Located throughout Lake Tahoe, Marin and Sonoma are some of the most beautiful, challenging trails featuring big vertical and views. From the edge of the Pacific to the top of the Sierra Nevada, there is something for everyone.
The AllTrails web has a comprehensive database of amazingness wherever you are with 3D previews, photo tours, elevations and mileage. These are some our favorite locations.
Tennessee Valley to Hawk Hill Loop
From the Tennessee Valley it's up the Marincello trail and down the Bobcat trail. Cross Bunker Rd and climb the Coastal trail to Slacker Hill.
From there its up to Hawk Hill and down Conzelman Rd to the Miwok trail at Rodeo Lagoon. Up the Miwok trail to the Old Springs trail and back to the Tennessee Valley. A 14+ mile classic.
Mill Valley to Muir Beach to Mt Tam
Start and finish in Mill Valley. It's Miller Ave to Marin Ave to the Coyote Ridge trail. From there it's the Miwok trail to the Diaz Ridge down to Muir Beach. Then its up Hwy 1 to the Coastal trail to the PanToll Campground. From there pickup Old Stage Rd to West Point Inn.
From there its Old Railroad Grade to Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Rd and back onto Old Railroad Grade. Then its quick drop to downtown Mill Valley and back onto Miller Ave. A 22+ mile; 3600+ vertical masterpiece.
Sugar Bowl thru Royal Gorge to Point Mariah
Starting at the Gondola at Sugar Bowl you climb up and over to Crows Peak along the Razorback ridge to Rawton Peak. From there it is down thru Royal Gorge on some great single track. Continue to Point Mariah and try the tree swing. Follow the Hewlett RIm Trail which is incredible around Serene Lakes and back to Sugar Bowl. A 16+ mile favorite.
Tahoe Rim Trail @ The Meadows
1) TRT to Incline Flume up the Tyrolian Downhill
2) TRT to Marlette Peak to Flume to Tunnel Creek
3) TRT to Marlette Creek Trail to Chimney Beach
4) TRT to Sunflower Hill to Franktown Creek
5) TRT to Capital to Tahoe to Kings Canyon
Truckee Canyon - Verdi to Hirschdale
Start at the Tahoe Pyramid Trailhead on Quilici Ranch road. An 11+ mile ride each way along the Truckee River valley to Hirschdale near Glenshire. Beautiful river crossings along the railroad and Hwy 80.
A nice mix of edges, fire road and single track. See the old flume, pump station and mini suspension bridge. At Floriston there is an elevated deck trail which leads to a step section were you have to push your bike up and down.
Kings Canyon to Marlette Peak in Carson City
Start at the parking lot at the end of Kings Canyon road. it's and amazing climb and decent with about 3100' vertical across 14 miles with a great view above Marlette Lake and Lake Tahoe. The single track is high quality and a must ride in the area.
All of Tahoe Donner in Truckee, CA
Set aside a week or so to get to know Tahoe Donner from the top of Glacier Point which is great place to start. From Drifter the Far Side to the Mother Load to East and West Mustang, there is something for everyone. The Donner Lake Rim Trail from the bottom of SkiSlope Way is a must.
There are so many great trails in the mid section you may want to study the map before you go. One of the top MTB locations in the area.