Lake Tahoe Biking - Tahoe Flume Trail
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Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking - The Flume Trail
One of the most beautiful mountain bike rides in the world with panoramic views of pristine Lake Tahoe along the east shore. There are many ways to ride the flume. The most popular route is to start at Sponner Lake to a finish at the old Ponderosa Ranch of SR 28 and shuttle vehicles or take the shuttle provided by Flume Trail Mountain Bikes. Spooner Lake is located 13 miles south of Incline Village, NV on the East Shore or 1/2 mile from the SR 28/HWY 50 junction if you're coming from South Lake Tahoe.
Spooner Lake Start to Tunnel Creek
Distance - 14 miles
Difficulty: Moderate - Elevation Gain: approx. 1100'
Starting at Spooner Lake you pass Snow Valley and start a 1/2 mile climb ascending 1100'. This is a pretty steep climb and sandy in spots but is the only climb on this route. A short, fast descent follows to the beautiful and peaceful Marlette Lake. From there you hop on the single track that is The Flume Trail. Stop for snacks and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Be aware though that The Flume Trail is a single track that rides along a very steep drop (1600' above Lake Tahoe) for 4.5 miles. While it is non-technical (without alot of rocks, gaps and trees to navigate) it goes without saying that care and attention are required to navigate this section of the trail. You will end up at the top of Tunnel Creek to the payoff downhill which is 1600' over 3 miles of fire road down to SR28 and the old Ponderosa Ranch.
Spooner Lake Start Lollipop Loop
Distance - 23 miles
Difficulty - Strenuous - Elevation Gain: approx 3000'
Start is the same as above but just before you reach Marlette Lake you will go right and take the dirt road which ascends up to Red House Flume/Sunflower Hill. Here it intersects with the Tahoe Rim Trail where you'll follow that north (left) for about 5 miles to Tunnel Creek where you pick up The Flume Trail heading south (opposite from above) winding up at Marlette Lake and back on the fire road up and down to Spooner Lake. This is a great option if you don't want to shuttle vehicles or take a shuttle but, obviously, requires a higher level of fitness.
Tahoe Meadows Start
Distance - 21 miles
Difficulty - Moderate
This is an easier way to get to the flume but unless you want to ride it as an out and back, requires a shuttle. Start up Mount Rose Highway (SR 431). Park along side the road just before the meadows, trail head on the right. Park at the scenic lookout and ride across the meadow to the start of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Be aware that bikes are allowed on this section of the Tahoe Rim Trail on even days only. This is a pretty easy single track with a few small climbs to ascend but nothing like the Spooner Lake start. The Tahoe Meadows trail is 9 miles long and mostly long descent but is a bit more technical in spots where novice riders may have to dismount and walk to avoid going over the bars. Again you will wind up at the same Tunnel Creek junction where you can get on The Flume Trail and ride out and back to Tunnel Creek for the same payoff downhill of 1600'.
Tunnel Creek out and back
Distance - 15 miles
Difficulty - Strenuous climb
Not for the faint of heart.. This climb starts at the base of SR 28 adjacent to the old Ponderosa Ranch and ascends 1600' in just 3 miles on a fairly lose/sandy fire road. From the top get on The Flume Trail and enjoy the 9 mile out and back (or whatever you feel like doing) then reward all the hard work of that climb with the Tunnel Creek downhill.
