In the winter, folks congregate in the mountains schussing the slopes of resorts likes Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows. In the summer, most individuals end up migrating to the legendary beaches and pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. For those that love fun of the two-wheeled variety, want to get away from the crowds, or just looking to spice up their vacation adventure, look no further than the world class mountain bike trails located in the forests & peaks surrounding the basin. To help, we’ve created the following Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Trail Guide to give you a taste of what’s available to shred (of the dirt kind).
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Saxon Creek)
Length: 8.9 miles (1,300’ elevation gain) with shuttle or 20-mile loop (3,000’ + elevation gain)
Difficulty: Expert
David Orr navigating one of the first of many rock gardens – Photo by: Local Freshies®
We couldn’t start this list without calling THE trail that put Lake Tahoe mountain biking on the map. Rough, rugged, and relentless, this downhill trail is littered with rock gardens, drops, and one-of-a kind features like the “the steps.” For those wondering what it’s REALLY like, be sure to read our personal experience of hitting Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Directions
Shuttle Route: From Meyers, drive up Highway 89 to Big Meadow trailhead or continue further to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) trailhead. Note: Even with the shuttle, there’s over 1,300’+ vertical feet of climbing and a few walk-a-bike sections.
Loop: From South Lake Tahoe, head south on Pioneer Trail and make a left onto Oneidas. Continue onto Fountain Place and park in the dirt parking lot on the right. Ride up the paved road to Armstrong Trail which will connect you to the summit of Mr. Toad’s. DO NOT ascend Mr. Toad’s.
Tahoe Mountain Loop
Length: 7.53 miles (1,076’ elevation gain)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Taking the initial climb up Tahoe Mountain
We know what you’re thinking… Tahoe Mountain? Yup, the small mountain that’s just past the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe is called Tahoe Mountain. Home to a great network of trails, this is a good option for spring when the higher elevation terrain is still buried with feet of snow. The most difficult part is the moderate difficulty climb to the top. Once you reach the ridgeline, all the hard work is worth it. With views of Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe, and the Angora burn area, the payoff is amazing.
Directions
There are a few different spots to park but a good one to start is to take Lake Tahoe Boulevard past the “Y.” Park where Sawmill Pond and Lake Tahoe Boulevard Bike Path intersect. From here, take the path until you hit the first dirt trail and begin the climb up, following the signs of the Tahoe Mountain Trail.
Tip: In the summer due to the open terrain, it’s good to ride this section earlier in the day.
Powerline
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Beginner
The single track on Powerline Trail is amazing – Image taken by: Local Freshies®
First time on a bike? Then look no further than the Powerline Trail. This trail offers a taste of what mountain biking is all about without putting you over your head. Featuring seasonal creek crossings, easy banked turns, a few gradual climbs, and throw in some scenic vistas, you got yourself the perfect recipe to get hooked on the sport.
Directions
Being a commuter trail, you can literally hop on this trail from anywhere but most either head to the start or finish of the trail. The first and most popular is to head to the top of Ski Run Blvd and take a right onto Saddle Road where it dead ends & the trail begins. The other option is to access it via High Meadows Road off of Pioneer Trail. Generally, this trailhead offers a lot more parking. Follow the asphalt until it ends and park there or continue another mile up the forest access road to the terminal parking lot. The trail starts north out of the parking area.
Tyrolean Downhill
Length: 3 Miles (shuttle)
Difficulty: Expert
Photo by: Chris Bartkowski – Image appears courtesy: Go Tahoe North
As the name states, this is a true downhill ride descending over 2,000 feet. Filled with jumps, berms, rock gardens and a few sandy sections, it’s a challenging ride even though riders on MTB Project rate it as Intermediate. This might be due to the fact that most of the difficult features can be avoided. The trail ends near Diamond Peak resort making for a perfect shuttle option.
Note: The TRT section between Hwy 431 and Tunnel Creek Rd is open to mountain bikes only on even days. If you’re there on an odd day, you can access it from Mt. Rose Hwy & old parallel jeep road to avoid the TRT bike restrictions.
Directions
Once you have a car parked at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, head up Mt. Rose Highway (NV-431) to the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead. From the Mt. Rose Tahoe Rim Trailhead, head south for approximately one mile. Tyrolean Downhill will drop from the first prominent vista.
The Flume
Length: 14 miles (shuttle with 1,000’+ elevation gain)
Difficult: Intermediate
Photo by: Local Freshies®
When it comes to scenery and views, every other trail pales in comparison to the world-renowned Flume trail. Located high above the eastern shore, words cannot express how majestic the sights are. The reason why it’s designated Intermediate is less from the downhill but rather that the first four miles feature a consistent 1,000’ climb. For those wondering what to expect, be sure to read our personal experience of riding the Flume Trail.
Note: For those with a fear of heights, be forewarned some of the sections of the singletrack are over 1,500’ above the lake.
Antone Meadows Loop
Length: 8.5 Miles (282 elevation gain)
Difficulty: Beginner
For those that enjoy wildflowers and want to experience the peace and beauty of nature, look no further than the Antone Meadows Loop. This well maintained relatively flat route starts with a gradual climb transitioning into a downhill cruise through a grassy meadow. Featuring bridges at all the creek crossings and many optional side routes, it’s a great choice for families to get some ride time together.
Directions
From Carnelian Bay, take Highway 89 south and make a right onto Fabian Way. Take the first right (Village Road) and make a left onto Country Club Drive, parking at the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area.
Sierra Canyon
Length: via Kingsbury North 18 miles / via Spooner Summit 16 miles (shuttle 1,600’ elevation gain)
Difficulty: Intermediate/Expert
One of the many, many shale zones on the Sierra Canyon Trail
This is a BEAST of a ride. On the surface, it sounds amazing. 4,000 vertical foot descent. Breathtaking views of Carson Valley. And at the end, you get to enjoy a pint at the OLDEST bar in Nevada. As you delve deeper though, cracks begin to form. First, this is a ROUGH ride featuring shale switchbacks for almost ¾ of the downward segments. Let’s just say your hands will be sore from all the jostling. Also, be prepared to repair cut sidewalls. With that said, this is a true adventure from top to bottom. Once you do make it to Genoa, you’ll feel like you accomplished a feat. For our personal experience of riding this trail, mosey on over to our article – I Fought The Mountain & The Mountain Won.
Directions
To ride the full length of the trail, you’ll most likely need a shuttle. There are two ways to get to the top of the Sierra Canyon Trail. For the Kingsbury North Trailhead from Stateline, take US-50 north and make a right onto Kingsbury grade. Make a left onto Benjamin Drive and follow the meandering road until it ends. From here, ascend the Tahoe Rim Trail and follow it for approximately 5 miles until it intersects with Sierra Canyon. For Spooner from Stateline, continue on US-50 until the Spooner Summit trailhead. Park on right and take the Tahoe Rim Trail until it intersects with the Sierra Canyon Trail.
