20.9 miles
Distance
3,724 ft
Climb
-5,084 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
Loop Christmas Valley before heading down toads
Detailed Description
Christmas Valley to Toads is a 21 mile moderately popular expert route located near Meyers California. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 15 trails. This route climbs 3,724 ft with a max elevation of 8,974 ft then descends -5,084 ft.
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61 Reviews & Comments
-
+ 0
SquidwardHill
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
Trail Saxon Creek Trail (Mr. Toad's Wild Ride)
This trail is amazing! The first section of the trail has some extreme rock tech sections which I just walked. I was mentally prepared based on other comments. If you’re cool with that, go for it. Lots of other more approachable tech beyond that and full on flow trail the second half that felt like a cherry on top for such fun riding. I did this trail alone on an XC bike, which I was timid about originally. Just use your brain and do what your comfortable with. Something beefier might have handled a couple of the sections up top, others were truly next level/beyond me. Done as the loop, which was tons of climbing. Recommend getting shuttled up as much road as you can to cut out BS peddling (I didn’t have that option). Peddling up Armstrong (blue half) and Freel was actually quite lovely. Stuck to the road for the black section of Armstrong.
[Reply]
SquidwardHill
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
This trail is amazing! The first section of the trail has some extreme rock tech sections which I just walked. I was mentally prepared based on other comments. If you’re cool with that, go for it. Lots of other more approachable tech beyond that and full on flow trail the second half that felt like a cherry on top for such fun riding. I did this trail alone on an XC bike, which I was timid about originally. Just use your brain and do what your comfortable with. Something beefier might have handled a couple of the sections up top, others were truly next level/beyond me. Done as the loop, which was tons of climbing. Recommend getting shuttled up as much road as you can to cut out BS peddling (I didn’t have that option). Peddling up Armstrong (blue half) and Freel was actually quite lovely. Stuck to the road for the black section of Armstrong.
[Reply]
SquidwardHill
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
(Oct 11, 2022 at 7:47)
This trail is amazing! The first section of the trail has some extreme rock tech sections which I just walked. I was mentally prepared based on other comments. If you’re cool with that, go for it. Lots of other more approachable tech beyond that and full on flow trail the second half that felt like a cherry on top for such fun riding. I did this trail alone on an XC bike, which I was timid about originally. Just use your brain and do what your comfortable with. Something beefier might have handled a couple of the sections up top, others were truly next level/beyond me. Done as the loop, which was tons of climbing. Recommend getting shuttled up as much road as you can to cut out BS peddling (I didn’t have that option). Peddling up Armstrong (blue half) and Freel was actually quite lovely. Stuck to the road for the black section of Armstrong.
[Reply]
joncartermd
(Oct 10, 2022 at 21:15)
The first mile or two feels a bit like Braille in Demo - chunky steep drops with a narrow line. There are several puckery sections that are still rideable. There are two short sections that are truly XXX Pro lines - not for mortals to ride (I walked). The bottom two thirds becomes flowy and bermy but be careful - the soil is sandy so you can’t let it rip without risking a washout. The second half is in the heart of the 2021 Caldor fire - total destruction with not a single living plant and only dead pines. I felt I was riding in Mordor…
[Reply]
joncartermd
(Oct 10, 2022 at 21:15)
The first mile or two feels a bit like Braille in Demo - chunky steep drops with a narrow line. There are several puckery sections that are still rideable. There are two short sections that are truly XXX Pro lines - not for mortals to ride (I walked). The bottom two thirds becomes flowy and bermy but be careful - the soil is sandy so you can’t let it rip without risking a washout. The second half is in the heart of the 2021 Caldor fire - total destruction with not a single living plant and only dead pines. I felt I was riding in Mordor…
[Reply]
joncartermd
(Oct 10, 2022 at 21:15)
The first mile or two feels a bit like Braille in Demo - chunky steep drops with a narrow line. There are several puckery sections that are still rideable. There are two short sections that are truly XXX Pro lines - not for mortals to ride (I walked). The bottom two thirds becomes flowy and bermy but be careful - the soil is sandy so you can’t let it rip without risking a washout. The second half is in the heart of the 2021 Caldor fire - total destruction with not a single living plant and only dead pines. I felt I was riding in Mordor…
[Reply]
dave13748
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
I've ridden some hard stuff over the years, including hiline in Sedona and dbl blacks at bike parks, and this is up there in difficulty level. The upper boulders are tricky even if you analyze the perfect line. Good luck and rip it, or walk it - there's always next time for redemption.
