10 Epic Mountain Bike Rides in Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe

A great adventure for advanced riders seeking an exhilarating challenge, the iconic Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, also known as Saxon Creek, is a legendary trail offering a thrilling 6-mile descent that will leave riders with a satisfying rush of adrenaline. Prepare for a technical and rocky adventure as you plunge through towering forests and navigate boulders on the upper sections, followed by fast-paced, banked turns on the lower sections. Make sure to bring your full-suspension bike for optimal performance.

For those looking to extend their ride and test their endurance, you can start at Heavenly's Stagecoach Lodge off Kingsbury Grade and ride the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) to Star Lake then continue over Freel Peak and onwards to Mr. Toad's, creating a longer ride of nearly 30 miles known as the "Punisher." Super endurance riders can even embark on the epic "Uber Punisher" by starting at Mount Rose, resulting in a 60+ mile adventure.

There are two popular ways to ride Mr. Toad's. The first option is to loop the trail by riding up Fountain Place, Armstrong, and Rim Trail for a rewarding 20-mile loop. Alternatively, you can shuttle up to the Big Meadow TRT parking area or Grass Lake Luther Pass spur and ride up from there, reducing the climb to a shorter 3 miles to reach the top.

To access the trail, take Pioneer Trail towards Meyers and turn left onto Oneidas Street. After passing a few houses, Oneidas Street transitions into a paved forest service road called Fountain Place. Follow this road for approximately 1/4 mile until you reach a large dirt parking lot on your right, which marks the end of the trail. If you prefer to start your loop from this point, you can ride up the paved Forest Service Road to Armstrong Trail. Another option is to ride or shuttle up to Highway 89 and connect with the Big Meadow trailhead.

It's important to note that attempting to ride up Mr. Toad's trail is not recommended.

Mr. Toad's is most definitely a wild ride that deserves respect. Photo courtesy of JP Tobin

Power Line Trail

South Lake Tahoe

Looking for a beginner-friendly mountain biking trail in South Lake Tahoe? Look no farther than the Power Line Trail. Spanning 7.0 miles, this delightful trail takes you on a scenic journey from South Lake Tahoe through serene pine forests and over picturesque creeks. With its relatively flat and easy terrain, it serves as an excellent introduction to mountain biking while still offering a pleasant experience for riders of all skill levels.

As you pedal along the smooth, rolling single track, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, with towering trees and tranquil neighborhoods of South Lake Tahoe as your backdrop. The Power Line Trail conveniently connects to other trails, including Corral, Cedar and Cold Creek, allowing riders to explore further if they desire. Clear signage along the trail ensures that you can easily navigate and stay on track.

Accessible from various points in town, the Power Line Trail offers convenient accessibility for riders. It's important to note that the trail passes through private lands, so it's essential to stay on the designated trail and respect the surrounding properties.

To begin your adventure on the Power Line Trail, head to the top of Ski Run Boulevard and turn onto Saddle Road. Follow the road all the way up, being mindful of parking restrictions to avoid tickets. Obey the signs guiding you to the trailhead, and you'll be ready to embark on a leisurely and enjoyable mountain biking experience in South Lake Tahoe.

Coral Area

South Lake Tahoe

With a plethora of trails catering to riders of all ability levels, this area is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts. Get ready to explore an extensive network of trails that will keep you entertained and engaged for hours on end.

One of the highlights of this trail system is the abundance of features, including log rides, jumps and rock rolls, making it a playground for riders seeking a thrilling experience. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of TAMBA (Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association) and SBTS (Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship), new jumps, berms, rollers and hips were added in 2014, enhancing the trail experience even further.

The trails within the Corral Area run parallel to the Fountain Place paved road, allowing for convenient shuttle options by car. Alternatively, these trails offer moderate climbs, ensuring that riders of almost any fitness level can enjoy hours of biking pleasure. You'll encounter a diverse crowd here, ranging from riders in full body armor on downhill bikes to families testing their limits and even cross-country racers doing interval training. The trail system seamlessly connects with other notable trails like Armstrong Trail, the Rim Trail, Powerline and Railroad Grade. Notably, this is also where the renowned Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ends, adding another level of excitement to the Corral Area Trails.

To access this mountain biking paradise, head from town towards Meyers on Pioneer Trail. Take a left onto Oneidas Street, and after passing a few houses, the street transforms into a paved forest service road. Follow the road for approximately half a mile and look for a dirt parking lot on the left, just past the creek crossing. This is where you can conveniently park your vehicle to begin your adventure on the Corral Area Trails.

The Bench

Stateline

Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure on The Bench section of the Tahoe Rim Trail, offering breathtaking vistas and thrilling riding opportunities. This intermediate to advanced trail takes you above the tree line, treating you to spectacular views of Lake Tahoe along the way. With just the right amount of rocks to keep things interesting while remaining highly rideable, this trail promises an exhilarating experience for riders seeking a challenge.

Typically done as an out-and-back ride, The Bench can be accessed from either Spooner Summit or Kingsbury Grade. Riders will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe as they pedal along this remarkable trail. A noteworthy feature along the route is a large wooden bench, providing a perfect resting spot to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture unforgettable moments.

To reach The Bench, head towards Stateline and take Kingsbury Grade/State Route 207. As you ascend towards the top, make a left turn onto N. Benjamin Street. Continue following the road until you reach its end, where you'll find a large parking area and the trailhead to begin your epic journey.

Big Chief Trail

Truckee

Big Chief Trail is one of the newer additions to the Truckee area's trail network, completed in 2019. This trail offers a thrilling and technically challenging mountain biking experience for riders seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure. With its impressive rock work and well-crafted features, Big Chief will push your skills to the limit and leave you wanting more.

The trail is divided into upper and lower segments, with the lower sections being slightly easier compared to the top third. However, all segments of Big Chief boast technical features that will test your abilities and provide opportunities for skill development. The top third of the trail, in particular, offers challenging features that will keep even experienced riders on their toes. The middle section includes optional rock rolls and jumps that you can session to enhance your skills.

To access the Big Chief trailhead, travel approximately 3 miles up the 06 past the Sawtooth Trailhead. If you prefer shuttling from the top, the Upper Big Chief Trailhead is located near the intersection of the Fiberboard Freeway and the 500 road. Please note that parking at the trailheads is limited, but the drive to reach the trail is entirely paved, ensuring a smooth journey.

Donner Lake Rim Trail

Truckee

The Donner Lake Rim Trail (DLRT) in Castle Valley, when completed, will encompass a magnificent 23-mile, bike-legal route encircling the picturesque Donner Lake. Currently, the Truckee Donner Land Trust has successfully developed 12 miles of the trail, providing an incredible riding experience for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The Castle Valley segment stands out as the most challenging section of the Donner Lake Rim Trail, offering a thrilling and technical adventure for riders seeking an adrenaline rush. Prepare to be amazed by the natural granite features that dominate this portion of the trail, including steps, rock rolls, steep climbs and sharp turns. Each twist and turn will test your skills and keep you on your toes.

For those seeking a shuttle experience, you can ride this trail as part of a shuttle loop that includes the Wendin Way Trail. This exciting addition adds a fun and flowy downhill element to your ride, complementing the technical challenges of the Castle Valley segment.

The downhill riding offered at Northstar is world-renowned. Photo courtesy of Northstar California Resort

Northstar California Resort Bike Park

Truckee

Get ready to experience the thrill of lift-serviced mountain biking at Northstar California Resort Bike Park. Choose from more than 50 trails that cater to riders of all skill levels, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to advanced terrain that will push your limits.

As you navigate the trails, prepare to unleash your inner daredevil. Yee-haw your way down freestyle-designed jumps, conquer large-banked turns as well as conquer a variety of manmade features and wooden structures that will test your skills. Explore iconic trails like Gypsy, Coaster and Tryumph, each offering its unique blend of excitement and challenges.

To start your day, warm up by lapping the Big Springs Gondola, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery and preparing for the thrilling ride ahead. From there, head to Vista Express or Zephyr Express, where more challenging and exhilarating terrain awaits, providing an unforgettable mountain biking experience.

Tyrolean Downhill

Incline Village

For downhill enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating ride, the Tyrolean Downhill trail offers an addictive pure downhill experience. To access this thrilling stretch of technical singletrack, set up a shuttle from the Diamond Peak Ski area parking lot, where the trail concludes. Begin your adventure off the Tahoe Rim Trail from Mt. Rose Meadows and get ready to experience the adrenaline rush of this downhill delight.

Spanning 3.7 point-to-point miles, the Tyrolean Downhill trail is packed with excitement. As you descend, you'll encounter a series of small jumps, navigate through large rock gardens and take on thrilling banked turns. Be prepared for an exhilarating rollercoaster of bumps and bends that will keep you on your toes and your heart racing.