Lake Tahoe Biking Information
Goldfish Properties

Biking Lake Tahoe

What better way to see the beauty of Lake Tahoe than from the seat of a bicycle, pedaling through forests of heavenly pines and paths running along the water's edge. Of Lake Tahoe's 72-mile shoreline, 20 miles have been designated bike paths, which parallel the highways. However, if you'd like to venture into the backcountry and explore the road less traveled, Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with single tracks and fire roads galore! From short, strenuous rides, to all day pedaling excursions, there are plenty of rides to satisfy every biker's desire.

Bicycle Paths are open between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.  Use is generally longer, at your own risk.  The trails are not maintained during the winter months.  Lake Tahoe’s normal mountain biking season usually runs from July through November. 

Lake Tahoe biking is some of the best in the West!

Rules of the Road

• Ride safely at your own risk.
• Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws.
• Helmets are always recommended and they are mandatory for children under 18 years of age.
• Trails are for multiple uses - please yield - and remember to always ride at a safe speed.
• Keep to the right on bicycles, to the left if walking or running.
• Do not obstruct the trail, move to the side when stopping.
• Ride only where bicycles are permitted.
• Protect the environment and minimize erosion by avoiding wet and muddy areas.
• Please don't litter, pack it out.
• Watch for and yield to trail maintenance equipment and crews.
• Always notify others on the trails that you are about to overtake from behind with a loud "on your right (or left)".

There are over 30 miles of paved bike lanes along Lake Tahoe. If you and your friends are looking for a blast – this is the place to visit!

A fat-tire trek or a family cruise through the Lake Tahoe area is another way to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Bike rental shops offer mountain bikes, 10-speed street bikes, bicycles built for two, child carriers and safety helmets. There are plenty of back-country roads, non-wilderness trails, cross-country ski trails and areas designated for off-highway vehicles.

Take the paved Pope-Baldwin Bike Path, which hugs Highway 89 and leads west to Emerald Bay, or try the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, also paved, which starts at Highway 50 near El Dorado Beach and connects to other bike trails and lanes throughout the city of South Lake Tahoe and then into Nevada. For mountain bikers, the famous Flume Trail on the Lake's east side is a must.

1. Pope-Baldwin Bike Path (South Shore): The Forest Service maintains a nearly flat 3.4 mile path located on the south end of Lake Tahoe. This popular paved path passes through Camp Richardson and offers several scenic side trips to Pope and Baldwin Beach, the Tallac Historic Site, the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, and Fallen Leaf Lake. Please stay on the paved bike trail when passing through the Tallac Historic Site!
2. South Lake Tahoe Bike Path (City of South Lake Tahoe): Starting where U.S. Highway 50 first touches Lake Tahoe at El Dorado Beach and Picnic Area, this increasingly popular paved path connects to other bike trails and lanes throughout the city of South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada. Part of the meandering bike trail bridges over Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River with views across Truckee Marsh to Lake Tahoe. Bike lanes along U.S. Highway 50 continue to the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path.
3. Tahoe Trailways (West Shore) Bike Path: Tahoe City serves as the hub of the Trailways Bike Path system and offers access to numerous West Shore activities. Fifteen miles of paved pathways extend from Tahoe City in three directions. Funded by Cal Trans and maintained by the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD), this popular system of trails connects Sugar Pine Point State Park on the south, Alpine Meadows on the northwest and Dollar Point on the northeast. Campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, restaurants, the Gatekeeper's Cabin Museum, and the communities of Homewood, Tahoe Pines, Sky land, Timberland, Pineland, and Sunnyside are found along the way.
4. Incline Village/Lakeshore Drive Bike Path (Northeast Shore): Known locally in Incline Village as "The Joggers Trail", this 2.5 mile long paved trail starts at Gateway Park on Highway 28. Maintained by Washoe County, this path passes close to the shore of Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay and many interesting attractions.

