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.

Places to Ride

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.

Starting at CTL

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:

Road Biking

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. (See Maps 1 & 2 and local road maps)

Off-Road Biking

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. (See map 2 and sites A & C)

Close-by CTL

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. (See site D that also has 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 ot do a loop. (See map 2 and sites A & C)

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. (See map 2 and site C)

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 (See maps 1 & 2 and site A)