As the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change, North Lake Tahoe transforms into a paradise for mountain bikers. When you look at the many bike shops, well-maintained trails, and beautiful views in the area, it is no wonder why. The region is full of world-class trails that offer everything from scenic beginner-friendly rides to heart-pumping advanced terrain that will test even the most skilled riders. In this blog post, we will talk about the best bike shops in the area and our top three favorite mountain bike trails in North Lake Tahoe.
Shop At These North Lake Tahoe Bike Rentals
First thing first: if you are traveling from any sort of distance to Lake Tahoe, chances are you probably won't want to haul a bulky bicycle with you. Luckily, there are some excellent bike shops nearby that can help you get outfitted with bikes for the whole family.
- Olympic Bike Shop: There's something for everyone at this Tahoe City store! They have a wide selection of bicycles available, from kid-friendly to more advanced models. If you're traveling with little ones, this is your best option. They offer trailers, kid seats, and tandem bikes, so you will be able to adventure no matter what! Their rates range from hourly to multi-day and are very reasonable. If you're bringing your own equipment, they have a full-tune shop that can help you with any repairs or maintenance.
- The Back Country: The staff at The Back Country is what makes them stand out from the competition. Aside from offering bike rentals, this shop is an excellent resource on the best trails in the area and bike tours. If you're looking for a particular type of bike, reach out to the store ahead of time, and they'll try to help! Visit the Truckee store or head to their sister location in Olympic Valley.
The Best Bike Trails In Tahoe
Flume Trail
The Flume Trail is perhaps the most iconic mountain bike trail in North Lake Tahoe. This 14-mile trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do ride for anyone visiting the area. The trail starts at Spooner Lake State Park and climbs up to Marlette Lake. From there, the trail follows a ridgeline high above Lake Tahoe, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Flume Trail is a challenging ride, with steep climbs and technical sections. However, the views are well worth the effort. The trail is mostly singletrack and is best ridden in the summer and fall when the weather is dry.
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile trail that circles Lake Tahoe, offering some of the most stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. While the entire trail is a multi-day adventure, there are plenty of sections that are perfect for day rides.
One of the best sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail for mountain bikers is the section that starts at Tahoe City and ends at Brockway Summit. This 22-mile section is mostly singletrack and offers challenging climbs and thrilling descents. The views of Lake Tahoe are spectacular, and the trail is well-maintained and marked.
Hole in the Ground
Hole in the Ground is a challenging and technical trail that's not for the faint of heart. This 16-mile trail starts at Donner Summit and follows a high ridgeline that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail features rocky sections, steep climbs, and thrilling descents, making it a favorite among advanced riders.
The trail is best ridden in the summer and fall when the weather is dry. Be prepared for some challenging sections, including a steep climb up to the ridgeline and a technical descent that will test your skills.
Emigrant Trail
If you're a beginner mountain biker looking for a fun and easy trail in North Lake Tahoe, then the Emigrant Trail is a great option. This 4.5-mile trail is located in Truckee and offers a relatively easy ride with minimal elevation gain. The trail follows the path of an old railroad grade and features a smooth and wide dirt path, making it an ideal ride for beginners. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and pass through beautiful meadows and forests. The trail is well-marked, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. Plus, the trailhead is conveniently located near the historic downtown area of Truckee, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or explore the shops after your ride.
Stay In A Home From Tahoe Moon Properties
[q4vr-properties pids]After you've explored these bike trails in Tahoe, return to Tahoe Moon Properties for a relaxing stay. We have the most beautiful rental homes in North Lake Tahoe, including the most dog-friendly properties of any other vacation rental management company in the region. When you book a home with us, you'll have access to a wealth of local knowledge, making it easy to plan the ultimate lakeside getaway. Check our full selection of homes and book today. We look forward to having you.