Road or Mountain?
Got a passion for pedaling? Whether you prefer dropped bars to dropper posts, you’ll find plenty of adventure at Lake Tahoe. Discover dirt trails, smooth pavement, technical climbs, swoopy turns, and exhilarating descents.
Mountain bikers are a special breed of crazy, and Lake Tahoe’s legendary trails draw these daredevils from far and wide. Some of them even live here permanently, so your knobby tires will be in good local company.
From the heart-pounding downhill track of the Saxon Creek Trail (nickname: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride) to the gorgeous Flume Trail, there are rides for every technical level. Build your skills and challenge yourself at the Bijou Bike Park. For the truly ambitious, link trails and make it an epic on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Lake Tahoe has been designated as a Bike Friendly Community, so safe and family-friendly bike paths are plentiful, as are local bike shops staffed by experts that rent and sell quality bikes.
For road riders, the famed loop around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles of unforgettable scenery: deep blue water, Douglas Fir groves, and breathtaking views of Emerald Bay. The road also passes quaint waterfront lodging and plenty of eateries to fuel the journey.
The best part about biking in South Lake Tahoe? Plunging your sweaty self into the lake after your ride. Easy beach access means you can go straight from the trails to the water. Trust us, you’ll need a rinse.
Wanna Ride Tahoe operates a mountain bike and hiking shuttle service daily from 7am until 7pm. Priced per person, the service includes gear, snacks, water, and a ride!
Flume Trail Mountain Bikes operates a seasonal shuttle, June through October, 7 days a week. The shuttle is FREE with a bike rental, entrance fee for the State Park is included. You can also take one of the hourly shuttles with your own bike. The shuttle goes from Flume Trail Mountain Bikes next to Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park. Then, you can ride your bike back to Flume Trail Mountain Bikes via the spectacular Flume Trail. The classic Flume Trail ride is 14 miles back to the shop/cafe and your car.
As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be You are one ride away from a good mood.
Sarah Bentley
Like Riding a Bike
More Bike Trails at Lake Tahoe
It’s true that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bike trails and paths here. To get started, here are a few of the most popular (and in some cases, famous) rides at Lake Tahoe.
More Bike Trails at Lake Tahoe
The miles and miles of singletrack around Lake Tahoe didn’t magically appear one day. They’re the result of years of effort and cooperation by nonprofit organizations and agencies like the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA), Tahoe Rim Trail, and U.S. Forest Service. Together, they work to build and maintain sustainable, multi-use trails for visitors and locals alike. TAMBA offers multiple ways to support Tahoe trails. Donate, become a member or volunteer for one of its seasonal trail days.
Lake Tahoe’s Mountain Biking Guide – 4 Of Our Favorite Trails To Ride
Did you know mountain biking started in California? Yup! As the sport gained popularity in the late 70’s, these rowdy individuals began to descend upon Lake Tahoe. While the original “pedal pushers” rode iron steeds weighing in at close to fifty pounds with little to no shocks, we’re now very fortunate that the technology has made the sport more welcoming AND enjoyable. If you’re looking to turn up the volume in the adrenaline category, consider trying one of these Lake Tahoe mountain bike trails.
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