The best cycling routes in Carson City

The Clear Creek Trail loop from Indian Hills, as a touring cycling route, presents a bit of a puzzle, as the Indian Hills area is more commonly associated with rugged mountain biking trails. However, if you're looking for a moderate touring cycling experience, the broader Clear Creek Trail in Colorado offers a delightful ride. You'll find yourself pedaling along Clear Creek, enjoying a mix of urban greenbelt, serene riverside views, and eventually, impressive mountain backdrops as you head towards Clear Creek Canyon. This route, as named, covers 11.7 miles (18.9 km) with 867 feet (264 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 50 minutes. It's a great option for those seeking a scenic and accessible ride with some gentle climbs.

Planning your visit to the general Clear Creek Trail is straightforward, with many sections offering amenities like parking, restrooms, and even bike repair stations. The trail is largely paved, transitioning to crushed stone further west, making it suitable for touring bikes. While specific access for an "Indian Hills" touring loop is unclear, numerous entry points along the main Clear Creek Trail provide easy access. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day can help secure parking, especially on weekends.

This trail is a significant part of the visionary Peaks to Plains Trail, aiming to connect Denver to Loveland Pass, and it links up with other major regional trails. This connectivity allows for extended adventures beyond the named loop. The trail's path along Clear Creek provides opportunities for observing local wildlife and enjoying nature, even within more developed areas, offering a refreshing escape close to urban centers.

This touring cycling route offers a unique blend of paved and unpaved terrain, taking you from the popular Sand Harbor Beach to the secluded Skunk Harbor and the expansive Logan Shoals Vista Point. You'll experience the crystal-clear waters and pine-lined shores of Lake Tahoe, transitioning from the smooth Tahoe East Shore Trail to a challenging dirt and gravel road. The route covers 48.9 miles (78.7 km) with 3545 feet (1080 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult ride that typically takes around 5 hours and 6 minutes.

Planning your ride requires some consideration for the mixed terrain; while the paved sections are generally easy to moderate, the unpaved Skunk Harbor trail involves a semi-steep descent and a strenuous uphill climb, making it more suitable for touring bikes with wider tires or gravel bikes. The East Shore Trail can be very busy, especially in summer, so an early start is recommended. Remember to carry enough water and supplies, as Skunk Harbor has no facilities.

What makes this loop stand out is its diverse experience, combining the modern, accessible East Shore Trail with the rugged, historical access road to Skunk Harbor, which was once an 1870s railroad grade. This contrast offers both popular scenic viewpoints and a quieter, less crowded beach experience. The entire route provides breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, showcasing its natural beauty and offering a rewarding challenge for experienced cyclists.

Embark on the Clear Creek Trail – Spooner Summit loop, a challenging 28.2-mile (45.5 km) touring cycling route that climbs 2913 feet (888 metres) over approximately 4 hours and 44 minutes. This trail offers a dynamic ride, transitioning from dirt roads to singletrack, winding through dense forests with aspen groves before opening up to expansive high desert sage country. You'll encounter diverse habitats of Jeffrey Pine and white fir, with rewarding valley views from spots like Knob Point and Cliff Rock, making it a true journey through the landscape.

To tackle this difficult route, start from the Clear Creek Trailhead. Be aware that water sources are scarce, with year-round availability only at Clear Creek Junction and the Clear Creek Connector, so carrying sufficient water is crucial. The trail can be quite sandy and loose in mid to late summer, and you should anticipate encountering fast-descending mountain bikers, especially if you're heading uphill.

Designed with mountain bikers in mind, this trail is part of the larger 30-mile Clear Creek Trail System, connecting Carson Valley to Lake Tahoe. While some sections feature moderate grades, the full loop includes a substantial uphill climb with technical features like rocky step-ups and sandy switchbacks, making it unsuitable for beginner riders or bikes without off-road capabilities. It's a fantastic option for experienced cyclists looking to test their endurance and skills.

The North Tahoe Beach – Tahoe City loop from Kings Beach offers a dynamic touring cycling experience around the north shore of Lake Tahoe. You'll pedal past charming lakeside communities, with constant, spectacular views of the lake's crystal-clear blue waters framed by towering pine trees. The route blends dedicated paved paths, like the family-friendly sections in Kings Beach, with stretches on roads that provide a different perspective of the scenery.

Planning your ride involves navigating a mix of terrain; some parts are flat and easy, while others on Highway 28 include moderate elevation changes and require sharing the road with traffic. This moderate 22.5-mile (36.2 km) route, with 1002 feet (305 metres) of climbing, typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes. Both Kings Beach and Tahoe City offer ample amenities, including cafes and restaurants, making them great spots to start or finish your journey.

This route is a fantastic way to explore the North Lake Tahoe area, even as the vision for a continuous paved trail advances. While some sections are still under development, the existing combination of paths and scenic road segments provides access to numerous beaches and parks, perfect for breaks. It's a rewarding ride for those prepared for varied conditions and seeking stunning viewpoints along the lake.