Best Early Season/Low Elevation Mountain Biking Trails
When it comes to mountain biking, Lake Tahoe and Truckee boast some of the most thrilling trails in the country. From technical challenges to breathtaking scenery, there's something for every rider to enjoy. Here, we present some of the finest mountain biking trails in Lake Tahoe and Truckee that are ideal for early-season rides and situated at lower elevations
Waddle Ranch Preserve
Waddle Ranch Preserve offers easy and intermediate biking trails, making it ideal for families. To access the preserve, take Martis Dam Road from State Route 267 in Martis Valley, then follow the signs. With four trails to choose from, visitors can explore a variety of landscapes and difficulty levels.
Lake Ella via Matt's Trail and Sawmill Road
There's a 9.7-km loop trail near Kings Beach, California. It takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is moderately challenging. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The trail starts with a paved road across Martis Dam, then becomes dirt as it goes around Martis Lake. Take Matt's Trail uphill, turn left on Sawmill Road, and rest at Lake Ella's picnic table. Return via Erika's Trail for a moderate landscape experience and volcanic rock viewpoint before going downhill on Matt's Trail.
Martis Reservoir Dam via Matt's Trail
Explore the 3.5-km trail near Truckee, CA for birdwatching, skiing, and hiking. Accessible year-round, dogs are welcome on a leash. Consider a bike ride to Martis Creek Dam for bald eagle and osprey sightings.
Lake Ella and Martis Creek Lake Loop via Matt's Trail and Sawmill Road
Near Truckee, CA, take on the 11.7-km loop trail at Waddel Ranch Preserve. It takes roughly 2 hours and 54 minutes to complete and is best for birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and hiking. You'll see Martis Creek Dam and Lake Ella and may spot mule deer, bobcats, black bears, and coyotes. Remember to leash your dog if you bring them along.
Lake Ella via Royal Flush, Meagan's Trail, Katy's Walk, and Matt's Trail
Explore the 11.3-km loop trail near Truckee, CA for skiing, hiking, and biking. It takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Open year-round and dog-friendly, the trail offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds, guiding you through Meagan's, Katy's, and Matt's trails for a rewarding outdoor experience.
Sawtooth Trail - Truckee
This 9-mile trail is a mix of desert and forest, gaining and losing 200 feet multiple times. It offers two overlooks of Truckee River Canyon and can connect to other Mt. Watson trails. It's popular for day hikes, trail runs, and intermediate mountain biking.
Directions: Head east on Brockway Road from Downtown. Turn right on Palisades Drive, then right on Silver Fir, and left on Thelin. The USFS 06 road is on the right. Turn here and proceed 1/2 mile to the trailhead on the right.
Emigrant Trail - Truckee
This trail is an out-and-back from Donner Picnic Area off 89 North to Stampede Reservoir. The whole trail is about 18 miles but has various spots that are great turn-around points to tailor the ride to any distance/time that you would like!
Directions: Exit 188B off I-80, head north on Hwy 89. Trailhead is just past Prosser Creek Bridge on the right. Follow Emigrant Trail for a rolling hill, out-and-back singletrack ride with excellent views of the Sierra landscape.
Go for a hike from the mountain trail, which is not too easy or too hard, and you'll see pretty trees and mountains, go up high and see more pretty views, and to get there, drive on Highway 120 for 14 miles, turn left onto Olmsted Point, drive 1 mile and park your car, and note that the hike is 12 miles long and takes 2 hours and is usually clear of snow this season.
The Tahoe Mountain Trails are located in Truckee, California, which is about 30 minutes north of Lake Tahoe. This trail system offers over 20 miles of mountain biking trails, as well as hiking and cross-country skiing trails. The trails range from easy to challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
If you're planning a visit, I recommend checking the trail conditions and opening hours before you go. You can also rent bikes or gear at the Tahoe Mountain Sports Shop, which is located nearby.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled 18-mile mountain biking adventure through the Sierra Nevada mountains, featuring a mix of challenging uphill sections and fast, flowing descents, with varying terrain, similar to a rural or wooded pump track, and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The Twisted Cedar Trail is located in the Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, USA. Specifically, the trailhead is located off of Highway 26, approximately 25 miles east of Government Camp.
Tips :
Bring your A-game and be prepared for a challenging ride
Take breaks and enjoy the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains
Don't forget to stay hydrated and bring snacks!
Donkey Town offers an intermediate mountain biking experience. The trail is suitable for all skill levels, but riders should be prepared for moderate challenges with progression-sized features. The Donkey Town Loop Trail starts and ends in Truckee and is 4 miles long with a Medium difficulty rating.
Directions: Follow these directions to begin your Donkey Town adventure.
Kings Beach Trail Network
Kings Beach offers a smaller system of trails and variations of Beaver Tail Trail, including the Beaver Tail to Rise and Shine loop, are typically the first to be clear of snow in the Kings Beach area. The trail is a smooth single-track path that can be extended for a longer hike or bike ride by following the Rim Trail. There are no water sources along the trail, but shaded areas provide some relief from the sun.
Park either at the end of Beaver St or Chipmunk to access the Chipmunk trail that will bring you up to Beaver Tail. Alternatively, you can start at the end of Cambridge and go directly onto Beaver Tail. It’s probably a better choice to start from Beaver St earlier in the season as you might run into snow and may not be able to access the Rise and Shine portion quite yet.
The Tahoe Nordic Center is a well-known cross-country ski center during the winter season that transforms into a mountain biking paradise in the summer. The area offers a wide variety of trails and fire roads that cater to riders of all levels. Tahoe City is a great destination for riders, whether they are beginners or looking for a leisurely-paced ride. With an extensive trail network, there is something for everyone. From easy loops for beginners to more challenging and extensive rides, the trails offer plenty of opportunities for exploration. Whether you prefer a quick out-and-back trip or a scenic point-to-point adventure, Tahoe City has got you covered. Later in the summer as the snow recedes you can increase the length and difficulty of your ride by hooking up with the Tahoe Rim Trail and biking to either Painted Rock or Watson Lake.
Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway - Truckee - Verdi
The journey starts from the center of Truckee and continues as a smooth and paved route that leads you all the way to the Glenshire area. Once you arrive at Glenshire Blvd, the path becomes uneven and challenging, but it eventually takes you to Verdi, where you will find remains of the old Hwy 40 and unpaved service roads.
Tip: I suggest that you explore this trail during the late spring or autumn seasons, using a gravel bike with 40mm tubeless tires or a mountain bike