[Reply]
dave13748
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
I've ridden some hard stuff over the years, including hiline in Sedona and dbl blacks at bike parks, and this is up there in difficulty level. The upper boulders are tricky even if you analyze the perfect line. Good luck and rip it, or walk it - there's always next time for redemption.
[Reply]
dave13748
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
(Oct 8, 2022 at 20:50)
I've ridden some hard stuff over the years, including hiline in Sedona and dbl blacks at bike parks, and this is up there in difficulty level. The upper boulders are tricky even if you analyze the perfect line. Good luck and rip it, or walk it - there's always next time for redemption.
[Reply]
bkxc
(Jul 22, 2022 at 7:57)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
Solid and surprising ride! 11 miles and 2,000 feet of climbing for the whole loop make for a nice little ride. Definitely worth going out and back to Round Lake and having a snack on the water. Surprised I hadn't really heard much about this one!
We found a killer private roadside spot at the Luther Pass campground area so we started and finished our ride there. But the parking lot at the bottom of Christmas Valley is where most will start / finish the ride.
[Reply]
We found a killer private roadside spot at the Luther Pass campground area so we started and finished our ride there. But the parking lot at the bottom of Christmas Valley is where most will start / finish the ride.
patrickzXti1M
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
Did this trail in the mid eighties. On eighties equipment. Great ride not as tech as these others say. Try it on an old clunker for a real thrill.
[Reply]
patrickzXti1M
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
Did this trail in the mid eighties. On eighties equipment. Great ride not as tech as these others say. Try it on an old clunker for a real thrill.
[Reply]
patrickzXti1M
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
(May 14, 2022 at 20:43)
Did this trail in the mid eighties. On eighties equipment. Great ride not as tech as these others say. Try it on an old clunker for a real thrill.
[Reply]
mrwup
(May 30, 2021 at 15:23)
Still snowy at the top steep section and a little bit after it levels out. Maybe like 3/4 or 2/3 of trail is free of snow
[Reply]
mrwup
(May 30, 2021 at 15:23)
Still snowy at the top steep section and a little bit after it levels out. Maybe like 3/4 or 2/3 of trail is free of snow
[Reply]
mrwup
(May 30, 2021 at 15:23)
Still snowy at the top steep section and a little bit after it levels out. Maybe like 3/4 or 2/3 of trail is free of snow
[Reply]
nevaska
(Dec 30, 2020 at 16:43)
favorite go-fast downhill in tahoe. trying to clean the upper boulders is still a challenge
[Reply]
nevaska
(Dec 30, 2020 at 16:43)
favorite go-fast downhill in tahoe. trying to clean the upper boulders is still a challenge
[Reply]
nevaska
(Dec 30, 2020 at 16:43)
favorite go-fast downhill in tahoe. trying to clean the upper boulders is still a challenge
[Reply]
ashort
(Sep 23, 2020 at 14:47)
(Sep 23, 2020 at 14:47)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
Chundery and relatively technical. No real steep sections or features so rated a black for its rock gardens. It does a good job extending the 1,500 vert descent. I looped this going up South Upper Truckee Road and the TRT. Not a great climb with half on a paved road and some hike a bike stairs, but worth the fun descent on Christmas Valley.
[Reply]
christianreed
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
I did this as a 3400’ / 20mi loop from Saxon Creek parking area, up Sidewinder, Fountain Road, Armstrong Pass, TRT, Mr Toads.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
[Reply]
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
christianreed
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
I did this as a 3400’ / 20mi loop from Saxon Creek parking area, up Sidewinder, Fountain Road, Armstrong Pass, TRT, Mr Toads.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
[Reply]
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
christianreed
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
(Sep 10, 2020 at 10:19)
I did this as a 3400’ / 20mi loop from Saxon Creek parking area, up Sidewinder, Fountain Road, Armstrong Pass, TRT, Mr Toads.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
[Reply]
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trail, but ultimately it’s a dual personality trail, with challenging rock gardens at the top, and fast/flowy loose dirt at the bottom. All the challenging stuff is walkable, so my concerns about riding solo were unfounded.
