Guide to the best mountain bike trails on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe
Area Summary Location: Northeast Lake Tahoe Best For: Intermediate riders Suitable For: Strong beginners and better Ground Cover: Evergreen forests, rock fields, lakes Seasons: Summer through fall. Some trails maintain snowpack into July.
Discover the Best Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking Trails Our mountain biking maps include the Donner Pass region (Grouse Ridge and the Hole in the Ground Trail), The North Lake Region near Truckee and Squaw Valley, Tahoe Nevada including the Flume Trail, and South Lake Tahoe featuring the Tahoe Rim Trail and Mr. Toads Wild Ride
Description:
Anchored by the world-famous Tahoe Flume Trail, the mountains rimming the northeast quadrant of Lake Tahoe offer some great trails for riders of all abilities. The Flume Trail rightly claims a place as one of the premier mountain bike rides in the United States. A flat ribbon of single-track clinging to the side of a steep hillside (can you say cliff?), the Flume Trail offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe some 2,000 feet below.
The trail itself isn't that difficult. However, please be aware of three factors that make it harder than it seems: 1. It requires a tough, though scenic, four-mile climb to reach the trailhead. 2. This may be a harrowing ride if you fear heights or are uncertain of your bike- handling skills. 3. Summer weekends are crowded.
There are a number of options available for those who want the Flume experience. Strong (and intrepid) beginners and intermediates can take Tunnel Creek Road down to the lake and pick up a shuttle back to Spooner Lake. For advanced riders, the Flume Trail conveniently parallels and connects to the more technical Tahoe Rim Trail, allowing for a great loop ride.
Looking for Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking Maps? We have two great options for you to choose from.
Lake Tahoe
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Tahoe and Gold Country Hard Copy
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Topo map with Ski-style trail ratings
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Ride Descriptions and Directions
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Photos and written descriptions
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Directions to trailhead(s):
Ride 1 - Spooner Lake - from Incline Village head south for 11.5 miles on Hwy. 28. The entrance to Spooner Lake is on the left. From Stateline, NV, head north on Hwy. 50 for 12 miles. Go left on Hwy. 28. The entrance to Spooner Lake is a half mile up on your right.
Ride 2 - Tahoe Meadows - from Incline Village head northeast on Hwy. 431 for 7.5 miles. Parking is available at the trailhead on the right.