Easy rides:
If you're just getting started, and want a simple ride, or maybe there's a troop of kids involved, the 3-mile long paved path near Camp Richardson is the ticket. Located on Hwy 89 N. in South Lake Tahoe, the trail meanders near the lake and has absolutely no hills for the little ones.

Further north on Hwy 89, toward Tahoe City, another paved bike trail starts below Homewood, and is one of the most scenic trails in all of Tahoe. Rather than taking small children, this is more suited to hearty juniors and geared bikes, since there are a few climbs and highway crossings. One direction from Sugar Pine Point into the 'Y' at Tahoe is 9 miles.
Paved Truckee River Trail:
Starting at the edge of Tahoe City closest to Squaw Valley, this four-and-a-half-mile, two-way trail is popular with runners, rollerblades and people walking with baby and dogs, so don't expect to get up a lot of speed on a sunny Saturday. Still, the views of the Truckee River are first-rate. A good novice ride.

Intermediate Trails
If you're just starting your mountain bike career, and want to get in some easy singletrack, head to Truckee and try the Emigrant Trail ride. About 20 miles out and back, it offers rolling hills on a single dirt trail, and is categorized novice-to-intermediate.
From the same starting point are a couple of 17 mile intermediate and advanced rides.

North Reno abounds with great riding, and just south of the Truckee River and Mayberry Drive is the Steamboat Ditch Trail.   It is a single track for 7.5 miles; or add on an intermediate section for a total of just under 10 miles.  All the trails are very nicely layed out.
Ward Creek 16-mile Loop:   Challenging for novices, but easier for more advanced riders, this loop has few steep inclines. Starting at the William Kent Campground, the trail is 32 miles each way. Turn right on Pineland Drive, then left on Twin Peaks Road. The road eventually turns right and becomes Ward Creek Road. (The road's name changes to Courchevel Drive.) Turn right again at Chamonix after three miles, and then make another right. You will cross a creek then, when the road flattens out and you pass an old ski area, the road begins to descend for 7.8 miles and takes a sharp right turn. At 8.2 miles, there is a USFS gate. Soon after,

A little harder:
No list of great Sierra cycling can be without the Flume Trail, which is considered one of the most scenic bike rides in the nation. Classified for intermediates, it's not a ride for sissies. The trail starts out at Spooner Summit State Park (on the east shore), and even though it's a wide trail, it's a steady climb for 3.8 miles, before shooting a fun downhill to Marlette Lake. If you haven't ridden at altitude, the climb will be a scorcher on your lungs.

From Marlette, the true Flume Trail starts, which is a single track with spectacular Tahoe views for 4.5 miles. Another warning – there's often steep drop-offs from the trail, so if the scenery is sucking you in, stop pedaling. The single track rejoins a wide fire trail, for a downhill to Sand Harbor. In mid-summer, this section can be 3" of silt, so good tires are a must.

At Sand Harbor, there's a choice to pedal back to Spooner on the highway, or pay a fee for the shuttle service. The return pavement ride on Hwy 28 can have crazy-busy summer traffic, so the shuttle is a great option.
Top notch bicycle shops are usually available for bicycle repairs, maintenance, rentals and sales.

So no matter your cycling style – downhill speedster, mountain climber or just cruiser – Tahoe and Reno are chock-full of trail options. After all, nothing compares to the simple pleasures of a bike ride…
Trails

Incline Lakeshore:
A paved trail winds along the two miles of exclusive lakeshore real estate in Incline Village. They have uncrowned trails, with the exception of the areas directly next to Incline and Burnt Cedar beaches.

General Creek Loop:
Located at Sugar Pine Point State Park in Homewood on Tahoe's West Shore, this is a relatively easy ride. Beginning at the park's campground, turn left and cross a bridge after 2.5 miles. There is a marker at the four-mile point. Also suggested for a shorter trip, turn left and head back to the campground. To complete the loop stay on the fire road to Highway 89. Total distance is six miles.

