The Truckee-Tahoe region has an abundance of great mountain biking trails for every endurance and ability level. Since there is such a wide selection of trails to choose from we will only highlight a few of the most popular and some of our personal favorites. Click on the links below for more details and directions.
Probably the most scenic of all Tahoe’s biking routes, the Flume Trail rewards riders with incredible lake and mountain views. Riders begin at Spooner Lake in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on Tahoe’s east shore and finish 14 miles later in Incline Village. Shuttles services are available.
Just north of Truckee is the out-and-back singletrack of the Emigrant Trail. The rolling terrain is good for novice and intermediate riders, and its location makes it one of the first trails to open after winter, perfect for early-season rides.
Also, with easy access from Truckee, the Sawtooth Ridge Trail offers riders great views into Olympic Valley. Their climbs are relatively moderate, but a few technical sections will keep you on your toes.
Just south of downtown Tahoe City, off Granlibakken Road, is the Paige Meadows Loop. This relatively short (5.1 miles) loop is overall mellow and family-friendly. This ride is definitely more scenic than thrill-a-minute, but the meadow views are spectacular.
Also close to Tahoe City, the Antone Meadows Loop is considered a moderately challenging route. At 9.2 miles long with a 711 ft. gain in elevation, the loop takes a bit over three hours to complete.
For all the downhill thrills you can handle, head to the largest lift-served mountain bike park in Northern California at Northstar.
If dirt riding isn’t your thing, there are also three major paved bike trails. The five-mile Truckee River Legacy Trail runs alongside the Truckee River from downtown Truckee east to Glenshire. The Truckee River Bike Trail follows the Truckee River from Squaw Valley to Tahoe City. Running along the west side of Lake Tahoe, the West Shore Bike Path extends from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay.
Need to rent a bike? No problem. In Truckee, head to Bike Truckee or The Back Country. Near Olympic Valley, go to Olympic Valley Ski & Bike. Willard’s Sport Shop has a great selection in Tahoe City. On the Nevada side of the north shore, in Incline Village, the Village Ski Loft has a huge selection of bikes, from cruisers and road riders to full-suspension and downhillers. Want to try an e-bike? Head to King’s Beach and check out Tahoe Ebikes.
