We’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe so I’ve been researching the best trails and places to set up a basecamp in the surrounding adventure towns. Mountain biking Lake Tahoe is about scenery, technical challenge, flowy singletrack, chunky rocks, climbing up to ridgelines, and fast amazing descents. Lake Tahoe is at 6,250 feet and a few of the trails go up to about 10,000 feet so you’ll need to be acclimated to get the most out of your rides.
South Lake Tahoe stands out in regards to trail development, bikes shops, and the local mountain biking community. Check Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association for detailed maps and trail beta and OTE Sports for shuttles, bike demos and bike repair needs.
Remember you’re riding in the mountains and weather conditions can change rapidly in Tahoe. Be prepared with a rain jacket, extra jersey and gloves if you’re out on an all day ride. Wear sunscreen and bring lots of water at all times andfor safety, always wear a helmet and let people know what trails you’ll be riding.
What are the trails like in Tahoe? Lake Tahoe is technical and demanding for the most part so think about bringing your longer suspension bike. Most trails are new or have gotten extensive trail maintenance within the last five years and add up to over 100 miles of mountain biking trails. It’s definitely time to go mountain biking in Tahoe! Here’s our list of the trails you shouldn’t miss.
Top 5 Trails for Mountain Biking in Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Rim trail is a 165 mile long loop trail that circles Lake Tahoe. Mountain bikes are only allowed on about half of the overall length, because it shares segments with the Pacific Crest Trail and also goes through Wilderness. One option is to shuttle to Spooner Pass to start the TRT and finish in South Lake Tahoe either via Kingsbury Stinger or the Van Sickle Trail.
Length – 18- 20 miles
Level – Intermediate
Singletrack – 90 -100%
More Information – MTB Project | Trailforks
Van Sickle Trail
A technical singletrack that is very accessible from South Lake Tahoe. Van Sickle can be ridden up or down making it perfect for quick laps between family rides or from your basecamp. Begin at the top of the Van Sickle Bi-State Park, go through the dense forest, then through an burn area, past a waterfall, then through willows and mature pine forests to the TRT at an elevation of almost 8,00ft. From there it’s a 5 min road bike pedal to the town of South Lake Tahoe.
Length – 3 miles
Level – Intermediate
Singletrack – 100%
More Information- MTB Project | Trailforks
Flume Trail
The Flume Trail is probably the most famous trail in the Lake Tahoe area. This downhill trail just might be the most scenic mountain bike trail in the country. The first section is very technical, and many riders walk this section. It is very short, and once you clear it, the ride gets much easier. From here, the singletrack swings out on the side hill and gives you a great view of Lake Tahoe. Follow the singletrack north for 4.2 miles (10.5 miles) where you’ll intersect Tunnel Creek Road. From here you could go right and intersect the Tahoe Rim Trail, or intersect with the Red House Flume trail, or just turn around and go back to Spooner Lake.
Length – 6 -22 miles
Level – Beginner – Intermediate
Singletrack – 80-100%
More Information – MTB Project | Trailforks | Flume Trail page
Sidewinder and Corral
Corral and Sidewinder Trails provide some of the best singletrack for all ability levels in Lake Tahoe. Advanced riders will enjoy the jumps, rock features, and logs along the Corral trail while Sidewinder provides an option for beginners looking for a flowing smooth trail. This ride is just under nine miles when you take both the Corral and the Sidewinder. From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 50 toward Meyers, turn left on Pioneer Trail, right on Oneidas Street, and continue on to the service road at the end of Oneidas.
Length – 9 miles
Level – Beginner – Intermediate
Singletrack – 100%
More Information- MTB Project | Trailforks | TAMBA
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride/Saxon Creek
Mr. Toad is another mountain biking Lake Tahoe classic. The upper section is rocky and challenging terrain giving way to smooth, fast, banked turns on the lower sections. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride plunges downhill at a drop of nearly 1,500 feet in less than six miles. The advanced ride begins at Big Meadow Trailhead, heading north on the Tahoe Rim Trail.The descent is steep, fast, and technical and with the recent work from TAMBA there are banked corners for high-speed turns. Bring your longer-travel bike for this one!
Length – 5-10 miles
Level – Advanced
Singletrack – 100%
More Information – MTB Project | Trailforks | TAMBA
Need information for other mountain biking areas? Click here for mountain biking ride reports including Moab, Crested Butte, Fruita, and Santa Cruz.