The Lake Trail

The Lake Trail is a great alternative to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). It is 100% accessible to bikes, unlike the TRT.

This route was developed by Chris McNamara and is still in development.

Since The Lake Trail is at a lower elevation than TRT, it allows sooner access to the lake and more lake views.

Be prepared to push your bike for some of the newer sections and "bush wack" adventure cycle

MUST KNOWS

CAMPING

• There are plenty of places to "wild camp" along the route. We never had an issue finding camping spots

• Hotels, hostels, and AirB&B are also options in the various towns along the route (we stayed one night in a hostel in Breckenridge)

FOOD/WATER

• There is only one long stretch without water (Ski run to Spooner Lake ~20 miles)

• Plenty of creeks along the route to fill up

• Food resupply in Tahoe City, Homewood, Meyers, and/or South Lake Tahoe

NAVIGATION

• Navigation is not easy. Bring a GPS to follow to route

• We used Ride With GPS application to follow the route. The phone was mounted to the handle bar for ease

FYI

• Bring sun protection (we used arm sleeves and stick sunscreen for our faces)

• There are bugs but they are manageable

• You could do this trip without a stove

• It rarely rains in Tahoe during the summer

• The section from Third Creek to First Creek is the most difficult section and route finding is tough

• We were the 14th people to complete the trail, so it will only get better!

DIFFICULTY

• Route finding and hike a bike sections make this a black diamond

• Expect 12-hour days

• The East side is much easier than the West

RESOURCES

Instagram: @thelaketrail

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