Bike Riding Near Clair Tappaan
Here are some of the great rides at or near CTL. This list is by no means complete;
more rides can be found in the resources listed here.
There are countess bike rides and combinations of rides that you can do in our
neighborhood. Here are a few favorites to help get you started. Some of these rides start
at CTL, others require that you drive.
It’s a pleasure to come stay at CTL and not have to use your car. Exactly where
you can ride depends on your skill and fitness level. I’m sure that Lance Armstrong
would think nothing about leaving CTL in the morning, take a spin around Lake Tahoe and
being back for supper. However, here are some close by rides:
Donner Pass Road Down to Donner Lake and Truckee
This ride requires good cardiovascular fitness (for the ride back up), but if you can
do it much more of the area is open to you without driving. The road is rich in railroad
lore with the views of tunnels and snow sheds built by Chinese workers during the
construction of the transcontinental railroad.
Clair Tappaan Lodge to Big Bend Ranger Station
The ride from the Lodge to Big Bend Ranger Station makes for a beautiful introduction
to road biking or a leisurely ride for more experienced riders. The route runs 14 miles
round trip following the Yuba River and ends at the Big Bend Ranger Station which offers
displays on local history, flora, and fauna.
Clair Tappaan Lodge to Lake Tahoe
For bikers looking for longer miles the route to Lake Tahoe is a classic 60 mile ride
(round trip). From the Lodge riders descend quickly down Donner Pass and ride alongside
Donner Lake. The next segment travels through the scenic Truckee River corridor before
arriving at gorgeous Lake Tahoe.
Behind CTL
The area where many of us learned to cross-country ski has some nice off road biking.
There are a lot of trails and rutted roads. Check with the staff for appropriate areas.
Hole-in-the-Ground Loop/(Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail)
This is a beautiful ride for strong riders. The ride starts at the 'Snow Study
Laboratory Road' which is goes east from Donner Pass Road north of CTL. See the
recommended guides for further desciptions. This 17 mile loop
is both fun and challenging. It offers steep climbing, technical downhill sections,
beautiful lakes, and occasional smooth single-track. The trail is well marked and
exceptionally well maintained. The length and vertical gain are in the intermediate range
of difficulty, but the sections of technical riding push this ride into the advanced
category. However, an intermediate rider could safely complete the ride by walking the
difficult areas.
Truckee River Path (Tahoe City to Squaw Valley)
A great beginners ride. The ride starts at 64 Acre Park in Tahoe City and follows a
paved path along the Truckee River. It can get crowded, but young kids love it. There is
also a downloadable Trail Map.
Coldstream Valley/Tinkers Knob Loop
This route can be reached from Donner Memorial State Park or the Coldstream Valley
trailhead. It involves some very pleasant dirt road riding that is suitable for beginners
and some more challenging single-track riding if you want to do a loop. For beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride among the trees
and mountains this 8 mile round trip is perfect. The trail follows a dirt road through
pine forests and across open ridges as it climbs into Coldstream Canyon just south of
Donner Lake.
Pole Creek Area
Folks who have skied to the Bradley Hut and are in good shape will enjoy this beautiful
ride on dirt roads. It begins at a parking area off of Highway 89 where Forest Service
Road 8 begins.
Emigrant Trail/Stampede Reservoir
This is a ride for folks of all abilities. The Donner Camp trailhead will be
fascinating for those interested in the history of the Donner Party
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