NORTH TAHOE AND TRUCKEE CA
| Pros | Cons |
| Multi-sport options available | California gas prices |
| Other close by towns with epic riding | Lack of great free camping |
| Make it a road trip, so many options | Tahoe very busy in the summer |
| Close to SFO and Reno for fly-in & out options | |
| Downhill options at Northstar Resort |
Truckee is a charming town perched just north of Lake Tahoe that has it’s fair share of fantastic outdoor adventure. From biking the infamous Flume Trail to paddling the crystal clear Lake Tahoe, Truckee makes a great Northern California getaway.
MUST RIDE TRAILS
- Truckee, CA (Options for all capabilities)
- The Hush Hush Ones: Stop by our favorite bike shop Cycle Path in Truckee, CA and ask them to tell you about the super-secret, super awesome local rides. That all we will say for this area 😉 Cough Cough, Yogi Bear
- The Flume Trail (Intermediate to Advanced)
- An obvious pick, but popular for a reason. The rim trail offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe
TRUCKEE / TAHOE BEST KNOWN FOR
- Views of Lake Tahoe, paddling on the lake and the IMBA Epic Tahoe Rim Trail
WHERE TO RENT BIKES
- Truckee
- Riding low-key trails or the paved path? Go with Bike Truckee
- Want legit Demo bikes from Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz and Ibis? Book online with Cyclepaths
- Tahoe
- Over the Edge or Flume trail bikes
WHERE TO CAMP FOR FREE
- In Truckee: Sagehen campground, it’s free but it’s a bit far and no cell service. Also, lack of bike trails to ride right from the trail system
- In Tahoe area: Limited options of free camping right near the trail system
OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- Paddling Lake Tahoe, umm, of course, you have to! This crystal clear lake is on the top of everyone’s paddling list
- Hiking around Lake Tahoe, if you’re out of trails to ride. So, after you’ve been there for 5-6 months or if the bike is in the shop. Or if you have family/friends with that don’t ride
BEST TIME TO VISIT
- Skip the summer crowds and go in the shoulder seasons. The weather is amazing in September and there are half the crowds
- If you’re looking to ride higher elevation trails such as the Flume trail, skip the springtime and planning on hitting these trails late summer or fall to make sure they’re open
