| America's Adventure Center |
DAY TRIPS- HIKING
Tahoe Rim Trail
www.tahoerimtrail.org
Ready for spectacular vistas and great exercise?
We would like to suggest to you an incomparable hike in the Sierras with breathtaking vistas of Lake Tahoe. Pack your
water and snack and enjoy the Tahoe Rim Trail! You can make this hike a full day experience or just a few hour trip out in
the most beautiful place on earth, according to Mark Twain. You can hike short or long segments want and there are many
perfect turn around points
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a back country, non-motorized scenic trail. The Tahoe Rim Trail is marked with triangular light blue
trail markers with the words "Tahoe Rim Trail" stamped on them. The markers are spaced periodically along the trail as
confidence markers and at major trail junctions and road crossings. The Tahoe Rim Trail is open when the snow has
melted off the trail in the summer-usually mid June,and until the snow starts in the fall, usually late October. The best
times to hike are early to mid-July for wildflowers and September/October for fall colors.
The beginning of one of the beautiful sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail is at 8700', above the Sheep Flats (aka Tahoe
Meadows) on the Mt. Rose Highway above Incline Village. It is often quite cool in the morning at the shuttle drop off site
so bring a wind shell to start the hike. The first part of the trail parallels the highway and then descends through the
meadows and briefly joins the Ophir Creek trail. Look for Rim trail signs directing you onto then after a quarter mile up
and to the right of the Ophir Creek trail. If you stay on the Ophir creek trail you will end up at Davis Creek park in Washoe
Valley, which would be a very long way back to your car.
After a 300' climb out of the meadows you begin to contour your way to the Tunnel Creek road. There are many small
climbs and descents along the route toward the Tunnel Creek road in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. At about nine
miles you will come to the Tunnel Creek Road (8000'). Down this road to the right a half a mile brings you to the North end
of the Flume Trail. Continue straight ahead on the rim trail and you are in for a big (800') switch-backing climb. Near the top
of the climb consider taking the vista trail to the Sand harbor overlook. Same view as on the Flume trail but another
thousand feet higher. It is truly one of the best vistas of Tahoe.
Go to the Tahoe Meadow trailhead located on Hwy 431, above incline Village, only 40 minutes away from Reno, get your
backpack and camera ready-and begin you journey. If you are planning to hike the entire TRT loop, you can start at any of
the following Tahoe Rim Trail trailheads: Brockway East (off of Forest Service Rd 16N56),
Tahoe Meadows Trailhead (Hwy 431),
Spooner Summit (North or South),
Kingsbury Grade (North or South),
Big Meadow Trailhead (Hwy 89),
Echo Summit sno-park (Hwy 50 at the summit),
Echo Lakes (upper parking lot),
Barker Pass (Forest Service Rd 15N38).
Information about permits can be requested at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/
BIKING TRAILS
Biking the Great Flume Trail
www.theflumetrail.com
When talking about mountain biking, the Reno/Tahoe area has it all-from advanced to beginner rides, big climbs or flat
trails, single track, technical or big dirt roads... Here's our best ride suggestion. After a good breakfast at your hotel, simply
get your water and snacks and discover the most spectacular vistas of Lake Tahoe!
The Flume Trail is a moderately difficult ride at 7000' to 8000' feet in elevation with over 1000' of climbing and 4.5 miles of
single track. The Flume Trail itself traverses several steep sections, so those afraid of heights be forewarned. In this world,
most spectacular vistas require traversing steep terrain. This road runs past the old sheperd's hut, then gives way to
rolling uphill terrain through beautiful aspen groves that thrive in the Carson Range on the east side of Lake Tahoe. The
half mile of climbing past Snow Valley is where you become friendly with that shiny little granny gear on your mountain
bike. You start the ride at 7000' and climb to 8157' giving you only 1100' to climb so take your time and savor these ascents
as they are the only ones you'll do all day. We know you want the full Tahoe mountain bike experience.
At the summit, a quick break under the whispering lodge pole pines quickly dries the sweat and refreshes the soul. Next a
short descent leads to the peaceful, pristine Marlette Lake In the fall the colors at Marlette Lake are a site to behold. A
mile and a half of riding on the dirt road along the shore of this beautiful lake leads to the incredible Flume Trail. The Flume
Trail is nearly flat, dropping only 40' per mile and is spectacular in its setting. 1600' above the east shore of Lake Tahoe and
only a half mile away from the shoreline in places, it is truly one of the premier trails in the world. Stop often and enjoy the
view. Take something to eat and drink for an unforgettable picnic.
At the end of the Flume Trail, there is a 3 mile, 1500' descent down to Highway 28. Leaving Marlette Lake and discovering
yourself on the Flume Trail descending 4.5 miles of perfect single track, traversing a steep forested slope, set against the
backdrop of the most beautiful lake in the world.
This great ride begins at the Spooner Lake day use area in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on the east side of Lake
Tahoe. Look for signs leading you to the Flume Trail from this parking area via the North Canyon Road. Spooner Lake is
only 40 minutes away from Reno. Take Hwy 395 South through Carson City, take Hwy 50 and find Spooner on your right.
