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The Tahoe
Basin has some of the most scenic, mountain biking anywhere in the
world. With hundreds of trails, you have your choice of mellow to
strenuous to down right technical. There are also many ski resorts
in the basin that offer a "lift ticket" to the top so
you can take full advantage of the downhill ski trails. There are
also about as many bike specialty shops as there are trails so if
you need more information or a bike to ride be sure to stop in and
get what you need before you head to the hills.
*Remember
the weather can change rapidly, be prepared with the proper clothing,
wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. For safety, wear a helmet.
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Selected Tahoe Basin Mountain
Biking Trails:
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TRAILS
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DIFFICULTY
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ELEVATION LOW/HIGH
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MILEAGE (ONE WAY)
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| 1.
Fountain Place |
Moderate |
6320'/8400' |
2
to 10 miles |
| 2.
Angora Ridge |
Moderate |
6360'/7440' |
2
miles to Angora Lookout
4
miles to Angora Lake
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| 3.
Twin Peaks |
Moderate |
6400'/7010' |
1
to 2 miles |
| 4.
Meiss Trail |
Mod/Stren |
7280'/8400' |
5
miles |
| 5.
Rim Trail |
Mod/Stren |
7280'/9600' |
18
miles |
| 6.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride |
Technical |
6800'/9000' |
3
miles |
| 7.
Genoa Peak |
Moderate |
7720'/8680' |
8
to 12 miles |
| 8.
Brockway Summit to Martis Peak |
Strenuous |
7120'/8660' |
5
miles |
| 9.
Marlette Lake / Flume Trail |
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' |
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Click
here for a mountain bike trail map.
- FOUNTAIN
PLACE:
This area has several mountain biking opportunities, from paved
roads to more difficult trails. See the map for your options.
NOTE: Mountain bikes are not allowed past the gate at the end
of Fountain Place Road nor the High Meadows area (Private
property). From Highway 50 take Pioneer Trail one mile to
Oneidas Road. Follow Oneidas to the end and park at the staging
area.
- ANGORA
RIDGE:
Enjoy a moderate ride with spectacular views of Fallen Leaf
Lake and Mt. Tallac. Take Fallen Leaf Lake Road from Highway
89. Park past the campground on the right. Ride along Fallen
Leaf Lake Road, take the first left, continue 1/2 mile and turn
right on Angora Ridge Road (12N14).
- TWIN
PEAKS:
Perfect for the biker with limited time, this short steep ride
to the top of a mountain peak has great views of Lake Tahoe.
Open for public use from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Access is off
of Lake Tahoe Boulevard approximately 2 miles from the intersection
of Highway 50 and 89. Caution: This area is a very popular OHV
Area.
- MEISS
TRAIL:
Rising abruptly from Highway 89 for the first 1/2 mile, this
trail levels off as it reaches Big Meadow. Trails leading to
Round, Scotts and Dardanelles lakes provide access into Meiss
Country with views of aspen covered hills from lodgepole cloaked
forests. NOTE: This trail eventually intersects the Pacific
Crest Trail (PCT) where mountain bikes are not allowed. Take
Highway 89 south from Meyers to the Big Meadow parking lot.
Follow the trail at the southern end of the parking lot which
leads across the highway to the trailhead.
- RIM
TRAIL:
Experience breathtaking scenery with exceptional views of Lake
Tahoe. Take the Rim Trail past Freel Peak, the highest peak
in the basin (10,881'). Take Highway 89 south from Meyers to
the Big Meadow parking lot. The trail starts at the north end
of the parking area. A longer trip is possible by taking two
cars and parking one car at the Heavenly Ski Resort's Stagecoach
parking lot. The trailhead begins 1/8 mile up Stagecoach Run.
NOTE: Mountain bikes are not allowed on the trail from Armstrong
Pass north to Fountain Place nor from Star Lake north to High
Meadows (Private property).
- MR.
TOAD'S WILD RIDE:
A technical ride for the experienced mountain biker, this trail
drops from 9,000' to 6,800' in three miles. Take the Rim Trail
from the Big Meadow parking lot 2-1/2 miles to Tucker Flat.
Turn left and follow the drainage of Saxon Creek. In two miles
the trail forks again. The right fork leads to Oneidas Street
off of Pioneer Trail. The left fork leads to Highway 89, south
of the Highway 89/50 junction. Watch for hikers and equestrian
riders on the trail and pass with caution and courtesy.
- GENOA
PEAK:
Enjoy a moderate ride along a ridgeline with scenic views of
the Lake Tahoe Basin to the west and Carson Valley to the east.
Several spurs off the main road access peaks, Genoa Peak being
the highest (9,150'). An excellent 10 mile loop off the main
ridge is possible. NOTE: Mountain bikes are not allowed on the
Rim Trail, from Highway 207 to Spooner Summit. From South Lake
Tahoe, take Kingsbury Grade (Highway 207) and turn left on North
Benjamin Road, which turns into Andria Drive. Continue to the
end of the pavement and park. Take Genoa Peak Road (14N32).
A longer trip is possible if you take two cars. Park the second
vehicle off of Highway 50 behind the Nevada Department of Transportation
Station (NDOT), 1/4 mile south of the Highway 28 and 50 junction.
- BROCKWAY
SUMMIT TO MARTIS PEAK:
The Martis Peak Road is a short 5 mile climb well worth the
effort. Drive north on Highway 267 from Kings Beach to Brockway
Summit. Park 1/2 mile past the summit on Forest Service Road
18N02.
- MARLETTE
LAKE/FLUME TRAIL:
Located in Nevada State Park, this popular trail is often crowded
in the summer. Challenging even the expert rider, the trail
begins east of the picnic area near Spooner Lake. Turn left
on the dirt road that heads toward the meadow and follow a sandy
road for five miles to Marlette Lake. Turn left across the dam.
With magnificent views of Lake Tahoe, this single track trail
lies 1,500 feet above the lake. Remember to wear your safety
helmet. Caution: Do not attempt if you are afraid of heights
or unfamiliar with your bike. The trail ends at Tunnel Creek
Road. To make a loop, turn right and ride to the top of the
ridge. You will reach Twin Lakes in 1/2 miler, 7/10's of a mile
past the lake sign turn right or continue to the next main road
and turn right. Turn right again on Forest Service Road 504,
climb the ridge and where the road forks, continue straight
to Marlette Lake. Take Highway 28 to the Spooner Lake parking
lot at Nevada State Park. A parking fee is charged. If you take
two cars, limited parking is available at Tunnel Creek Road
by Ponderosa Ranch.
Please
Remember:
While riding, please
help protect the Basin's high alpine environment, an extremely
fragile resource, by staying out of meadows and wet areas. Please
do not cut switchbacks or make new trails.
National Forests belong to a variety of users. Trails are shared
by hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Please use caution and courtesy
when encountering another user.
Enjoy your ride!
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