What began as a dream in 1977 is now a 165-mile trail around Lake Tahoe for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Retired U.S. Forest Service officer Glen Hampton researched and explored places along the perimeter for the trail to go. He nvestigated aged pathways used by early pioneers, Basque Shepherds, and the Washoe People. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA)was founded in 1981 and construction on the trail began three years later.