Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Ride - West Lake Tahoe

General Information: This loop is an extension of the General Creek Ride. It adds 500 feet of ascent and descent, a bit of portage over some steep rocky trail, some wonderful single track on the PCT, beautiful views of pristine Miller and Lily Lake, and an unfortunately rocky final descent that lowers the star rating to two.

Click here for a trail map and profile

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.

Trail Description: After leaving the paved campground loop, the trail climbs intermittently past stands of fir and pine. The trail branches, but continue on straight keeping on the right (north) side of the stream. At mile 2, the trail again branches with the road heading over General Creek. Turn right onto the single track that stays on the the north side of the creek. The scenery continues to improve as does the riding, passing through meadows full of wildflowers in July. The trail get progressively more challenging with some areas requiring portage until you come to a battered wooden post. Cross the creek at this point carrying your bike for the next 1/2 mile. The trail heads steeply up the south bank of the creek and continues up-stream. This trail intersects with a rideable trail. Heading left, will take you to Lost Lake, while turning right leads to Miller Lake. Take a right and ride back down to the creek where you will cross again. Climb the long moderately steep trail until you see a sign with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) logo. Continue on this trail as it winds northward through more dense forest. The trail widens into an old jeep trail and passes several old structures. Keep right at every branch in the trail. Keeping right, you will come to a pristine lake partially covered with lily pads, this is Miller Lake. This is a fantastic place to spend some time soaking up the solitude, although you may be sharing the lake with Jeepers. To head back, continue east along the north shore of the lake. The jeep trail gets rocky and starts to descend. As you descend, you can see off to the south (right) a lily choked lake... Lily Lake. Follow this jeep trail until it turns to pavement. After a fast 2 mile descent on this paved road, you will intersect Highway 89. Turn right on the bike trail and proceed back to Sugar Pine Point Campground and your car.

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: Watch for cars, ATVs, or motorcycles screaming UP the paved road while you're hitting maximum speed (30-40 MPH) heading down. A collision could be fatal.

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.

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