9.9 miles
Distance
1,263 ft
Climb
-1,266 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
-2 ft
Altitude change
7,254 ft
Altitude min
7,743 ft
Altitude start
7,743 ft
Altitude end
-46.6%
Grade max
50.3%
Grade min
5 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
2,838 ft
Distance flat

This loop circumnavigates Waterhouse Peak. Most of the riding is moderate but there are a few technical sections here and there. It's highly recommended you ride it clockwise. You can start either along Highway 89 or at the Big Meadow parking area.

Detailed Description
Waterhouse Loop is a 10 mile popular intermediate route located near South Lake Tahoe California. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 9 trails. This route climbs 1,263 ft with a max elevation of 8,108 ft then descends -1,266 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Jul 29, 2023)

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (www.tamba.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    10 miles
  • Avg time
    3 hr 51 min
  • Altitude min
    7,254 ft
  • Altitude start
    7,743 ft
  • Altitude end
    7,743 ft
  • Climb
    1,263 ft
  • Descent
    -1,266 ft
  • Grade max
    -46.6%
  • Grade min
    50.3%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,838 ft

10 Reviews & Comments

Jp19 Jp19
Beauty loop. Great conditions right now. Not too busy. Rode it the day it was snowing early june. Only bad part is if you're doing the loop you have to ride up the hwy. I did it with my dog so that was kind of annoying. But otherwise highly recommend!!

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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
Avg: 2.5 (2 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
  • Paved
mtb
52
mtb
57
mtb
157

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
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Aug 17, 2026 @ 9:21am (America/Los_Angeles)
Aug 17, 2026
Tahoe Rim Trail (Grass Lake Spur)
Jul 17, 2026 @ 11:01am (America/Los_Angeles)
Jul 17, 2026
Tahoe Rim Trail (Grass Lake)
Jun 8, 2026 @ 6:42pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jun 8, 2026
All clear and good dirt conditions.
Scotts Lake Trail
Jul 26, 2025 @ 7:59am
Jul 26, 2025
Scotts to Luther Connector Trail
Jul 26, 2025 @ 7:59am
Jul 26, 2025
more reports »
  • By chrismcnamara TAMBA & contributors
  • #9846 - 3,203 views

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