21.9 miles
Distance
3,063 ft
Climb
-3,087 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point

Recommended route from Olympic Bike store to see the best of Tahoe City trails in 1 day

Detailed Description
Best of Tahoe City is a 22 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Tahoe City California. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 26 trails. This route climbs 3,063 ft with a max elevation of 7,876 ft then descends -3,087 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (www.tamba.org)
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61 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
windsurfsf (Oct 9, 2022 at 20:01)
Trail Angry Bear
Bottom third has been logged and looks bleek, but the trail is riding fine, even a few new jumps.
[Reply]
  • + 0
windsurfsf (Oct 9, 2022 at 20:01)
Trail Angry Bear
Bottom third has been logged and looks bleek, but the trail is riding fine, even a few new jumps.
[Reply]
  • + 0
jmvaiT (Sep 7, 2022 at 10:35)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Favorite local trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
jmvaiT (Sep 7, 2022 at 10:35)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Favorite local trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Gentna (Aug 6, 2022 at 12:44)
Trail Angry Bear
Trail is decimated, covered in slash. Unrideable
[Reply]
  • + 0
Gentna (Aug 6, 2022 at 12:44)
Trail Angry Bear
Trail is decimated, covered in slash. Unrideable
[Reply]
  • + 0
cnorbutas (Aug 2, 2022 at 15:38)
Trail Angry Bear
Multiple downed trees blocking the trail as of today
[Reply]
  • + 0
cnorbutas (Aug 2, 2022 at 15:38)
Trail Angry Bear
Multiple downed trees blocking the trail as of today
[Reply]
  • + 0
johnnyXride (Jul 4, 2022 at 17:08)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
The Stumpy Meadow Trail, also known as Stumpy DH, has officially been decommissioned. As such the tread has been broken up and mulched so that with time it may return to the surrounding hillside vegetation. Trees are also down across the old logging road route. It is no longer rideable, nor walkable, nor runnable. In short it’s closed; long live Stumpy Super G :-).
[Reply]
  • + 0
hopupuponabike (Jun 5, 2022 at 18:31)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Riding down to TC, it’s more like an easy blue for 90% of the time, then a couple chunky sections. Not Not sure why it’s rated black. Feels like an easy blue for 90%, then has a few chunky sections throughout. Like much of the TRT it’s built like a hiking trail that happens to be fun on a Mtn bike… as far as chunky blues, Lower Big Chief is better for biking and more interesting terrain. This section does deliver some epic views though.
[Reply]
  • + 0
hopupuponabike (Jun 5, 2022 at 18:31)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Riding down to TC, it’s more like an easy blue for 90% of the time, then a couple chunky sections. Not Not sure why it’s rated black. Feels like an easy blue for 90%, then has a few chunky sections throughout. Like much of the TRT it’s built like a hiking trail that happens to be fun on a Mtn bike… as far as chunky blues, Lower Big Chief is better for biking and more interesting terrain. This section does deliver some epic views though.
[Reply]
  • + 1
windsurfsf (Sep 18, 2021 at 22:08)
Trail Angry Bear
Points to whoever named this trail cause it is an Angry Bear. Some flow, some rocky technical, overall challenging and fun; much more interesting than Jack Pine to drop into Tahoe City..
[Reply]
  • + 1
windsurfsf (Sep 18, 2021 at 22:08)
Trail Angry Bear
Points to whoever named this trail cause it is an Angry Bear. Some flow, some rocky technical, overall challenging and fun; much more interesting than Jack Pine to drop into Tahoe City..
[Reply]
  • + 0
breakfasttaco93 (Aug 3, 2021 at 15:16)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Underwhelmed but maybe had the wrong expectations for this trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
breakfasttaco93 (Aug 3, 2021 at 15:16)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Underwhelmed but maybe had the wrong expectations for this trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
hopupuponabike (Jul 29, 2021 at 20:57)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Fire and Ice)
Short, but suuuuper fun and fast down! Easy for hot laps: up 06, down TRT.
[Reply]
  • + 0
johnnyXride (Jul 28, 2021 at 9:51)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Mount Watson North)
A short section of the TRT, that is incorporated in longer rides around North Lake Tahoe. It has a handful of boulders about midsection that you can have a bit of fun with … With Yesterdays thunder shower it is currently in great rating condition.
[Reply]
  • + 0
roldog27 (Jul 12, 2021 at 20:33)
Trail Mount Watson Boulevard
This is an actual paved road, unlike Sawtooth Rd, which connects to it
[Reply]
  • + 0
roldog27 (Jul 12, 2021 at 20:33)
Trail Mount Watson Boulevard
This is an actual paved road, unlike Sawtooth Rd, which connects to it
[Reply]
  • + 0
johnnyXride (Jun 2, 2021 at 8:58)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
The old logging road is now being decommissioned and by mid June 2021, will no longer be a usable trail. The new single track re-route Stumpy Super G, is full open.
