3 Mountain Bike Trails To Check Out In Tahoe
Mountain biking is a tremendous off season activity that we skiers gravitate towards. When the leaves begin to turn, it’s a perfect time to get out and explore the beautiful mountains before they are covered in snow. Here are a few trails to check out in the Tahoe/Truckee area next time you’re in town.
Sawtooth Trail
This delightful 10 mile loop gives amazing views of the Truckee River as it meanders through the pines. With only 750 feet of elevation gain, this flowy single track is easily conquered in under 2 hours and incorporates technical sections of rock, as well as riding through rolling meadows on pristine trail. Take a break to see the rock faces of Big and Little Chief. These two vertical faces are sought after by rock climbers around the world. Overall, the Sawtooth trails provides the best of all worlds in mountain biking and is sure to please all types of riders.
Emigrant Trail
The Emigrant Trail was developed to commemorate the Donner Party’s voyage to the west coast. A large group of the famous party set up camp not far from the start of this classic out and back single track trail. 18 miles is what you’ll pedal from start to finish with challenging hill climbs and fun, flowing downhill sections. The trail meanders through forests and meadows with stunning views of the Mount Rose Wilderness in the distance. The trail ends at Stampede Reservoir and is a perfect spot to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. Luckily, the way back is an easier ride, however this trail will take most riders over 2 hours to complete. Approachable for all ability types, this trail caters to the intermediate or beginner rider, as there aren’t too many technical features to overcome. Simply put, the Emigrant Trail is a fun challenge and a great workout.
The Flume Trail
The Flume Trail has arguably the best views or any mountain bike trail ever devised. This trail works its way from Marlette Lake through the East Shore of Lake Tahoe on a “razors edge”. The Flume Trail is not for the faint of heart as there are precipitous drops and technical sections throughout the entire ride. It is an immensely challenging ride that is not recommended for first timers, however once you have worked up the skillset and fortitude, it is one of the best rides in the lower 48. The views are simply incredible and the trail itself is unbelievably breathtaking.
Sawtooth Trail
This delightful 10 mile loop gives amazing views of the Truckee River as it meanders through the pines. With only 750 feet of elevation gain, this flowy single track is easily conquered in under 2 hours and incorporates technical sections of rock, as well as riding through rolling meadows on pristine trail. Take a break to see the rock faces of Big and Little Chief. These two vertical faces are sought after by rock climbers around the world. Overall, the Sawtooth trails provides the best of all worlds in mountain biking and is sure to please all types of riders.
Emigrant Trail
The Emigrant Trail was developed to commemorate the Donner Party’s voyage to the west coast. A large group of the famous party set up camp not far from the start of this classic out and back single track trail. 18 miles is what you’ll pedal from start to finish with challenging hill climbs and fun, flowing downhill sections. The trail meanders through forests and meadows with stunning views of the Mount Rose Wilderness in the distance. The trail ends at Stampede Reservoir and is a perfect spot to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. Luckily, the way back is an easier ride, however this trail will take most riders over 2 hours to complete. Approachable for all ability types, this trail caters to the intermediate or beginner rider, as there aren’t too many technical features to overcome. Simply put, the Emigrant Trail is a fun challenge and a great workout.
The Flume Trail
The Flume Trail has arguably the best views or any mountain bike trail ever devised. This trail works its way from Marlette Lake through the East Shore of Lake Tahoe on a “razors edge”. The Flume Trail is not for the faint of heart as there are precipitous drops and technical sections throughout the entire ride. It is an immensely challenging ride that is not recommended for first timers, however once you have worked up the skillset and fortitude, it is one of the best rides in the lower 48. The views are simply incredible and the trail itself is unbelievably breathtaking.
