Area Summary
Location: Tahoe City vicinity
Best For: Intermediate riders
Suitable For: Beginners to advanced riders
Ground Cover: Mostly evergreen forest
Seasons: Summer and fall. Snowpack can linger into late July.

Description:
If you're new to mountain biking and find yourself in the Tahoe City area, count your blessings. This region is filled with trails, both single-track and fire roads, that are suitable for riders of all abilities.

Newbies should head over to the Lake Tahoe
X-Country Ski Center, where a vast network of easy trails is a great introduction to the sport. One word of caution, however: There are so many trails crisscrossing this area that you need to follow directions carefully. That said, these trails are well used by bikers and hikers, so navigational help is never far away.

Intermediate riders can warm up on these trails before tackling the Tahoe Rim Trail up to Watson Lake. Much of the trail is suitable for strong intermediate riders and affords some great views of the lake.

Some shorter loop possibilities exist just south of Tahoe City in the Paige Meadows area. Though you'll be riding in the shadow of Alpine Meadows ski area and never too far from development, the open feel of the meadows is a nice change from the more heavily forested areas areas to the north.