Paige Meadows:
Beginning at the William Kent Campground near Tahoe City, this loop contains no extreme uphill and leads to an open meadow filled with wildflowers. Bring the camera and a picnic lunch. Follow the bike path north and turn left on Granlibakken Road. Another two miles up the trail you will turn left on Rawhide Drive, where a dirt road leads you to the meadow. Total loop is around 20 miles.

Moderate Trails

Watson Lake Loop Ride:
Starting at North Tahoe High School in Tahoe City, this ride is 16.5 miles long. Stay to the left for an immediate right turn. Go straight for one mile until you take a right at the fork. Another right takes you up to the edge of a meadow. After 3.6 miles, the single track ends. Go right and the Tahoe Rim Trail intersects at 4.5 miles. Stay on the main road for about six miles and continue straight ahead. At seven miles, turn right and Watson Lake is nearby.

Martis Peak Lookout:
An eight-mile ride with a tough climb and great lake views. Take 267 to Brockway Summit and turn onto Martis Peak Road. On the trail, go a mile and turn left, staying on the road until you reach a five points intersection. The trail eventually crests a ridge top. To reach the lookout, turn left at the crest and ride a little ways on.

South Camp Loop:
The distance on this loop ride is 14.5 miles and the elevation gain is a dizzying 2,080 feet. Beginning at Spooner Junction (see Marlette Lake Ride), take the trail to Genoa Peak Road behind the maintenance station on the southeast side of Highway 50. Stay on the right when White Hill Road intersects. Another road intersects on the left and goes to an overlook of the Carson Valley. You eventually come to two creeks after reaching the ridge top
and starting to descend. Go right on North Logan Creek junction. You'll intersect the start of the loop at the 13-mile point. Go left and end up back in the parking lot.

Expert Trails

Twin Peaks Bike and Hike Loop:
With an elevation gain of 2,400 feet and distance of 26 miles, this is truly an expert ride, not a Sunday stroll in the park. A sweeping lakeview at the top is the reward for tight track riding and steep climbs. Begin at William Kent Campground in Tahoe City and take the dirt road 2.2 miles. There is an intersection at seven miles. To hike the summit, stay right. On return, stay right again to ride to Stanford Rock. At 11.3 miles, there is a dissension to Ward Creek Road. To return to the campground,
right at this point.

Barker Pass Loop:
One-way distance is 22.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,710 feet. Begin in Tahoma and ride west on McKinney-Rubicon Springs Road (left on Bellvue, rights on Springs Road, and a left on McKinney-Rubicon). After passing the boulder fields at seven miles, the road to Ellis Peak intersects. The road to Buck Lake soon intersects on the right. After passing McKinney, Lilly and Miller lakes, the road to Richardson Lake intersects.
Northstar at Tahoe,  North Tahoe Regional Park and Donner Ski Ranch are beautiful mountain bike parks.

BICYCLE SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Wear a helmet.
   It is the law for persons under 18 years of age in California
• Ride with the traffic flow.
• Ride in a straight line and single file.
• Stop at stop signs and red lights.
• Use a light, reflectors, and reflective clothing during darkness.
• Wear bright clothing during daytime.
• Ride to the right if you are moving slower than other traffic,.
• Keep a safe distance from parked cars.
• Use proper hand signals when turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
• Use extra caution when it is raining/snowing-allow extra time to stop.
• Walk your bike when using a crosswalk.
• Do not wear headphones on both ears while riding.
• Keep your bike properly maintained, so it is safe.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages and ride.

Points of Interest
North Shore - California and Nevada
1 Truckee River Dam, Tahoe City
2 Truckee River Rafting, Tahoe City
3 Gate Keepers Cabin, Tahoe City
4 The Flume Trail, Spooner Lake/Incline Village
5 Mt. Bike Park, Northstar-at-Tahoe
6Thunderbird Lodge, Incline Village
7 Sand Harbor - Cultural Events, Incline Village
8 Erhman Mansion - Sugar Pine Point

Including mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing and covering the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee, Donner Summit, Desolation Wilderness, Granite Chief Wilderness, Mt. Rose Wilderness and Hope Valley

In addition to its popular downhill ski resorts and deep blue waters, the Lake Tahoe Basin is renowned for having some of the best mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing terrain in the world. The alpine climate, forested slopes, granite peaks and abundant lakes and streams create a spectacular outdoor recreation destination for all abilities.
We have just touched on a few of the scenic trails available in the Lake Tahoe region. 

