Where to Ride in Reno Tahoe: A Mountain Biker’s Trail Picks for Every Skill Level

I would also like to make a shoutout to all the trail builders who make our dreams come true by donating endless hours to maintaining public trails:

• Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA)
• Truckee Dirt Union
• Sierra Trail Works
• Biggest Little Trail Stewardship

Here are some of my favorite spots to ride:

Located about 30 miles outside of Reno, this trail highlights the beauty of the “Jewel of the Sierra,” with 13 miles of riding hundreds of feet above Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, with moderate terrain and memorable views. This trail features a packed-sand double track for uphill and downhill traffic, and signage directing alternative routes along the trail network.

I recommend parking at the Tunnel Creek Cafe, grabbing a bite or beverage to support the local coffee shop. Right next door to the cafe, you can rent a bike and/or schedule a shuttle from Flume Trail Bikes to Spooner Lake State Park. From there, you can enjoy a beautiful descent to the shores of Lake Tahoe. The Flume Trail is a favorite for newcomers to Reno Tahoe.

Minutes from the University of Nevada, Reno campus and downtown Reno, this trail system holds fast-paced downhill trails with citywide landscapes… and the initial climb will have you questioning if you brought enough water or snacks (tip: pack plenty of water and snacks!). It is a perfect spot for casual local riders or enthusiasts looking for high-desert riding. The best parking is at the West Keystone Trailhead, right off McCarran Blvd. in Reno. This parking lot gives you access to both the upper and lower segments of Peavine.

This family-friendly bike park has features for all levels of riders. The bike park has a pump track for groms to practice bike skills. For advanced riders, there are short-and-sweet routes for endless laps of fast, flowy trails with jumps scattered throughout.

My favorite segment is the intermediate MTB flow trail, which is packed with fun jumps, berms, and medium-sized drops. The pump track is best for riders looking to practice essential mountain biking skills. This park keeps riders of every level entertained, from mellow green to challenging double-black trail routes, making it totally worth a visit!

One of Reno’s newer mountain biking areas, built on a ski resort, Sky Tavern is the ultimate place for exploring new terrain, with plenty of opportunities to sign up for courses designed to improve your MTB skill set. Ebike-friendly, Sky Tavern has the premium dirt to fulfill all of your MTB needs, from novice to expert terrain.

Located on Mt. Rose Highway, a 20-minute drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe, Sky Tavern is easy to access. It boasts 14 different world-class trail routes that can cater to any type of rider. With a gentle uphill climbing road back to the starting point, you can easily spend the entire day at the “Tavern.”

If majestic long rides are your cup of tea, the Tahoe Pyramid trail is your next challenge! This route runs from the outlet of the north shore of Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. This route, consisting of a mix of dirt, paved, and gravel roads, offers views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, leading to the awe-inspiring landscape of Pyramid Lake.

The trail allows for several opportunities to jump on and off, so you can ride shorter sections. My favorite segment on this trail system is from Hirschdale to Verdi. I would recommend choosing segments of the trail to explore rather than attempting to pedal the entire route––unless you are prepared to tackle 114 miles!

A local favorite in Truckee, California, this network has the all-in-one package without the time constraints. Just off Highway 89, riders can tackle a solid uphill climb to be rewarded with various downhill routes that are entertaining for all types of riders. This trail is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. Most can complete the 5-mile loop within 45 minutes to an hour. My favorite time to ride this trail is early in the morning to beat the summer heat, or just before sundown to make it home by dinner time.

The best part about Reno Tahoe being so great for biking is the diversity of the trail networks. Weaving through fast single-track and gigantic Sierra Pines or pedaling across high-desert flow trails overlooking cityscapes allows riders to truly find their own adventure. It’s truly a must-visit for any mountain biking enthusiast.