Guide to the best mountain bike trails near Truckee and Tahoe City
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.
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:
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.
Looking for Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking Maps? We have two great options for you to choose from.
Lake Tahoe
PDF
Map Set
Tahoe and Gold Country Hard Copy
Map Set
Price
$6.95
$13.95
PDF Maps #
12
9
Hard Copy Maps #
0
9
Instant PDF Delivery
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Topo map with Ski-style trail ratings
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Yes
Ride Descriptions and Directions
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Photos and written descriptions
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The maptour below is a jpeg of the actual maps from our books and map-sets.
Mouseover the blue arrows to view photos.
Directions to trailhead(s):
The Tahoe X-Country Ski Center is located just northeast of Tahoe City. From the intersection of Hwys. 28 and 89 drive 2.75 miles northeast on Hwy. 28. Go left on Fabian Way and immediately right on Village Road. In 0.4 miles go left on Country Club Way. Parking for the X-Country Ski Area is at the Community Center on left.
Featured Ride 2 - From intersection of Hwys. 28 and 89, drive south on 89 for 0.6 miles. Turn right on Granlibakken Road. Take the third left onto Rawhide Street. Trailhead is at end of the road.