Note: As you can imagine, with Tahoe’s multiple and seasonal use some activities can conflict. Mountain bikers, dirt bikers, hikers and horseback riders all like to use the same trails. I have found that a little consideration goes a long way. Slow down as you approach hikers. It is not a bad idea to simply stop for the equestrian, as those horses spook easily.
Additionally, there are property rights to contend with. Some of the trips listed go through private land, where “No Trespassing” signs are posted. It is my experience that most land owners don’t care if you go on their land but still post the signs to remove liability. The other consideration are public lands with seasonal leases such as the ski resorts. You have the right to use those areas but should steer clear of the equipment and sensitive areas. It doesn’t detract from the experience to simply stay on the service roads.
The Flume: A classic American ride
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Here are three ways to enjoy this internationally recognized piece of heaven. None are more than moderate in athletic ability or technical skill required, but it is a good idea to pay attention in some of the cliff areas.
#1 Self Shuttle — Leave one car at the old Ponderosa theme park (closed) on the south end of Incline Village. Drive the other car to Spooner State Park where you will begin a five mile ride to Marlette Lake. This is the only uphill. It is gradual except for the last mile. Marlette is stocked with trout. Fishing is just ok. Circle Marlette clockwise to the dam. This is the beginning of where the old flume carried water to the Ponderosa. The Flume is a single track in good repair with spectacular views of the Lake. Most traffic goes your direction but be prepared for on coming traffic. Snack above Sand Harbor. Continue down the low road to the east shore highway (NV 28), turn right and pedal to your car. (The low road can be sandy.) My traditional stop in Incline is T’s Mesquite Rotisserie, killer chicken burritos. On the way back to pick up your Spooner car stop just before Sand Harbor and swim out to the rocks of Secret Beach. (You can avoid the hassle of the Ponderosa shuttle by simply riding the east shore highway back to Spooner. This is mostly uphill and has little room on the shoulder for bikes.)
#2 The Loop — My favorite and may be the only alternative for the summer of 2009 as major highway construction is planned for NV 28. (Extended periods of closures and delays. Check with www.nevadadot.com .) Park at Spooner, either fee parking or across the road for free, and proceed as above. Near the end of the Flume, instead of continuing down the low road, turn right up a relatively short up hill to the ridge crest. From there you can join the Rim Trail (slightly technical) which will take you back to Marlette, or continue down the Washoe Valley side. I like this way best. About a mile down this road a new flume will appear on your right. Follow the single track along side the flume to a small bridge. This area is covered with Aspen trees and is quite spectacular in the fall. Portage across the bridge, turn right and head up the road towards Hobart Reservoir. As soon as the road becomes relatively level, hike through the willows on the right where you will find a fresh water spring bubbling up through the sand. Yes! The road you are on will take you on a fairly serious up hill to the ridge crest. From here you can look down across Marlette with Lake Tahoe beyond. Nice photo op. Continue down the road to Marlette, then retrace to your car at Spooner.
#3 Paid Shuttle — Max Jones and Patti McMullan run Spooner X-ski during the winter months, a first class operation accessing much of what is described above. (Max was a former Olympic Biathlete.) During the summer they provide a shuttle from Spooner to Mt Rose, above Incline. Info at www.theflumetrail.com. From there you can ride the Tahoe Rim Trail back to Spooner or connect with the Flume to Spooner via Marlette. Great fun and hassle free.
The Power Line
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Park at the top of Ski Run Blvd, Heavenly California side. (Don’t park in tow away zones…they mean it.) Head west on the side street to where it dead ends. Pick up any of the single tracks, which all interconnect and eventually take you near the far end of Pioneer Trail. These trails were formed by dirt bikes back when they were legal in this area….fun banked turns and whoop-de-doos. Double back to your car when you are half tired. Just about impossible to get lost on this ride. Simply drop down to Pioneer Trail.
Cold Creek
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Park at the Lake Tahoe Community College. Ride through the campus to Black Bart Street. Ride up to the intersection of Black Bart and Pioneer Trail, continue through to Cold Creek Road. Turn left on Alice Lake Street and follow to the end. Join the Power Line single track. The track will take you to a wooden Forest Service bridge. Do not cross the bridge, continue up the left side of Cold Creek. At the top of the track it will cross Cold Creek. Either back track what you have just climbed… great downhill or ford the creek and turn left up to High Meadow.
Pony Express
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This parallels Kingsbury Grade (NV208) and follows the actual path taken by Pony Express riders. It is a great ride on a hot day as it follows shade trees up Edgewood Creek. Ride a mile or so up Kingsbury turning right on Palisades Street, just below the Chart House Restaurant. Turn left on Easy Street and follow to the end where the dirt road begins the ride. This will take you up to Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge. From here there are a lot of choices: Retrace your path for a great downhill; cross Kingsbury to the famous Chinese Downhill or take the paved road to Heavenly’s Stagecoach Lodge and traverse their maintenance roads to Heavenly’s California Lodge.
