Below are directions to the Powderhorn trailhead. From Interstate 80 in Truckee, take Highway 89S and drive to Tahoe City. Continue south on 89 from Tahoe City for another 4.2 miles to Caspian Picnic Area. Turn west on Blackwood Canyon Road. The road follows Blackwood creek for 2.3 miles, crosses the creek and then climbs 4.8 miles to Barker Pass.
Pavement ends at the summit.
The Powderhorn trailhead is 2.3 miles down the road from where the pavement ends. The next 1.7 miles descend through open forests to Little Buckskin and Buckskin Creeks. Beyond the creeks, the trail passes signs for Steamboat Mountain and Greyhorse Valley. In another mile, the trail crosses Steamboat Canyon and proceeds toward Rubicon River. Due to a landslide which is located about .5 miles down the trail from Steamboat Canyon, caution should be exercised on this part of the trail.