Tahoe City – Truckee River Trail loop from Carnelian Bay
Tahoe City – Truckee River Trail loop from Carnelian Bay
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(6572)
19,692
riders
Tahoe City – Truckee River Trail loop from Carnelian Bay
02:35
43.4km
310m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
9.01 km
Tahoe City
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.07 km
Pete 'n Peters
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
9.55 km
Bridgetender Tavern
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
11.4 km
Truckee River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
16.0 km
Truckee River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
21.9 km
Pole Creek Road Trailhead -- Tahoe River Rd
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
28.4 km
Truckee River Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
43.3 km
Carnelian Beach West
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
43.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
32.9 km
9.87 km
344 m
143 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
43.3 km
146 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,980 m)
Lowest point (1,840 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 11 July
29°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that perfectly blends lakeside beauty with riverside tranquility, the Tahoe City – Truckee River Trail loop from Carnelian Bay is a fantastic choice. This moderate 27.0-mile (43.4 km) loop, with 1018 feet (310 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete, offering a rewarding ride for those who appreciate diverse scenery without extreme challenges. It's an ideal option for cyclists wanting a substantial day out on well-maintained paths, making it one of the more popular routes in the area.
What to expect on Tahoe City – Truckee River Trail loop from Carnelian Bay
This loop offers a journey through contrasting landscapes. Starting from Carnelian Bay, you'll hug the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, enjoying stunning vistas of the deep blue water framed by towering pine trees and distant mountains. The paved multi-use path here features gentle slopes and rolling ups and downs, providing a pleasant warm-up. Once you reach Tahoe City and transition to the Truckee River Trail, the scenery shifts to continuous views of the Truckee River, with glimpses of the High Sierra Crest. This section is predominantly a paved Class I bike path with a generally gentle grade, making it very accessible for families and beginners. While the North Shore has some rolling hills, the overall effort remains manageable for most touring cyclists, offering a good balance of terrain and elevation.
Planning your visit
The trail is well-maintained and accessible year-round, with some sections, like the Truckee River Legacy Trail, even plowed in winter. However, for the best touring cycling experience, consider visiting during the warmer months when all sections are clear and the weather is most pleasant. You'll find picnic tables, benches, and day-use areas along the route, perfect for breaks. The North Lake Tahoe area boasts approximately 25 miles of paved bike paths separated from roads, enhancing the overall touring experience.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.0 miles (43.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 1018 feet (310 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 34 minutes
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