Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Ride - West Lake Tahoe

General Information: The General Creek drainage comes down through the Sugar Pine Point State Park on Tahoe's West Shore. The trail has two sections. The first, a loop trail that winds its way along a mostly flat dirt road, is suitable for beginners or families . The second part continues up the General Creek drainage. This trail is a beautiful single track with a few intermediate sections. During July, the wild flowers can be remarkable on this section of the trail.

Where To Start: Sugar Pine Point State Park is located just a few mile north of Meeks Bay on Highway 89 on Tahoe's West Shore. It has two areas. A day use area on the east or lake side of Highway 89 with the Erman Mansion, beach access, and a visitor's center, and a campground area that is 3/4 mile farther north on the west side of the road. The General Creek ride starts on a dirt road at the end of the campground area. Pay the $2.00 day use fee and park in the campground or park on Highway 89 and take the paved bike path into the Campground. Either way you'll need to go to the end of the last campground loop.

Click here for a map and profile for the beginner ride

Click here for a map and profile for the intermediate ride

Trail Description: Two options exist for this trail depending on your time, skill, and condition level, a 4.5 mile easy loop trail and a 10 mile intermediate ride. The loop trail is an easy ride on a well maintained dirt road suitable for beginners and families. There is one short steep section that some may need to walk, but otherwise, the trail is mostly flat. The trail passes through beautiful pine forests with the possibility of wild flowers as well during July and early August. It stays close to the creek and is a delightful ride. Shortly after getting on the dirt road, the trail will branch (left or straight) At this branch, keep going straight up the road. At 2 miles, you will come to another branch, one of which passes over General Creek on a bridge. The loop trail crosses the bridge and heads back down the creek. After about 1.75 miles, look for a left turn onto a bridge that crosses back over the creek. Turn right at the 'T' and head back to the campground.

To extend the ride, instead of crossing the creek at 2 miles, turn onto the single track that stays on the right (north) side of General Creek. This is a fine intermediate ride that passes through meadow and forest with incredible wildflowers in mid-late July. The trail climbs steeply in some spots and has some short technical areas that many will need to walk, but in general it is mostly ridable. The riding gets progressively more difficult until reaching a battered wooden sign post. To continue to Lost Lake or McKinney Creek (Miller/Lily Lake) cross the creek here and carry your bike for 1/2 mile up the steep trail until it intersect the Lost Lake/McKinney Creek trail. Both of these rides are rated advanced.

Environmental Concerns: Once again, try to minimize erosion by staying on the trail. Walk bikes around wet areas instead of making a new path. On the descent, reduce skidding by keeping your speed under control. STAY ON THE TRAIL!

Advisory: This ride is popular with day hikers from the campground. When descending, let hikers know you are coming and slow down to 5 MPH when passing. By being friendly and courteous we can ensure that this trail remains open to mountain bikes. It won't take too many complaints to close this trail.

NOTICE: While the information on this site is thought to be accurate and reliable, it is offered only as a guide and cannot replace sound personal judgement.