Were I to ride again, I’d want to shuttle, as it’s a big climb. Lacking a shuttle, the Saxon Creek Sidewinder area looks like a fun place to loop.
DrHog
(Jul 29, 2020 at 1:06)
THE place to build and test your technical descending skills, at least for Tahoe. If you’re wondering if this trail is for you, go ride Christmas Valley. If you can handle and enjoy that, this is the next step up the ladder.
[Reply]
DrHog
(Jul 29, 2020 at 1:06)
THE place to build and test your technical descending skills, at least for Tahoe. If you’re wondering if this trail is for you, go ride Christmas Valley. If you can handle and enjoy that, this is the next step up the ladder.
[Reply]
DrHog
(Jul 29, 2020 at 1:06)
THE place to build and test your technical descending skills, at least for Tahoe. If you’re wondering if this trail is for you, go ride Christmas Valley. If you can handle and enjoy that, this is the next step up the ladder.
[Reply]
astopeck12
(Jul 28, 2020 at 18:40)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
The ideal loop is to ride up from Big Meadows. Riding up Christmas Valley would be for most mortals, a hike a bike.
[Reply]
SlideReady
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
DO NOT RIDE UP TOAD'S
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
[Reply]
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
SlideReady
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
DO NOT RIDE UP TOAD'S
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
[Reply]
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
SlideReady
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
(Jun 14, 2020 at 12:40)
DO NOT RIDE UP TOAD'S
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
[Reply]
Lots of loose, blind corners and you're endangering yourself and others by going against the flow of traffic
agarbalosa
(May 22, 2020 at 23:16)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
Running great at low elevation but several snow patches to go thru as you enter the valley
[Reply]
agarbalosa
(May 22, 2020 at 23:16)
Pretty wet, a couple of major snow patches after the meadow but doable
[Reply]
2d-cutout
(Nov 4, 2019 at 18:46)
One of my favourite trails in a month of riding in different locations. Seriously fast and fun, with some Whistler-esque double black tech thrown in before going back to crazy fast flow again. Absolutely recommended, but you'll benefit from a bigger travel bike if you want to get sendy.
[Reply]
2d-cutout
(Nov 4, 2019 at 18:46)
One of my favourite trails in a month of riding in different locations. Seriously fast and fun, with some Whistler-esque double black tech thrown in before going back to crazy fast flow again. Absolutely recommended, but you'll benefit from a bigger travel bike if you want to get sendy.
[Reply]
2d-cutout
(Nov 4, 2019 at 18:46)
One of my favourite trails in a month of riding in different locations. Seriously fast and fun, with some Whistler-esque double black tech thrown in before going back to crazy fast flow again. Absolutely recommended, but you'll benefit from a bigger travel bike if you want to get sendy.
[Reply]
roaminghazard
(Oct 16, 2019 at 10:44)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
This trail is an A+ mix of flow, low speed and high speed rock garden jank and steps. Extremely fun as a DH ride.
[Reply]
WillieB
(Jun 17, 2020 at 8:41)
But damn its so good! This trail is also extremely aptly named...
[Reply]
WillieB
(Jun 17, 2020 at 8:41)
But damn its so good! This trail is also extremely aptly named...
[Reply]
WillieB
(Jun 17, 2020 at 8:41)
But damn its so good! This trail is also extremely aptly named...
[Reply]
dvcpinkbike
(Aug 13, 2019 at 15:52)
Sick descent with Tucker flat together - some of the faster flowy st trails around.
[Reply]
dvcpinkbike
(Aug 13, 2019 at 15:52)
Sick descent with Tucker flat together - some of the faster flowy st trails around.
[Reply]
dvcpinkbike
(Aug 13, 2019 at 15:50)
Great fast descent going SW from Toads back to Big Meadow. One of the better singletracks in the area.
[Reply]
Tonedelove
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
Great ride! Did the big loop which is A LOT of climbing at altitude. DH is technical, but I held my own on a Tallboy with 110mm of rear travel so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a monster bike.
