LOCAL RIDE INFO
Paved Bike Paths
There are a variety of paved multi-use paths in the area. There are bathroom facilities, water fountains, and trail markers available on these routes. Bike maps are available at our rental desk, and feel free to ask for advice on what trail would best suit your needs! All the paths are easily accessible from Olympic Bike Shop.
Truckee River Path
The most popular path follows the Truckee River to Squaw Valley for 8 miles, and is relatively flat. This is a great ride for casual cyclists, families, and folks wanting to take it easy.
West Shore Path
This route follows the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, ending at Sugar Pine State Park, 12 miles from Tahoe City. This path is more strenuous, includes detours through quiet residential neighborhoods, and crosses Highway 89 several times. There is a section in Homewood where the bike path is not yet finished; riders are required to share the highway with a minimal shoulder. However, the end of the trail is well worth it. You’ll find a state park with lots of grass, beautiful beaches, and a public pier.
Dollar Hill Path
A shorter multi-use path travels from the north end of Tahoe City to the top of Dollar Hill, and is a popular way to get to and from town. This trail provides good access for off road riding.
For a detailed map — CLICK HERE!

Road Biking
There are few paved roads in the area that are free from traffic, but we know where they are, so ask! Riding around the lake is about 72 miles, with approximately 4000 feet of elevation gain along the way. However,there are not dedicated bike lanes on all sections of the road, and the traffic can be fast-paced and intense. If you are going to ride around the lake, we recommend that you plan your trip on Saturday or Sunday (the best), as early as possible, and ride in a clockwise direction. Please call for more specific information on road riding.

Mountain Biking
Lake Tahoe is rightly famous for the incredible mountain biking available in the area. From the world famous Flume Ride to the experts-only sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Olympic Bike Shop staff can direct you to the trails that you will love to ride. We also have maps, shuttle information, tools, and everything else you will need to have a great day on the trails.
Top 11 Mountain Bike Trails Near Tahoe City
Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
---|---|---|
PAGE MEADOWS | 8 Miles | Easy |
GLASS MOUNTAIN / THUNDER CLIFFS | 9 Miles | Advanced |
MOUNT WATSON | 25.4 Miles | Moderate |
WALTERNATE / WESTERN STATES | 12.5 Miles | Advanced |
SCOTT PEAK | 15 Miles | Moderate |
BIG CHIEF | 7 Miles | Moderate |
STANFORD ROCK | 17 Miles | Advanced |
MOUNT BALDY OUT + BACK | 13.5 Miles | Difficult |
GENERAL CREEK | 5.5 Miles | Moderate |
WATSON CREEK | 18 Miles | Advanced |
TAHOE CITY CROSS COUNTRY | NA | NA |
Please be considerate & respectful of our environment while you are on our bike paths, roads and trails.
Lake Tahoe is rightly famous for the incredible mountain biking available in the area. From the world famous Flume Ride to the experts-only sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Olympic Bike Shop staff can direct you to the trails that you will love to ride. We also have maps, shuttle information, tools, and everything else you will need to have a great day on the trails.
Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails Near Tahoe City
Trail Name | |
---|---|
PAGE MEADOWS | |
Distance | 8 Miles |
Difficulty | Easy |
GLASS MOUNTAIN THUNDER CLIFFS | |
Distance | 9 Miles |
Difficulty | Advanced |
MOUNT WATSON | |
Distance | 25.4 Miles |
Difficulty | Moderate |
WALTERNATE WESTERN STATES | |
Distance | 12 .5 Miles |
Difficulty | Advanced |
SCOTT PEAK | |
Distance | 15 Miles |
Difficulty | Moderate |
BIG CHIEF | |
Distance | 7 miles |
Difficulty | Moderate |
STANFORD ROCK | |
Distance | 17 Miles |
Difficulty | Advanced |
MOUNT BALDY OUT + BACK | |
Distance | 13.5 Miles |
Difficulty | Difficult |
GENERAL CREEK | |
Distance | 5.5 Miles |
Difficulty | Moderate |
WATSON CREEK | |
Distance | 18 Miles |
Difficulty | Advanced |
TAHOE CITY CROSS COUNTRY | |
Distance | NA |
Difficulty | NA |
Please be considerate & respectful of our environment while you are on our bike paths, roads and trails.