Join High Sierra Pilots for a scenic morning of flying around the Lake Tahoe basin during our Tahoe Poker Run. Pilots will visit several Sierra Nevada airports, collect playing cards along the way, and return to Carson City to see who finishes with the best, and worst, poker hand of the day.

This is a relaxed club event designed to get people in the air, enjoy the scenery, and spend time with other pilots around the region.

Event Schedule

The Poker Run window will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Pilots may begin the run at any time during the morning. Simply start at Carson City Airport, visit the participating airports in any order, and return to the High Sierra Pilots office before noon to turn in your cards.

Winners will be announced during a lunch gathering at noon back at the High Sierra Pilots clubhouse.

Participating Airports

Start and Finish
Carson City Airport (at KCXP you will get your final card)

Poker Run Stops

Truckee Tahoe Airport (KTRK)
Lake Tahoe Airport (KTVL)
Alpine County Airport (M45)
Minden Tahoe Airport (KMEV)

Pilots may visit the airports in any order.

Distance and Flight Time

The full loop around the Tahoe region is approximately 110 to 120 nautical miles, depending on the order you choose.

Typical leg distances are roughly:

KCXP to KTRK — 27 NM
KTRK to KTVL — 23 NM
KTVL to M45 — 30 NM
M45 to KMEV — 22 NM
KMEV to KCXP — 12 NM

A typical Cessna 172 cruising at about 105 to 110 knots can expect roughly 1.1 to 1.3 hours of cruise time.

Allowing for climbs, descents, and pattern work, most pilots will spend about 1.7 to 2.2 hours total flight time completing the run.

How the Poker Run Works

Each participating airport will have a volunteer host with a deck of cards.

When you land, walk up to the Poker Run table, draw one card from the deck, and keep it.

Visit all participating airports and collect five cards total.

When you return to Carson City, present your cards at the High Sierra Pilots office to record your hand.

Standard poker rankings apply.

Snacks at Every Stop

Each airport will have a small welcome table hosted by a volunteer along with a treat for arriving pilots.

You might find donuts at Alpine County, snacks at Truckee, or other small surprises along the way. It is a simple way to stop, stretch your legs, meet other pilots, and enjoy the morning.

Club Member Benefit

This event is sponsored by High Sierra Pilots.

Core members flying club aircraft may receive up to 1.5 hours of flight time comped, meaning those hours will not be deducted from the member’s flight hour bucket during the Poker Run.

Prizes

Best Poker Hand Prize

A $200 Gift Card to any Hilton Hotels in the U.S.

Worst Poker Hand Prize

It’s a surprise prize! But most likely it’s a “Tahoe Poker Run Worst Hand Champion” trophy.

Finish and Awards

All cards must be turned in by 12:00 PM at the High Sierra Pilots office at Carson City Airport.

Pilots will gather for lunch, socializing, and the prize announcements shortly after noon.