[Reply]
Tonedelove
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
Great ride! Did the big loop which is A LOT of climbing at altitude. DH is technical, but I held my own on a Tallboy with 110mm of rear travel so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a monster bike.
[Reply]
Tonedelove
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
(Jul 30, 2019 at 8:55)
Great ride! Did the big loop which is A LOT of climbing at altitude. DH is technical, but I held my own on a Tallboy with 110mm of rear travel so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a monster bike.
[Reply]
Joshbibbee
(Jul 29, 2019 at 22:08)
This is by far the hardest trail I’ve rode in NorCal. Even though I went OTB on the steepest rock garden, this truly is so worth it.
[Reply]
Joshbibbee
(Jul 29, 2019 at 22:08)
This is by far the hardest trail I’ve rode in NorCal. Even though I went OTB on the steepest rock garden, this truly is so worth it.
[Reply]
Joshbibbee
(Jul 29, 2019 at 22:08)
This is by far the hardest trail I’ve rode in NorCal. Even though I went OTB on the steepest rock garden, this truly is so worth it.
[Reply]
Mtnbikerboise
(Jul 28, 2019 at 20:25)
Good trail with some pretty technical and steep climbing. Great ride overall.
[Reply]
mtbingadventures
(Aug 13, 2018 at 15:39)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
You can get going really fast down this trail even though it has lots of technical rocky sections. It seems to just have that natural fun downhill factor. I love doing this trail every year.
[Reply]
emilita
(Aug 7, 2018 at 15:42)
Trail Christmas Valley Trail
We had a blast riding this trail, laughing all the way down. Trail varies from techy to flowy and offers a few truly stunning views. Really makes the most of the four miles. Added on an out and back to Scott Lake and an out and back to Round Lake before descending CV and it made for a really great day.
[Reply]
vonslick
(Jul 12, 2018 at 15:24)
A couple of tools put some logs mid-stairs seemingly on purpose... who does that? Other than that trail was dusty and loose and fun. Not a soul on my entire loop today, which was nice
[Reply]
vonslick
(Jul 12, 2018 at 15:24)
A couple of tools put some logs mid-stairs seemingly on purpose... who does that? Other than that trail was dusty and loose and fun. Not a soul on my entire loop today, which was nice
[Reply]
vonslick
(Jul 12, 2018 at 15:24)
A couple of tools put some logs mid-stairs seemingly on purpose... who does that? Other than that trail was dusty and loose and fun. Not a soul on my entire loop today, which was nice
[Reply]
bkxc
(Jul 9, 2018 at 15:20)
It's a classic for a reason. So many great challenges in the top section and tons of flowy fun in the bottom section.
[Reply]
bkxc
(Jul 9, 2018 at 15:20)
It's a classic for a reason. So many great challenges in the top section and tons of flowy fun in the bottom section.
[Reply]
bkxc
(Jul 9, 2018 at 15:20)
It's a classic for a reason. So many great challenges in the top section and tons of flowy fun in the bottom section.
[Reply]
flagrfr
(Jul 4, 2018 at 11:49)
Steep ish techy climb up to Mr Toads that gets the job done with good views near the top. Would be a lot of fun to descend
[Reply]
Trails in Route
| 3,100 ft | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 236 ft | |||||
| 1,368 ft | |||||
| 2,461 ft | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 4 miles | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 5 miles | |||||
| 3,573 ft |
Details
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Riding area
-
Primary ActivityMountain Bike
-
Difficulty ratingBlack Diamond
More Stats for Christmas Valley to Toads mountain bike route
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Altitude change-1,359 ft
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Altitude min6,381 ft
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Altitude start7,741 ft
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Altitude end6,381 ft
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Grade-1.2%
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Grade max-76.7%
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Grade min50.3%
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Distance climb8 miles
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Distance down11 miles
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Distance flat1 mile
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youtuber
![This trail has the BEST of both worlds!!! -...]()
This trail has the BEST of both worlds!!! - Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
18:07 | 74 | comments: 0 | favs:
Oct 16, 2022
CHRISTMAS VALLEY A TAHOE CLASSIC : WHAT TO EXPECT - MEISS COUNTRY, MEYERS, CA - JUNE 2022
trail: Christmas Valley Trail
16:29 | 51 | comments: 0 | favs:
Oct 6, 2022
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