Cycling
Bicycling in Lake Tahoe is easy. You can rent a bike almost anywhere, or if you prefer you can bring your own. There are trails, bike paths, and great places to adventure out into, if you so dare! North Lake Tahoe has many different paved bike lanes.
Numerous bike rental shops are available offering mountain bikes, ten speed street bikes, bicycles built for two, child carriers, safety helmets, and even roller blades.
Here are a few of the popular places to go riding.
Tahoe Trailways
Tahoe City serves as the hub of the Trailways Bike Path system and offers access to numerous West Shore activities. Fifteen
miles of paved pathways extend from Tahoe City in three directions. This popular system of trails connects Sugar Pine Point
State Park on the south and Dollar Point on the northeast. Campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, restaurants, the
Gatekeeper's Cabin Museum, and the communities of Tahoma, Homewood, Tahoe Pines, Skyland, Timberland, Pineland,
Tahoe Park, Sunnyside and Lake Forest are found along the way. Free parking and trail access is located at 64 Acres Park off
Highway 89, 1/4 mile south of Tahoe City.
Along the Truckee River
Also accessed from 64 Acres Park this paved trail follows the Truckee River downstream past the River Ranch Lodge, Alpine Meadows Rd and into Squaw Valley. Separate from the highway, it is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades, trout fishing, river rafting, and picnicking. Call the TCPUD Parks & Recreation Department at (916) 583-5544 for a brochure.
Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley has a two-mile long asphalt trail parallel to Squaw Valley Road on the south side along Squaw Valley Meadow. It runs from Squaw Valley Condos to Victor Road, and offers view of the meadow and surrounding peaks.
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| Lake Tahoe has miles and miles of paved bike lanes and paths. |
West Shore to Sugar Pine Point State Park
Nine miles. Mostly separate from the highway, the trail does contain a few miles of highway shoulder and two miles of residential streets as well as several highway crossings. Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Features include small communities, campgrounds, Kilner Park, tennis, picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, marinas, beaches, scenic lake shoreline, and access to beautiful side trips up Blackwood canyon and Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Blackwood Canyon
Located at the intersection of Highway 89 and Blackwood Canyon Road about 4 miles south of Tahoe City. Free parking, restrooms, and special bicycle campsites available. Owned by the USDA Forest Service and maintained under contract by the California Land Management Company. Hint: Blackwood Canyon is a great biking side-trip from the main pathway!
General Creek Campground, Sugar Pine Point State Park
Located just south of Tahoma on Highway 89, this beautiful park is a perfect cycling destination. Located at the end of the west shore trail you will find picnic areas, nature trails, a beach & pier, the historic Ehrman Mansion and it's adjoining boat houses and the Phipp's log cabin. Day-use fee required. Call (530) 525-7982 for information.
Tahoe City To Dollar Point
Two and one-half miles, mostly level with a climb last one-half mile up Dollar Hill; access to Tahoe State Park, Burton Creek State Park, Lake Forest Boat Ramp and Campground; fishing, picnicking, playgrounds, athletic fields. Access to some features, including the Nordic Center and mountain bike trails is over residential streets.
Truckee
There is a designated bike lane on Highway 89 from West River Street south of Truckee to the Squaw Valley entrance.
Tahoe Vista
The North Tahoe Parks and Recreation Department maintains a bike trail in the North Tahoe Regional Park which is off National Avenue in Tahoe Vista. The trail meanders through pine and fir forests with adjacent picnic sites tucked into the woods. The park also offers tennis & basketball courts, baseball & soccer fields, a playground and an interpretive nature trail. For park information call 530-546-5043
Incline Village/Lakeshore Drive Bike Path
Known locally in Incline village as l'he Joggers Trail', this 2.5 mile long paved trail starts at West End Park on exclusive Lakeshore Drive off Highway 28. This path passes close to the shore of Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay, beaches, large lakefront estates and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
OFF-ROAD BICYCLING
There are some great
off-road biking trails as well
as mountain bike trails that offer scenic views, including Nordic ski trails at the Highlands Community Center in Tahoe City, North Tahoe Regional Park, Blackwood Canyon, and Sugar Pine Point State Park. Truckee rides include Prosser to Boca Reservoir, Prosser to Stampede Reservoir, Verdi Peak and Truckee to Tahoe City.