Where Can I Ride my Bike on the TRT?

Mountain bikes can be ridden on just over 50% of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Below is a listing of all segments of the TRT and details on mountain biking opportunities on each segment.Mtn Biking

Tahoe City - Brockway Summit:
Mountain biking is permitted on this entire section of trail.

Brockway Summit - Mt. Rose / Tahoe Meadows:
Mountain biking is allowed between Brockway Summit and the Mt. Rose wilderness boundary. This is roughly 7 miles in from Brockway Summit. Starting at the Mt. Rose Summit trailhead, one can take a small section of single track to a dirt road and then bike roughly 3 miles uphill to Relay Peak and the Mount Rose Wilderness boundary. Mountain Biking is NOT permitted in Mt. Rose Wilderness.

 

Tahoe Meadows - Spooner Summit: Tahoe Meadows to Tunnel Creek Road is open to bikes on even numbered days of the month (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc...). It is in the best interest of all trail users to abide by this advisory. Hobart Road to Spooner Summitt is closed to bikes per NV State Parks. North Canyon Road (which connects to the Flume Trail at Marlette Lake) is an alternate trail that parallels the TRT for this segment. Please respect this closure.


Spooner Summit - Kingsbury Grade:
Mountain biking is permitted on this entire section of trail.

Kingsbury Grade - Big Meadow:
Mountain biking is permitted on this entire section of trail.

Big Meadow - Echo Summit / Echo Lake:
Bikes are allowed for the first 5 miles from the Big Meadow trailhead to Meiss Meadow where the TRT joins the PCT. The USFS does not allow bikes on the PCT.

Echo Summit / Echo Lake - Barker Pass:
Bikes are not allowed on this entire section as it goes through the Desolation Wilderness area and because the TRT overlaps with the PCT.

Barker Pass - Tahoe City:
Bikes are allowed from twin peaks to Tahoe City. However, bikes are NOT allowed on the first 5 miles, from Barker Pass to twin peaks, because the TRT overlaps with the PCT.

Elements of Soft Cycling for Erosion Control

  • If trail is wet, choose another trail or day to ride.
  •  Ride only on open trails; don't make new trails.
  • Carry your bike across soft streambeds if an engineered crossing is not available.
  • Travel in small groups to minimize impact on other trail users and wildlife.
  • Don't ride around trail obstructions; help keep the trail narrow.
  • Ride through muddy sections, not around them, to prevent trail widening.
  • Don't ride over trailside vegetation.
  • Respect private property.
  • Don't skid or brake slide; apply brakes evenly, both front and back.
  • Ride over water bars, not around them. •Help keep the trail narrow.
  • Slow down when encountering other trail users.
  • Don't cut switchbacks.
IMBA Rules
What is Off Limits
Wilderness PCT Act
LNT For Mtn Bikers

Dirt Users Hints

Max Jones, owner and operator of Spooner Lake Outdoor Company, has been a driving force in making the Tahoe Rim Trail mountain bike friendly. He is a two time National Mountain Bike Champion and is a member of the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame. Check out Max's D.U.H. (Dirt User's Hints) listed below.

  • Skidding destroys our trails. Learn to use both brakes.
  • Stay on the trail. Dead fall trees? Snow banks? Hurdle them, you're tough.
  • Stay on the trail! The center of the trail. Keep single track single track.
  • Preserve the Dirt: Stay on the trail! You are not tree skiing.
  • Yes, you do need written land agency approval to build your dream trail.
  • Join multiuse maintenance crews. Solve problems. Feel good.
  • Respect Other Users: Pass others at a socially acceptable velocity for them.
  • Ring a bell, smile, say hello.
  • Horses think you want to eat them. Act accordingly.
  • Wear a helmet. Others will have to drag your lifeless body to loved ones.
  • Ride only open trails. Remember the PCT and Wilderness areas are closed.
  • Trash? Skid trenches? Off trail tracks? Leave nothing. You were where?
Yes, cycling is a legitimate use of our backcountry Trails. Enjoy them and remember that there are responsibilities attached to this use.