There is also a guided Flume Trail Tour Option if you don't want to bike by your self: knowledgeable and friendly two time
national champion and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame member Max Jones, who is ready to share the secrets of Tahoe and
tips on how to better enjoy riding and recreating in the mountains. Forget about car shuttles, carrying lots of water and
food. Every tour includes:
Lakeside lunch and extra water at the very scenic Marlette Lake.
A lightweight demo bicycle, available in front or dual suspension.
Transportation in comfortable van back to Spooner Lake after the tour.
Entrance to the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park for the day.
For information on other rides give us a call. If you are looking for something closer to Reno, America's Adventure Center
can take you to Peavine Mountain only 15 minutes away from your hotel and provide transportation, guide, bike rentals,
snacks and everything you need for a fun filled day! Check out our Mountain Biking Tours for other options. (see
information below)
Mountain Bike Trails
America's Adventure Place has great mountain biking trails for all skill and adventure levels, while offering scenic views of
the mountains and lake. Dry Pond / Thomas Creek / Whites Creek / Galena Area. Difficulty: Intermediate
From Reno, take Hwy 395 South to Hwy 431 Mt Rose Hwy. Follow Hwy 431 West to Timberline Rd. (about 5.5 miles.) Take
a right on Timberline Road and follow it north (about 1.5 miles.) The road will pass the turnoff for Whites Creek which is on
your left. Continue North on Timberline Road, the road will turn to dirt, and cross over Thomas Creek. Continue North
past the Thomas Creek Jeep road which is on your left. Just a little further is the parking for the Dry Pond / Thomas Creek
ride on your left. Park in the designated parking / day use area. The single track starts in the South-West corner of the
parking lot. The single track goes south for just a little ways, and crosses over the Thomas Creek jeep road into a little
camping area. Go right or west through this area and the single track will start up again going due west following the
creek. In just under .5 miles, you will cross over the creek to the south side, and the single track will continue following the
creek for another mile. At this point you are at the intersection of the Dry Pond Loop to the left, and the continuation of the
Thomas Creek Ride strait. For the Thomas Creek Ride, skip down the page.
Galena Park (Bitterbrush Trail) Loop
Difficulty: Intermediate (436 foot climb over 2.76 miles)
The Galena Park Loop starts at Galena Park. Take the Mt Rose Hwy west past Timberline Rd. to Galena Park. Park in the
“North Entrance” parking lot. You will see the single track trail start in the north-west corner of the parking lot. Follow the
signs to the “Bitterbrush Trail”. The single track goes north, and comes to a “Y” at 8 tenths of a mile. Take a right to stay
on the Bitterbrush Trail. If you go left you will climb very quickly to Mt Rose Wilderness where you will have to turn
around and go back. The Bitterbrush trail continues for another 1.75 miles (where it intersects the Whites Creek section of
the Dry Pond Loop (see above). At this point, you can do the Dry Pond Loop, or turn around and go back to Galena Park
for a total of 5.4 miles. This should take the intermediate rider about 1 hour.
Genoa Peak
Difficulty: moderate
Mileage: 8 to 12 miles (one way)
Elevation: 7,720-8,680 feet
Enjoy a moderate ride along a ridgeline with scenic views of the Lake Tahoe Basin to the west and Carson Valley to the
east. Several spurs off the main road access peaks, Genoa Peak being the highest (9,150'). An excellent 10 mile loop off the
main ridge is possible. NOTE: Mountain bikes are not allowed on the Rim Trail, from Highway 207 to Spooner Summit.
From South Lake Tahoe, take Kingsbury Grade (Highway 207) and turn left on North Benjamin Road, which turns into
Andria Drive. Continue to the end of the pavement and park. Take Genoa Peak Road (14N32). A longer trip is possible if
you take two cars. Park the second vehicle off of Highway 50 behind the Nevada Department of Transportation Station
(NDOT), 1/4 mile south of the Highway 28 and 50 junction.
Mt. Rose Downhill (Kamakaze)
Difficulty: strenuous
Park at the Diamond Peak X-Country Ski area. Take the trail to the Fire Pit (yes, through) and ride through the fire pit. This
ride is for those with a sense of adventure, as trail is not clearly marked. Ride for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to the Diamond
Peak Ski Resort property. You will need to have two cars, one parked at Diamond Peak X-Country and the other at
Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Or, if you want a longer ride you can do the loop back to where you started. The loop takes
about 2 ½ hours
Peavine Mountain
Peavine Mountain hosts ideal habitat for wildlife. Aspen, willow, mountain mahogany, sagebrush, and Jeffrey pine, among
other plants provide food and protection for many species. Peavine elevation ranges from 4,900 ft. to 8,266 ft. This
seemingly arid high desert environment is habitat for deer, coyotes, foxes, badgers, rabbits and squirrels. The most
accessible Peavine Mountain trails are located in the southeast portion of the mountain as it rises from the neighborhood
of northwest Reno and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. You can enjoy the following trails, according to your own level:
The Panoramic Loop
Difficulty: advanced
Mileage: 19 miles
Keystone Canyon
Difficulty: intermediate
Mileage: 4 miles
Hoge Road
Difficulty: intermediate
Mileage: 10 miles
Evans Canyon
Difficulty: beginner
Mileage: variable
Courtesy of:
R.W. (Ray) Miskimins
Mountain Biking Reno & Carson City Best Trails
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