BIKING IN LAKE TAHOE
Summer has officially arrived in North Lake Tahoe, bringing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures! When you’re not splashing in the lake or enjoying a family barbecue, why not hop on a bike and explore the stunning scenery Tahoe has to offer? Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker craving challenging trails or a casual rider eager to pedal around the lake, there’s something here for everyone. Discover our favorite trails and must-visit spots below. Grab your helmet, and let’s hit the trails!
FOR THE MOUNTAIN BIKER
If you’re looking to step it up a notch and take it off road, there are a number of great options to make your Tahoe mountain biking adventure a memorable one!
Kick off your adventure on the Tahoe Rim Trail. This trail that circles all of Lake Tahoe offers a wide variety of routes and sights, so whether you’re looking to climb to a peak, head out to a beautiful waterfall, or coast through gorgeous wildflowers, you can find it all in a breeze.
The Picnic Rock Vista Trail from the Brockway Summit Trailhead is a great first climb, as this easy 3 mile out and back rewards you with a stunning 360 degree view of Lake Tahoe at the top. For a tougher challenge, tackle the Martis Peak Trail from the same trailhead, which becomes a nearly 10 mile out and back with an incredible ride downhill awaiting you after getting to the top. The Painted Rock Loop is another great climbing option on the TRT, featuring incredible scenery throughout the 10 mile ride.
For a more scenic off-road ride, the Page Meadows Loop is bursting with wildflowers, and it’s a fantastic family adventure. Take it easy on the mostly flat 1.4 mile loop, or you can do the full Page Meadows Loop and turn it into a 13 mile all day adventure!
On Tahoe’s East Shore, the Flume Trail awaits. This iconic 14-mile single track offers breathtaking lake views and a thrilling climb of over 1000 feet in the first four miles. Start at Tunnel Creek Café, take the shuttle to Spooner Lake State Park, and ride back while soaking in the scenery. This trail does traverse across a number of steep drop-offs, so fair warning to those that are afraid of heights.
FOR THE ROAD BIKER
Start your road biking adventure on the stunning Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail. This 3-mile coastal path connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park and is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy the ride and make it a beach day by stopping at one of the many beach access points along the way.
For a scenic journey on the California side, try the West Shore Trail. This 7-mile round trip starts just north of Tahoma and winds down to Meeks Bay, offering breathtaking views of both the coastline and the mountains. Looking for a longer ride? Begin in Tahoe City and extend your adventure!
Need a change of scenery? The Truckee River Bike Trail is your go-to. Spanning 10.6 miles round trip, this gentle-grade trail connects Tahoe City to Olympic Valley and winds alongside the Truckee River the entire way, making it ideal for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
For those seeking a climbing challenge, the Mt. Rose West Trail is a must-ride. Starting in Incline Village, this route takes you up to the Mt. Rose ski area, with plenty of scenic lookouts and rest spots along the way. Once you reach the top, get ready for an exhilarating high-speed descent back to the start. Just be sure your brakes are ready for the ride!
BIKE RENTALS
There are plenty of fantastic options for renting a bike for your Tahoe adventure! At Palisades Tahoe, our Owners and Guests save 15% on 4-hour and full day rentals – just provide our promo code at checkout. Promo codes are included in the pre-arrival email or booking confirmation you will receive prior to your stay. Please speak with the front desk should you have any questions regarding this promotion. In Tahoe City, Olympic Bike Shop has you covered. If you’re in Truckee, head to Tahoe Sports Hub. And on the east shore of the lake, Flume Trail Bikes is ready to help you gear up.
We look forward to welcoming you this summer and seeing you on the trails! Book your summer getaway now!
