Tahoe City and Truckee Mountain Bike Map

Guide to the best mountain bike trails near Truckee and Tahoe City

Area Summary
Location: Tahoe City vicinity
Best For: Intermediate riders
Suitable For: Beginners to advanced riders
Ground Cover: Mostly evergreen forest
Seasons: Summer and fall. Snowpack can linger into late July.

Description:
If you're new to mountain biking and find yourself in the Tahoe City area, count your blessings. This region is filled with trails, both single-track and fire roads, that are suitable for riders of all abilities.

Newbies should head over to the Lake Tahoe X-Country Ski Center, where a vast network of easy trails is a great introduction to the sport. One word of caution, however: There are so many trails crisscrossing this area that you need to follow directions carefully. That said, these trails are well used by bikers and hikers, so navigational help is never far away.

Intermediate riders can warm up on these trails before tackling the Tahoe Rim Trail up to Watson Lake. Much of the trail is suitable for strong intermediate riders and affords some great views of the lake.

Some shorter loop possibilities exist just south of Tahoe City in the Paige Meadows area. Though you'll be riding in the shadow of Alpine Meadows ski area and never too far from development, the open feel of the meadows is a nice change from the more heavily forested areas areas to the north.
The Truckee and Tahoe City area is just one of the huge variety of mountain biking spots that the Northern Sierra has to offer. Discover more great rides.

North Lake Tahoe Trails

Tahoe X-Country Ski Area - Network of easy to moderate trails. Connects with trail system in Burton Creek State Park, which is also easy to moderate.

Tahoe Rim Trail - Well-built single-track through evergreen forest. All portions between Brockway Summit and Paige Meadows are open to bikes. Mostly intermediate to advanced. Bottom section near Tahoe City very steep, rocky and rutted.

Western States Trail - Nice single-track heads east from Midway Bridge to access the TRT.

Rawhide Trail - Single and double-track heads through forest before opening up at Paige Meadows.

Directions to trailhead(s):
The Tahoe X-Country Ski Center is located just northeast of Tahoe City. From the intersection of Hwys. 28 and 89 drive 2.75 miles northeast on Hwy. 28. Go left on Fabian Way and immediately right on Village Road. In 0.4 miles go left on Country Club Way. Parking for the X-Country Ski Area is at the Community Center on left.

Featured Ride 2 - From intersection of Hwys. 28 and 89, drive south on 89 for 0.6 miles. Turn right on Granlibakken Road. Take the third left onto Rawhide Street. Trailhead is at end of the road.