Biking in Lake Tahoe
If you’re a cyclist, there are all sorts of opportunities to enjoy the sport in Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas, whether you like road biking on a fairly flat surface or if you’re into high-excitement mountain biking that’s sure to get your adrenaline flowing.
Around Lake Tahoe, there are numerous outfitters that rent bikes, so it’s not necessary to bring one along on your vacation. Many of these are the same businesses that rent ski equipment in the winter months. Prices vary and stock rents out quickly during busy vacation season, so plan your outings accordingly. These shops can also provide you with guide books and maps that outline both paved trails and mountain biking opportunities and can help you discover which are best for your riding level.
The Tahoe area boasts a few different designated bike trails for your road biking enjoyment. Most are suitable for families to enjoy together and are a great way to get a look at the local scenery.
- Pope Baldwin Bike Path – A completely separate bike path that does not share its terrain with automobiles, the Pope Baldwin Path includes a 7.8-mile round trip ride that is truly suitable for all ages. Totally paved, it winds through aspen and pine forest and takes riders past the interesting Tallac Historic Site, where you can take a short hike and explore some old estates. If you bring along a picnic, you can stop at Pope or Baldwin Beach to eat or head to Camp Richardson, where there’s a deli where you can purchase lunch.
- South Lake Tahoe Bike Path – Commencing at El Dorado Beach, this trail connects to several other trails through South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada and can be as short or as long of a ride as you wish. A popular part of the trail takes cyclists over Trout Creek and across the Upper Truckee River, just south of Lake Tahoe.
- Tahoe City to Squaw Valley – This is a multi-use path, so you’ll need to contend with cars and a shoulder ride for a short stint. However, it runs along the Truckee River and is quite scenic and enjoyable. Bikers have access to fishing and picnic areas along this 4-mile stretch of road, which ends at the Village of Squaw Valley, where there’s plenty to do and lots of places to eat.
- Around the Lake – If you really want a challenge, try this 72-mile round trip around scenic Lake Tahoe. It’s long but relatively flat. The exception to this is the steep climb during the portion between Carnelian Bay and the top of Dollar Hill. Allow several hours for the excursion. There are plenty of places to stop for a rest.
Mountain Biking
Trails
Looking for something a little more invigorating? Check out these mountain bike rides, which range from fairly easy to strenuous.
- Emigrant Trail – This out-and-back singletrack ride is 22 miles one-way. It’s dubbed easy/moderate, is good for the novice biker, and the views are terrific.
- Flume Trail – This is a strenuous trail that travels 14 miles one-way. You can branch off several times, or if you travel all the way to the end, you can catch a shuttle back to the Spooner Lake parking area, where the trail begins.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – The most technical of all mountain biking trails – hence, the name – this is a great ride for the biking aficionado. Measuring 20 miles one-way, the ascent is very steep for the first several miles and then travels downhill for the remainder of the ride, ending where you started at the bottom of Toads Road.
Tahoe Rim Trail – On this trail, you’ll travel the ridges and mountain tops that encircle the lake. It winds for 150 miles through a variety forests and meadows and past numerous lakes. It’s a singletrack, multi-use trail but cyclists must note that mountain biking is not allowed on certain parts of the trail, namely the sections within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and the portions that overlap the Pacific Crest Trail. Be sure to consult your map before you begin your ride.
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