On Dirt

Marlette Lake

A parking fee of $5 per vehicle is charged. A strenuous five-mile uphill ride leads you through picturesque North Canyon to Marlette Lake Dam.

Meiss Trail

Take Highway 89 five miles south from Meyers to the Big Meadows parking lot. Follow the trail at the southern end of the parking lot across the highway to the trailhead. Meiss Trail is five miles one way and is considered to be moderate to strenuous.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

This strenuous and technical ride drops from 9,000 feet to 6,800 feet in three miles! To access the trail, take the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Big Meadows parking lot 2.5 miles to Tucker Flat. Turn left and follow the drainage of Saxon Creek. The trail forks again in two miles. The right fork leads to Oneidas Street off of Pioneer Trail, while the left fork leads to Highway 89, south of the Highway 89/50 junction.

Tahoe Rim Trail

In September of 2001, the 130-mile Tahoe Rim Trail loop was completed! Enjoy breathtaking scenery with exceptional views of Lake Tahoe. One of the access points to the trail is 5.5 miles south on Highway 89, at the Big Meadows parking lot. The trail starts at the north end of the parking area. *Please note: All sections of the Rim Trail are NOT open to bikers. Read directional signs posted at the trailhead to see where you may and may not ride. Thank you!
To avoid the long ride back to your vehicle, leave a second vehicle at the Tahoe Rim Trail's entrance at the end of Andrea, located off of Kingsbury Grade (Nevada Highway 207) and North Benjamin.

Power Line Trail

Power Line Trail is a dirt road for the first few miles, as it does some ups and downs under its namesake power lines. Finally, it crosses a creek and abandons the lines, climbs up some switchbacks and ends at a tee on a dirt road. This is High Meadow Trail. Turn right and ride up about 1/3 mile, to get to the other section of the Power Line Trail. Turn left onto that section and you can ride right on over to Ski Run Boulevard, at the bottom of the California side of Heavenly. Alternatively, you could start this ride in the middle, because you can drive up High Meadow Trail (off of Pioneer Trail). Be aware that this entire trail allows dirt bikes.
Near Meyers, south of South Lake Tahoe, Pioneer Trail goes east off of California Highway 89. Take Pioneer to Oneidas, turn right. Park at the "Power Line Trail" sign (or nearby).

Star Lake Trail

The trail head is out of Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Stagecoach chair lift which is accessed by following the single track to top of the hill. Look for the Tahoe Rim Trail blue sign. This is a single track for 8 miles to Star Lake. Many get off their bikes during the first and four mile sections due to rock steps. The trail is clearly marked and by paying modest attention, you can not get lost.
From US 50 at South Lake Tahoe go into Nevada past the casinos. Travel up Highway 207 (Kingsbury Grade) 3 miles to Tramway Drive, turn right and then go to Heavenly's Stagecoach lift. Park in the parking lot.

On Road

South Lake Tahoe Bike Path

Starting at the El Dorado Beach and Picnic Area on US 50, this five-mile (one-way) bike path connects to other bike trails and lanes throughout the city of South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada. A section of the path meanders along Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River, with views across Truckee Marsh to Lake Tahoe.

Pope-Baldwin Bike Path

This paved trail is 3.4 miles one-way and covers two of South Lake Tahoe's most spectacular beaches and a complex of three famous estates.

Fallen Leaf Lake Road

Begin your adventure at Camp Richardson. Then head west on Highway 50 and take a left onto Fallen Leaf Lake Road. The paved road will take you into Fallen Leaf Lake. Along the way you'll see old Tahoe cabins and eventually reach the small store where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.