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Best Mountain Biking Trails in South Lake Tahoe: A Local Guide

By Tor McNamara on
mountain biking trails recommendations best of South Lake Tahoe Biking

Best Mountain Biking Trails in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe & Stateline both have some great mountain biking, whether you're heading out with the kids, learning to ride single track, or looking for a longer ride with incredible lake views. There’s a little bit of everything here, from smooth trails with fun turns to rocky descents that will challenge even experienced riders.

Here are a few of our favorite local trails (personally ridden by me--Tor), organized by skill level to help you find the right ride for your day.

Family-Friendly Riding:

Bijou Bike Park

Bijou Bike Park is a great place to start if you're riding with kids or want to practice your skills. There's a pump track for toddlers and Strider bikes, plus beginner, intermediate, and advanced jump lines. The surrounding park has a playground, restrooms, and a skate park, too, making it an easy place to spend a few hours with the family.

A toddler riding a green strider on a small pump track.

Beginner Trails

Railroad Grade

Railroad Grade is a great place for newer mountain bikers to get comfortable on singletrack without jumping straight into technical terrain. It's a nice out-and-back ride, so you can choose how far you want to go before turning around. As your confidence grows, you can explore more of the surrounding trail network.

a really happy kid biking on a trail in a black shirt and red bike.

Powerline

Powerline is another good option for newer riders who are comfortable with a little climbing. The trail has smooth, rolling singletrack through the forest above South Lake Tahoe. Ride out and back, or continue toward Cold Creek if you're ready for a longer outing.

A woman mountain biking with a black shirt on and a little kid running in a red dress next to her.

Beginner to Intermediate Trails

Sidewinder and Incense Cedar

Ready for a little more adventure? Sidewinder and Incense Cedar are fun trails to work into your riding. Sidewinder has playful, banked turns, while Incense Cedar offers a mostly smooth ride through the trees with a few small rocks along the way. There's some climbing involved, but you can ride up as far as you like and turn around when you're ready. It's always fine to walk your bike through a section that feels beyond your comfort level.

A bike rider in a green helmet riding on a trail with wildflowers along side.

Intermediate Trails

Corral

Corral is a South Lake Tahoe classic, with fun turns, berms, and a short rock garden. It's a great next step for riders who want to get more comfortable with technical terrain. If you're not comfortable with the rock garden, you can walk your bike through it easily and then just keep riding.

Rather skip the climb? You can shuttle your bikes up Fountain Place Road and start from the upper Corral access to enjoy just the downhill.

A aoman riding a blue mountain bike working really hard riding up a hill.

Tahoe Mountain

For a ride with beautiful views, head to the south side of Tahoe Mountain. The climb is worth it for the views of Lake Tahoe from above. You can explore the trails in the area or head back down the way you came, depending on your comfort level and how much riding you want to do.

A dad riding a bike with his son sitting on a bike seat in front of him.

Advanced Trails and Longer Rides

Stinger + The Bench

Stinger is a favorite for riders looking for a longer downhill with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. You can climb up to the trail yourself or arrange a shuttle to the top and enjoy the descent. If you're up for a bigger ride, continue toward The Bench for incredible lake views.

A woman sitting on a bench with a mountain bike leaned up next to it looking out at Lake Tahoe.

Armstrong Pass > Freel Peak > Star Lake > Monument > and Down Cold Creek

If you have a good chunk of the day, this is a fantastic longer ride with plenty of variety. Start by climbing paved Fountain Place Road, at the end get on Armstrong Trail, and continue up Armstrong Pass. From there, follow your planned route over Freel Peak, toward Star Lake and ride towards Monument, and then enjoy the mega descent down and onto Cold Creek Trail.

Expect significant climbing, varied terrain, and a full day in the mountains. Check the route, mileage, elevation gain, and trail conditions before heading out.

A woman mountainbiking standing on top of boulder looking out at Lake Tahoe.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is one of South Lake Tahoe's legendary mountain bike trails. Expect rocks, boulders, and technical terrain through the upper sections, followed by faster turns lower down. It's a favorite among experienced and advanced riders.

You can arrange a shuttle to the upper access at Big Meadow or make it part of a longer climbing route via Armstrong Pass.

A woman on a mountain bike standing next to a Mr. Toads Wild Ride sign.

A Few Tips Before You Ride

  • Check trail conditions: Snow, weather, and seasonal closures can affect access, especially at higher elevations.

  • Know your route: We love to use the app MTB Project to find trail information and specific routes. Check mileage, elevation gain, and technical difficulty before heading out.

  • Start early: Longer summer rides are more enjoyable when you have plenty of daylight.

  • Bring water and layers: Tahoe's elevation and mountain weather can catch visitors off guard, even on a warm summer day.

  • Share the trail: Watch for hikers and other riders, yield where appropriate, and stay on designated trails.

Whether you're riding your first stretch of single track or spending the day exploring the mountains above town, South Lake Tahoe has a trail for you. Start with something comfortable, work your way up, and don't forget to stop and enjoy the lake views along the way.