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. With an endless array of trails for riders of all skill levels, Lake Tahoe mountain biking offers something for everyone who wants to explore the area on two wheels. And the best part about riding at Lake Tahoe? Plunging your sweaty self into the lake after your bike rides. Easy beach access means you can go straight from the trails to the water. Trust us, you’ll need a rinse.
Lake Tahoe has been designated as a Bike Friendly Community, so safe and family-friendly bike paths are plentiful for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From easy, scenic routes through pine forests to gentle downhill rides with stunning lake views, there’s something for everyone. Trails like the Tahoe Rim Trail and Flume Trail provide manageable terrain and breathtaking vistas, making them ideal for families to explore together.
For adrenaline-seeking riders, Lake Tahoe also boasts an array of advanced biking trails that are sure to satisfy even the most experienced riders. Lake Tahoe bike trails offer a range of challenging tracks, from technical singletracks to heart-pounding downhill descents. Trails like the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and the Corral Loop are known for their steep drops, rocky sections, and thrilling jumps, providing an exhilarating challenge for advanced riders. With stunning alpine scenery, challenging terrain, and a vibrant mountain biking community, Lake Tahoe is a haven for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping biking experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Downhill biking enthusiasts will find their ultimate playground in and around Lake Tahoe. With world-class bike parks and challenging trails, this region is a haven for downhill riders seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Gravity-driven trails like the Northstar Bike Park and the Kirkwood Mountain Resort offer a thrilling mix of steep descents, berms, jumps, and technical features that will put riders’ skills to the test. Check out the heart-pounding downhill tracks of the Saxon Creek Trail or build your skills and challenge yourself at the Bijou Bike Park.
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
Not sure where to plan your next ride? We put together a list of our favorite bike trails at and around Lake Tahoe. Check out our top 6 mountain bike trails in South Lake Tahoe, the most scenic bike paths in Lake Tahoe, or our 4 favorite trails to ride on the South Shore of the lake.
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.
With its stunning alpine landscape and smooth, well-maintained roads, Lake Tahoe provides a road biking experience like no other. The famed loop around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles of unforgettable scenery with breathtaking views of Emerald Bay. Adventurous Riders can pedal along the picturesque shoreline and challenge themselves with epic climbs like the iconic Kingsbury Grade or the breathtaking Mt. Rose Highway. Whether you’re a leisurely rider or a seasoned cyclist, the crisp mountain air and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding peaks create an unparalleled backdrop for road cycling adventures.
Lake Tahoe is home to a variety of bike shops that cater to the needs of cyclists, from beginners to seasoned riders. These bike shops offer a wide range of services, including bike rentals, sales, repairs, and gear to ensure a smooth and enjoyable biking experience. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to provide expert advice on trail recommendations, equipment upgrades, and local biking events. Many bike shops in Lake Tahoe also offer guided tours, clinics, and workshops for those looking to improve their biking skills or explore the area with a knowledgeable guide.
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.
Favorite TrailsBiking Tips
Strava included Lake Tahoe in their Top 10 Mountain Bike Destinations in the USA: 2023
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