[Reply]
  • + 0
johnnyXride (May 22, 2021 at 19:03)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
The New stumpy super G Trail has been “soft“ opened as of two weeks ago. It’s fully rideable from top to bottom. Remaining work includes a rock reinforced berm turn, a rock right over feature, and a ride around to a log feature. The old D H Rd.
[Reply]
  • + 0
djtahoe (Apr 11, 2021 at 13:23)
Trail Ocelot
Still unusable at this stage. Totally covered in sno. Had to stick to the fire roads
[Reply]
  • + 0
djtahoe (Apr 11, 2021 at 13:23)
Trail Ocelot
Still unusable at this stage. Totally covered in sno. Had to stick to the fire roads
[Reply]
  • + 0
djtahoe (Apr 11, 2021 at 13:18)
Trail Bear Trap Connector
Still covered in crusty snow
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Mar 11, 2021 at 11:04)
Trail Ocelot
And now this says mixed, it’s just singletrack
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Mar 11, 2021 at 11:04)
Trail Ocelot
And now this says mixed, it’s just singletrack
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Dec 28, 2020 at 17:27)
Trail Ocelot
What’s up with the trails around here having an added word at the end?
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Dec 28, 2020 at 17:27)
Trail Ocelot
What’s up with the trails around here having an added word at the end?
[Reply]
  • + 0
ashort (Oct 11, 2020 at 19:29)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Mount Watson South)
Incredible views of the lake. Fun flowy downhill with some boulders that make it challenging. All around a great stretch of trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ashort (Oct 4, 2020 at 18:42)
Trail Ocelot
Fun rocky/flowy single track with a gradual grade.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ashort (Oct 4, 2020 at 18:42)
Trail Ocelot
Fun rocky/flowy single track with a gradual grade.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ashort (Sep 23, 2020 at 14:55)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Beautiful views looking across to Alpine and down onto the Truckee River. Lots of chundery sections that earn its black rating. Great flowy sections too.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ashort (Sep 23, 2020 at 14:55)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Beautiful views looking across to Alpine and down onto the Truckee River. Lots of chundery sections that earn its black rating. Great flowy sections too.
[Reply]
  • + 0
gofer-dan (Aug 9, 2020 at 15:29)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Awesome views from the top and of Lake Tahoe along the way. The trails has some fun descending at the top and near the bottom, but it is mostly flat, pedaling chunder. XC style black trail. If you’re looking for a ripping DH, this isn’t it. 1600’ of 5 miles, think about it...
[Reply]
  • + 0
gofer-dan (Aug 9, 2020 at 15:29)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Awesome views from the top and of Lake Tahoe along the way. The trails has some fun descending at the top and near the bottom, but it is mostly flat, pedaling chunder. XC style black trail. If you’re looking for a ripping DH, this isn’t it. 1600’ of 5 miles, think about it...
[Reply]
  • + 0
SikeMo (Jul 30, 2020 at 21:50)
Trail Jackpine/Rocky Ridge Connector
Fresh cut and still pretty loose. Probably better to ride down.
[Reply]
  • + 0
SikeMo (Jul 30, 2020 at 21:50)
Trail Jackpine/Rocky Ridge Connector
Fresh cut and still pretty loose. Probably better to ride down.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DrHog (Jul 29, 2020 at 0:51)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Great climb and descent. Typical TRT—not sanitized, but still great flow. I usually ride the reverse of this depiction.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DrHog (Jul 29, 2020 at 0:51)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Great climb and descent. Typical TRT—not sanitized, but still great flow. I usually ride the reverse of this depiction.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Jul 24, 2020 at 11:17)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Hard blue/ easy black
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Jul 24, 2020 at 11:17)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Hard blue/ easy black
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Jul 12, 2020 at 9:03)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
One of my favorite trails, a nice mixture of techniflow and challenging aggressive tech
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtbflauto (Jul 12, 2020 at 9:03)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
One of my favorite trails, a nice mixture of techniflow and challenging aggressive tech
[Reply]
  • + 1
DrHog (Jun 29, 2020 at 16:08)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Fire and Ice)
While this trail is definitely bi-directional, I always plan my ride to do this section as a descent. It is short, but really sweet!
[Reply]
  • + 0
sailskisurf23 (May 17, 2020 at 21:35)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
Rad jump line with plenty of options, mind the stumps ????
