TAHOE RIM TRAIL EXPEDITION
FOR OVER 15 YEARS, 5 GYRES HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS GROUNDBREAKING OCEAN EXPEDITIONS. OUR TEAM CIRCUMNAVIGATED THE GLOBE, SAILING TO ALL FIVE SUBTROPICAL GYRES TO COLLECT DATA ON OCEAN PLASTICS AND PUBLISH THE WIDELY CITED GLOBAL ESTIMATE OF MARINE PLASTIC POLLUTION. BUT, THE PLASTIC CRISIS DOESN’T STOP AT THE OCEAN. MICROPLASTICS ARE ALSO PERVASIVE IN THE AIR, ON LAND, AND IN FRESHWATER BODIES AROUND THE WORLD. TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW PLASTIC POLLUTION MOVES THROUGH THESE ENVIRONMENTS, WE’RE HEADED ON OUR FIRST LAND-BASED SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION THIS SUMMER!
More About the Land-Based Expedition
ABOUT THE RESEARCH
This August and September, 5 Gyres is inviting participants to join us on the Tahoe Rim Trail. We are partnering with Tahoe Rim Trail Association for a guided backpacking adventure that includes daily TrashBlitz litter surveys for microplastic sampling of the air and soil.
This research will help establish a comprehensive baseline of plastic pollution in the Tahoe Basin. The findings will contribute to a detailed report and a peer-reviewed scientific paper. Together, these results will help inform stronger policies and innovative solutions aimed at protecting human health and the environment from microplastic pollution.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
The Tahoe Rim Trail circles more than ~165 miles around the rim of the Tahoe Basin. There will be significant climbs over 9,000 feet, with the highest section being Relay Peak at 10,338 feet. Hiking distances will range between 7 and 16 miles per day, averaging 11.75 miles per day. The trail ranges from moderate to strenuous, with a total gain/loss of 24,400 feet over the entire hike.
ABOUT THE COST
To participate in the Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition, participants must pay a fee of $1,500. This fee will help cover permits, food, field logistics, and guides. Travel to Lake Tahoe and personal gear are not included.
Limited scholarship support may be available. If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please indicate this in the application below. This opportunity is only open to US-based participants.
Join the Expedition!
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Submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance or participation in the Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition.
If accepted, the cost includes participation in the guided trip as well as all meals, but this cost does not include travel to and from Lake Tahoe or the cost of gear.
Expedition participants must be comfortable hiking long distances at elevation while carrying their own gear.
Participants must be over 18 years old.
Expedition Partners & Supporters
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining, enhancing, and preserving the 165+ mile Tahoe Rim Trail and surrounding 30 miles of connector trails. They promote stewardship, provide trail education/information, and offer guided, volunteer-supported, and educational programs.
Past Expeditions
5 Gyres was originally founded with the goal to investigate key unanswered questions about plastic pollution. We explored 50,000 nautical miles in search of plastic on 19 research expeditions, publishing groundbreaking research, building a global network of ambassadors, and inspiringchange along the way.
