Biking in North Lake Tahoe
Cycle into Summer!
Whether you’re looking for heart pumping mountain biking or easy-going routes for the whole family, we’ve got you covered!
Mountain Biking
Road Biking
Historic Donner Pass
If you’re looking for a gorgeous biking path with stunning views, this is the one to ride! Starting at Donner Pass Rd. and Frates Lane in Truckee, follow Donner Pass Rd. and ride along bike lanes by Donner Lake’s north shore. In peak summer months, you’ll want to be careful because this popular path will be used by both motorists and pedestrians. As you continue on Donner Pass Road, you’ll ride over the famous arched bridge on the 5-mile climb to the summit, offering scenic views of Donner Lake and the valley below. Be careful of the descent, it can get fast quickly!
Tahoe City-Truckee
This 30 mile loop along River Rd. (Highway 89), takes riders from Tahoe City north, through downtown of Historic Truckee and returns to Tahoe City. Whether you’re looking for a training opportunity to focus on your spinning and speed or a long, relaxing ride through the stunning scenery of North Lake Tahoe, this flat roadway is perfect! There are several places to stop along the river’s edge and enjoy the stunning scenery and Historic Truckee is a charming town with many heritage sites, hip restaurants and retail stores to explore!
South Upper Truckee
This popular ride through the Christmas Valley neighborhood is especially beautiful in fall when the Aspen trees turn gold. Near the road’s end, there’s a bridge across the Upper Truckee River and a serene meadow. This area, once the Celio Ranch, covers 13,000 acres.
Mountain Biking
Tahoe Rim Trail
The breathtaking Tahoe Rim Trail stretches across the ridge tops of the stunning Lake Tahoe Basin, traversing six counties and spanning two states! As you embark on this remarkable trail, you’ll encounter approximately fifty miles where it coincides with the renowned Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This technical singletrack meanders its way around the entirety of Lake Tahoe, providing an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience for trail enthusiasts.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Embark on the legendary Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a premier technical trail in South Lake Tahoe! This thrilling downhill adventure is a local favorite, offering an unrivaled experience in the region. With a challenging climb of over 3200 feet, the reward awaits at the top, where an exhilarating descent begins. The trail showcases impressive technical sections, including the daring descent from Tucker Flat and captivating singletrack through Saxon Creek drainage. Prepare for a remarkable blend of panoramic views, meadows, and enchanting forests. The mostly singletrack downhill is packed with technical challenges. Covering just over 20 miles, ensure you have ample hydration, for this unforgettable ride.
Flume Trail
The awe-inspiring Flume Trail near Incline Village is an absolute must! Suitable for experienced riders, this trail spans 14 miles at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, this moderately challenging one-way trail entails over 1,000 feet of climbing. The reward? Magnificent panoramic views of Lake Tahoe! Begin your adventure at Tunnel Creek Cafe, where you can fuel up with a great breakfast before renting a bike and catching the shuttle to Spooner Lake State Park. After conquering the trail, return to the bike shop and cafe for a well-deserved beer, completing an unforgettable day!
Bike Park at Northstar
Northstar California’s renowned bike park is consistently hailed as one of North America’s finest lift-access parks. What makes it even better? It’s all downhill, with trails categorized like ski runs, catering to riders of all skill levels. Some of the best runs are Livewire, their premier 2.1-mile flow trail with 42 jumps, meticulously watered twice daily for a lightning-fast, smooth ride. Another gem is Coaster, their newest blue trail blending intermediate berms, jumps, and natural obstacles—a perfect progression for those advancing from green to blue trails.
For a detailed bike map of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area, check the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition!