Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas are known for many things: our brilliant blue water, the striking 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the abundant number of adventures that are ready to be had. Visitors and locals alike love to enjoy the copious amounts of activities that differ drastically from the spectacular summer months to the wonderful winters. Yet, there is something Lake Tahoe should be known for, but often is overlooked. Our best kept secret: the fantastic paved bike paths!
While Lake Tahoe is considered a mecca of world-class mountain bike trails as well as famed for awe-inspiring road rides, often a featured location of international races, our more simplified paved bike paths, inviting to families, cruiser bikes, kids and commuters often go unmentioned. Whether you are considering options for completing errands without driving, looking for ways to get the family out together, or even considering the best places to get exercise while pushing a stroller, these four paved paths should be at the top of your list!
Truckee River Legacy Trail
The Truckee Legacy Trail is a 6-mile cruise that connects downtown Truckee to the Glenshire neighborhood alongside the Truckee River. This beautiful path winds through Truckee River Regional Park and is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and walking. Soak in views of Truckee and Northstar while watching the river rafters and kayakers float by. Stop to rest at the benches and learn Truckee's history at the numerous interpretive signs along the way. Popular with beginner bikers, families, runners and dog walkers, this beginner path is cleared of snow in the winter, making it a popular trail year round. Need gear? No problem, there are plenty of options for bike rentals around town. Take the round trip out and back, and finish up in historic downtown Truckee, enjoying an afternoon of outdoor dining and drinks.
Tahoe City to Palisades Tahoe
The Truckee River Bike Path connects Tahoe City and Olympic Valley with the paved path that runs along the Truckee River. Recently, the Tahoe City bike path was extended to connect all the way up to Dollar Point and the Tahoe City XC Center, if you have a hill climb in you! From downtown Tahoe City, the 7-mile, level and leisurely path is great for kids, bike trailers, or cruiser bikes. Head out to Olympic Valley and all the way into the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Stop along the river for a quick dip, or simply enjoying family time. While riding you’ll enjoy the sloping mountains that hug the valley from both sides. Simply enjoy the stunning experience, or take advantage of the easy commute to all the events happening in the Village, without needing to drive!
West Lake Tahoe Bike Path
The West Shore Bike Trail is a unique and leisurely way to experience the whole of West Shore. This bike path shows off the jaw dropping beauty of Tahoe City, Homewood, Tahoma and Meeks Bay. A new section of trail now connects Sugar Pine Point State Park to Meeks Bay as well. On this longer 11-mile trail you’ll spend the day weaving through giant pines, resting at breathtaking view spots, and soaking up stretches of shoreline. Plan to stop for lunch at the local markets on the west shore, take a quick hike up Eagle Rock, or rest at any of the beaches that line the path along your way.
East Shore Trail
Dubbed as “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”, the long awaited Tahoe East Shore Trail is not only a spectacular way to recreate at North America’s largest alpine lake, but also provides direct access to public beaches, coves and trails along the picturesque Nevada shoreline. Located in North Lake Tahoe nearest Incline Village, this new trail system lies below the highway bordering Lake Tahoe’s eastern shoreline, providing unfiltered views and incomparable access to Lake Tahoe. The East Shore Bike path is a 6-mile (there and back) trail connecting Incline Village to iconic Sand Harbor State Park. The trail starts off with a mile of panoramic views and then loops under the highway to provide two miles of shoreline trail riding. Don’t just plan on biking this trail, with 11 beach access points and 16 vista view spots, this trail is not just for riding. Enjoy a day filled with crystal clear lake dips, jaw dropping views and fun for the whole family.
