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Truckee-Tahoe Biking Destination

Truckee-Tahoe Biking Destination

Truckee-Tahoe is a world-class biking destination for all types of riding from e-bike cruising on scenic paved paths to technical mountain bike descents and flowy, approachable singletrack. Whether your wheels of choice are an e-bike, gravel bike, mountain bike, or road bike, there are endless dirt trails and scenic paved paths.

When’s the best time of year to go riding in Truckee-Tahoe?

May (depending on snow year)  – November

‍The best time for snow-free rides is late spring through fall, generally May – November, and if the weather holds, even into December. That being said, you can do some easy pedaling any time of the year on Truckee’s 22 miles of scenic paved paths, which are plowed and snow-free in winter (ideal for running, walking).

What types of riding does Truckee-Tahoe offer?

We’ve got it all in Truckee-Tahoe for Biking Destination! Mountain biking, gravel biking, and road riding. Whether you’re craving a comfortable cruise down a scenic paved path or a heart-pumping rush as you fly down technical descents, you’ll find it here.  

Mountain Biking

Truckee-Tahoe is a mountain biking mecca, home to world-class singletrack for all riding styles and skill levels with options for half-day or full-day rides. Backdoor access to the Tahoe National Forest means you won’t have a hard time finding the perfect trail to ride. Find your flow on smooth, rolling singletrack, steep, technical downhills, and everything in between.

Gravel Riding

Take a ride on the road less traveled from the seat of a gravel bike. These bikes have become a popular choice in recent years, and for good reason. They can handle a variety of surfaces from paved roads to rugged forest roads, perfect for adventuring in places like Prosser Reservoir where a network of dirt roads and trails provide endless riding.  

Scenic Paved Paths – 22 Miles of Easy Riding

Hop on a commuter or comfort bike, grab the kids and take in Truckee-Tahoe’s most gorgeous views as you cruise along scenic paved paths and bike routes. Family-friendly trails abound, with options for half and full-day adventures for kids of all ages.

Serious Road Riding – 100s of Miles on Mountain Roads

Avid cyclists enjoy aesthetic, challenging rides on bike routes that take you over mountain passes, along alpine lakes, and into the heart of the Sierra.

BMX Riding

The Truckee Bike Park is the place to go for BMX (Bicycle Motorcross) riding. Thoughtfully designed with features for every skill level, it’s the perfect place for a fun family day. Cruise along the smooth pump track, ride flowy berms and tables, gain mountain bike skills on the cross country trail, or get serious air on a slope line.

Are E-bikes allowed?

Yes! Truckee has a total of 57 miles of paved and dirt paths open for E-bike riding, plus more trails on the way.

Looking to ride singletrack? The Tahoe National Forest allows Class 1, pedal assisted E-bikes on  35 miles of dirt trails. This includes the Emigrant Trail, Big Chief Trail, Sawtooth Trail, and Donkey Town and El Burro Trails (formerly known as Jackass Ridge Trails). View and print a map of E-bike trails in the Truckee Ranger District.

Class 1 (pedal assist only) E-bikes are also allowed on Tahoe Donner dirt roads as of September 17, 2021. Click here to learn more about E-bikes on Tahoe Donner trails.

Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes are allowed on Truckee’s 22 miles of scenic paved paths. Cruise along the Truckee River on the Legacy Trail or take the Trout Creek Trail into downtown Truckee.

All three classes of E-bikes are permitted on Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails in the Tahoe National Forest. View motor vehicle use map.

Where can I rent a bike in Truckee?

What do I need to know before biking?

  1. Be prepared! Carry bike tools, food, and lots of water on the trail. Wear breathable non-cotton clothing that will keep you cool and dry, and bring extra layers in case of unexpected weather.
  2. Keep your bike maintained. Visit one of Truckee’s bike shops for a quick, convenient tune-up before you hit the trail. You’ll have more fun and stay safe!
  3. Wear a Helmet. Make sure yours has a snug and secure fit with plenty of ventilation and protection for the type of riding you intend to do.
  4. Yield to hikers and equestrians. On the trail, horses have right of way, followed by hikers and then riders. Downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic.
  5. Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights and reflectors on the front and back wheels of your bicycle. 

Learn how to bike safely from the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.

Compass Skills Loop” All-Inclusive Universally Designed

The first all-inclusive, universally designed mountain bike loop in Truckee-Tahoe is open for riders!

Located at the Sawtooth Trailhead, the Compass Skills Loop has been thoughtfully constructed to facilitate mountain biking skills development for all riders, including those on adaptive mountain bikes (aMTB).

The one-mile, five foot wide trail has a progression of features for all skill levels, helping riders gain skills to ride safely and build confidence. It’s suitable for kids, adults, and adaptive riders at beginner and intermediate levels.

The trail is a project of the Truckee Trails Foundation, designed by Steve Wentz of Momentum Trail Concepts, and sponsored by Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s Sustainable Truckee initiative.

DISCOVER MORE TRAILS FOR EVERYBODY™

Where to go biking in Truckee-Tahoe

Looking for biking trails? We’ve got you covered. Truckee-Tahoe has miles upon miles of trails for every type of rider, whether you like singletrack, gravel roads, or paved paths. Use the links above to explore various biking areas, trails and paths or for apps, we recommend Trailforks.

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