[Reply]
  • + 1
chrisjeans (Nov 15, 2019 at 18:44)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Mount Watson South)
Great downhill with some fun rock features. Start at the top of Watson Peak Trail for an extra 500 ft of descent. Fast and challenging.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Reign51 (Oct 26, 2019 at 21:35)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Overall flowy singletrack trail that alternates between traversing and descending with significant technical rock sections. Great vistas. More flow oriented than technically oriented. Tech sections would be challenging for intermediate tech riders, and are of easy to medium difficulty for advanced/experienced tech riders. Less aggressive tech than Hole in the Ground or Stanford Rock. Overall tech sections are anywhere from isolated 3 to 5 foot "step up / down" style obstacles or are sustained sections longer than 10 yards of fist to basketball sized rocks to ride over or thru. If you can ride chunk, you'll be able to keep your flow through most of it and push the speed limit. Great for advanced riders looking to explore and for intermediate riders looking for the "next step" trail. Named "Glass Mountain" because of the sections at the very top - broken down rock on the trail tinkles like broken glass as your ride over it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Reign51 (Oct 26, 2019 at 21:35)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Overall flowy singletrack trail that alternates between traversing and descending with significant technical rock sections. Great vistas. More flow oriented than technically oriented. Tech sections would be challenging for intermediate tech riders, and are of easy to medium difficulty for advanced/experienced tech riders. Less aggressive tech than Hole in the Ground or Stanford Rock. Overall tech sections are anywhere from isolated 3 to 5 foot "step up / down" style obstacles or are sustained sections longer than 10 yards of fist to basketball sized rocks to ride over or thru. If you can ride chunk, you'll be able to keep your flow through most of it and push the speed limit. Great for advanced riders looking to explore and for intermediate riders looking for the "next step" trail. Named "Glass Mountain" because of the sections at the very top - broken down rock on the trail tinkles like broken glass as your ride over it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
scottshapiro (Aug 28, 2019 at 21:10)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
Lung burner going up! Trail is in decent shape.
[Reply]
  • + 0
MisterDirtPaws (Aug 22, 2019 at 0:28)
Trail Stumpy Meadows
This trail is being rebuilt by TAMBA volunteers. Less logging road, more singletrack. Will be rideable in both directions once re-routed. Flowy new generation singletrack! Lots of build days. Check the TAMBA FB page or TAMBA.org. Come volunteer!
[Reply]
  • + 0
hennings (Jun 25, 2019 at 8:01)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Good to go. A little snow approaching the fiber board, but not a deal breaker.
[Reply]
  • + 0
hennings (Jun 25, 2019 at 8:01)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Good to go. A little snow approaching the fiber board, but not a deal breaker.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Matiasek (Jun 21, 2019 at 13:27)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Is this trail snow free?
[Reply]
  • + 0
Matiasek (Jun 21, 2019 at 13:27)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Painted Rock)
Is this trail snow free?
[Reply]
  • + 2
MisterDirtPaws (Oct 20, 2018 at 10:34)
Trail Ocelot
Ocelot is a great addition to Tahoe City trails. So much better up and down than the old fall line logging road. Thanks TAMBA!
[Reply]
  • + 2
MisterDirtPaws (Oct 20, 2018 at 10:34)
Trail Ocelot
Ocelot is a great addition to Tahoe City trails. So much better up and down than the old fall line logging road. Thanks TAMBA!
[Reply]
  • + 2
mtbingadventures (Aug 27, 2018 at 10:15)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Glass Mountain was a perfect match for what I like. A really rocky downhill with great scenery and just a fun trail to ride. It is challenging so not recommended for a beginner rider but great for an experienced mountain biker that loves to go out and adventure.
[Reply]
  • + 2
mtbingadventures (Aug 27, 2018 at 10:15)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Glass Mountain was a perfect match for what I like. A really rocky downhill with great scenery and just a fun trail to ride. It is challenging so not recommended for a beginner rider but great for an experienced mountain biker that loves to go out and adventure.
[Reply]
  • + 0
kaibab (Aug 26, 2018 at 20:13)
Trail Tahoe Rim Trail (Watson Traverse)
Local bike shop person wasn’t a huge fan but I enjoyed the forest cruise and partial lake views.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Pedtech707 (Jun 19, 2017 at 11:29)
Trail Mount Watson Boulevard
Not rideable above fiberboard, went down rim, had to walk over some snow patches, otherwise beautiful day to ride
[Reply]
  • + 0
Pedtech707 (Jun 19, 2017 at 11:29)
Trail Mount Watson Boulevard
Not rideable above fiberboard, went down rim, had to walk over some snow patches, otherwise beautiful day to ride
[Reply]





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Tahoe City
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Ridelogs
    4
More Stats for Best of Tahoe City mountain bike route
  • Altitude change
    -24 ft
  • Altitude min
    6,243 ft
  • Altitude start
    6,284 ft
  • Altitude end
    6,260 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -37%
  • Grade min
    43.9%
  • Distance climb
    12 miles
  • Distance down
    9 miles
  • Distance flat
    4,524 ft
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  • Basemap 
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3D
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  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
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  • Ideal
  • Dry
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Angry Bear
Oct 27, 2022 @ 6:11pm
Oct 27, 2022
Rideable now. Trail crosses recently logged/hacked areas.
Ocelot
Oct 2, 2022 @ 2:31pm
Oct 2, 2022
Bear Trap Connector
Sep 26, 2022 @ 10:51am
Sep 26, 2022
Tahoe Rim Trail (Fire and Ice)
Sep 18, 2022 @ 4:21pm
Sep 18, 2022
Tahoe Rim Trail (Glass Mountain)
Aug 16, 2022 @ 8:19pm
Aug 16, 2022
Dry, but good
more reports »
  • By Smudger67 & contributors
  • #15050 - 639 views