a 24-hour finish, we recognize those who want to attempt the challenge over a weekend or to take in each peak over 5 consecutive days.
However, on July 1, the company’s founders will be making an inaugural attempt at the challenge, starting at midnight at the Mt Rose trailhead, and attempting to be finished by 11:59 p.m. at the Kingsbury Grade North Trailhead on the same day after hiking Mt Rose, Granite Chief, Mt Tallac, Freel Peak and Genoa Peak.
For more information and to sign up, visit https://tahoe5peaks.com/.