Area Summary
Location: Off I-80 near Donner Pass
Best For: Advanced riders
Suitable For: Strong intermediates and better
Ground Cover: Evergreen forests, alpine meadows, lakes and rock fields
Seasons: Summer through fall. Some trails maintain snowpack into July.

Description:
If you're looking for gorgeous alpine scenery, go no further than the region near I-80 between Emigrant Gap and Donner Pass. Here you'll find two distinct riding areas catering to advanced-intermediate riders and better.

The Hole-in-the-Ground Loop is simply one of the best alpine rides anywhere for strong intermediate riders. Combining smooth single-track with rocky stretches through semi-open evergreen forest, Hole-in-the-Ground is challenging without being overwhelming. Intermediate riders will only need to walk short stretches at most.

Further west near Emigrant Gap, the Grouse Ridge region will challenge any rider. Most will face long stretches of hike-a-bike on many of the region's single-track trails. Intrepid riders are rewarded with amazing scenery and an abundance of swimmable alpine lakes.