Biking

What better way to see the beauty of Lake Tahoe than from the seat of a bicycle, pedaling through forests of majestic pines and paths running along the water's edge. Of Lake Tahoe's 72-mile shoreline, 20 miles have been designated bike paths, which parallel the highways. However, if you'd like to venture into the backcountry and explore the road less traveled, Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with single tracks and fire roads galore! From short, strenuous rides, to all day pedaling excursions, there are plenty of rides to satisfy every biker's desire.

On Dirt

Marlette Lake

Park at the Spooner Lake Trailhead, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, just northwest of the Highway 50/28 junction. A parking fee of $5 per vehicle is charged. A strenuous five-mile uphill ride leads you through picturesque North Canyon to Marlette Lake Dam.

Meiss Trail

Take Highway 89 five miles south from Meyers to the Big Meadows parking lot. Follow the trail at the southern end of the parking lot across the highway to the trailhead. Meiss trail is five miles one way and is considered to be moderate to strenuous.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

This strenuous and technical ride drops from 9,000 feet to 6,800 feet in three miles! To access the trail, take the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Big Meadows parking lot 2.5 miles to Tucker Flat. Turn left and follow the drainage of Saxon Creek. The trail forks again in two miles. The right fork leads to Oneidas Street off of Pioneer Trail, while the left fork leads to Highway 89, south of the Highway 89/50 junction.

Tahoe Rim Trail

In September of 2001, the 130-mile Tahoe Rim Trail loop was completed! Enjoy breathtaking scenery with exceptional views of Lake Tahoe. One of the access points to the trail is 5.5 miles south on Highway 89, at the Big Meadows parking lot. The trail starts at the north end of the parking area. *Please note: All sections of the Rim Trail are NOT open to bikers. Read directional signs posted at the trailhead to see where you may and may not ride. Thank you!

To avoid the long ride back to your vehicle, leave a second vehicle at the Tahoe Rim Trail's entrance at the end of Andrea, located off of Kingsbury Grade (Nevada Highway 207) and North Benjamin.

Power Line Trail

Power Line Trail is a dirt road for the first few miles, as it does some ups and downs under its namesake power lines. Finally, it crosses a creek and abandons the lines, climbs up some switchbacks and ends at a tee on a dirt road. This is High Meadow Trail. Turn right and ride up about 1/3 mile, to get to the other section of the Power Line Trail. Turn left onto that section and you can ride right on over to Ski Run Boulevard, at the bottom of the California side of Heavenly. Alternatively, you could start this ride in the middle, because you can drive up High Meadow Trail (off of Pioneer Trail). Be aware that this entire trail allows dirt bikes.

Near Meyers, south of South Lake Tahoe, Pioneer Trail goes east off of California Highway 89. Take Pioneer to Oneidas, turn right. Park at the "Power Line Trail" sign (or nearby).

Star Lake Trail

The trail head is out of Heavenly Mountain Resorts's Stagecoach chair lift which is accessed by following the single track to top of the hill. Look for the Tahoe Rim Trail blue sign. This is a single track for 8 miles to Star Lake. Many get off their bikes during the first and four mile sections due to rock steps. The trail is clearly marked and by paying modest attention, you can not get lost.

From US 50 at South Lake Tahoe go into Nevada past the casinos. Travel up Highway 207 (Kingsbury Grade) 3 miles to Tramway Drive, turn right and then go to Heavenly's Stagecoach lift. Park in the parking lot.

On Road

South Lake Tahoe Bike Path

Starting at the El Dorado Beach and Picnic Area on US 50, this five-mile (one-way) bike path connects to other bike trails and lanes throughout the city of South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada. A section of the path meanders along Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River, with views across Truckee Marsh to Lake Tahoe. Parking is available at the beach and picnic area.

Pope-Baldwin Bike Path

This paved trail is 3.4 miles one-way and covers two of South Lake Tahoe's most spectacular beaches and a complex of three famous estates. The path begins at Highway 89, north of the "Y" junction. Parking is available at Camp Richardson and Tallac Historic Site.

Fallen Leaf Lake Road

Begin your adventure at Camp Richardson. Then head west on Highway 50 and take a left onto Fallen Leaf Lake Road. The paved road will take you into Fallen Leaf Lake. Along the way you'll see old Tahoe cabins and eventually reach the small store where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.