flume trail

Look, there are lots and lots of great mounting biking trails around Tahoe. You could easily ride a different great trail every day of the week, and you can certainly pick an easier one. I've ridden around Tahoe a lot, and this is the CLASSIC, EPIC ride, and my go-to ride if I can only do one ride, and I've got the time. Sit back, and let me take you through the ride - Here's how I like to do it - Park at Sand Harbor Park parking area in NV. (this will come in handy later) Head out South along Hwy 28. Yeah I know, its a paved road. But there is a benefit to this. It gives you a nice gradual warm up to get the legs loosened up and the blood pumping. And the scenery is pretty good. Continue to Spooner Lake, about 7.5 miles. From here, find the sign that directs you to Marlette Lake. This is a good spot for a quick snack and stretch for what's ahead. Don't forget to fill up with water. The road starts off pretty gradually, and then BANG, your front wheel is pointing to the sky. There is a very steep climb as you get closer to Marlette Lake, but it doesn't last too long. I've never been able to make it through this stretch without taking a breather, but some people do power through it - it's about a 7 or 8 in my book, and I've been riding mountain bikes since 1984. Once through it, you are rewarded with a nice little glide to Marlette Lake, a beautiful unspoiled alpine lake. If it's hot and your knackered, jump in. The good news is the hard work is over. This is the beauty of the Flume Trail - it is mostly flat and downhill from here to the end. To continue on, pick up the flume trail to the left hand side (west) of marlette lake. If you want to do more climbing, you can head to the right and up Marlette Lake Road to the Pacific Rim Trail for a fantastic view out over Carson City. Othefwise, the Flume trail will take you along the east shore of Lake Tahoe at about 1,000 feet or so above lake level. The view is amazing, and in some places it is almost a straight vertical drop. But it's plenty wide, so no worries. You can take your time and enjoy, or blast through it, but be careful because some people do ride in the other direction. You will eventually come to an intersection with Tunnel Creek Road. Be careful here to pick the direction that takes you down to the lake. The other direction is the outback. The ride down Tunnel Creek is a blast, and can be really fun if you're with a competitive group. At the end you'll hit the same road you started on, and your car will be to the left, about 2 miles. Now, run off the pier and jump in the lake. You'll be clean and refreshed and will have just done a bike ride you will never forget.

We had a weeks vacation in South Lake Tahoe and being from Florida, wanted to take advantage of the beautiful October weather. We rode the Vail Pass while in Breckenridge last summer and enjoyed it so much we wanted to do something similar. Well, let me clear up any misconceptions. This ride doesn't compare, it is much more difficult and the views are amazing. As others have noted, the first four miles are more a hike with your bike if you don't do this on a regular basis. We arrived in Tahoe Saturday night and did the trail on Monday. I don't think we were fully acclimated to the elevation and I wasn't sure what I was thinking when we signed up for this as I tried to get thru the first four miles. Well, it was well worth the struggle, the views were spectacular. The ride along the top was a bit scary as the trail is narrow with a long drop down the side of the mountain, leaving no room for errors. I was so glad we did it and will remove it from my bucket list. I would hike it next time but should say that I am not a big speed freak and like to have control while biking which was not the case for a big part of the ride. Anyone with a fear of heights should avoid this trip.

As part of my recent trip to North California I spent three night in North Lake Tahoe and whilst there took the opportunity to ride The Flume Trail, hired a bike from Flume Trail Bikes at Tunnel Creek, the bike was very well maintained and the staff helpful, took the shuttle to Spooner Lake where after a couple of minutes on the road we started the four mile fireroad climb, I consider myself reasonably fit riding a couple of times a week here in the UK, however I did struggle a bit towards the top of the climb with the altitude, once the climb is out of the way there is a good quick downhill section to Marlette Lake, once past the dam The Flume Trail proper starts the views of the lake are incredible, having said that anyone who is nervous of heights may want to think again as a false move could be disastrous, the final downhill back to Tunnel Creek is superb just need to be aware of a few sandy sections which could catch you out, overall the ride was awesome which could easily be extended if you have the time and stamina.Would highly recommend

There are four reasons to ride the Flume Trail and rent a bike (if necessary) from Flume Trail Bikes1. The Flume Trail is an epic ride with spectacular views. It is not super technical or difficult for a "fit" individual. Fit does not mean attending an aerobics class for 30min 3X/week. Please look at You-Tube videos. Also if you're afraid of heights you might want to avoid. The Conservation Corp has done a lot of work on the trail this summer and two "gnarly" hike-a-bikes have been cleared! There are a number of options but the easiest is to take the shuttle to Spooner Lake. The more difficult choices are riding the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Mt. Rose Highway (also a shuttle or long bike ride) or riding up the Tunnel Creek Road - not technical but a little steep and sandy in spots.2. Max the owner of the shop, is an incredibly nice guy. He was previously a world-class mountain bike racer and is in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. He started re-buiding the trail in 1983 (laketahoenews.net/2013/0…). He knows the trail as well as anyone.3. They have excellent bikes, that are incredibly well maintained and are the best to be found in the Tahoe-Truckee area. The bikes are thoroughly cleaned after each ride. The chains and transmission look brand new. Their prices are as good if not better - considering the quality of the bikes - than anyone in the region. These are not street cruisers. These are excellent mountain bikes that make the ride more enjoyable. If you want a great deal on a well maintained used bike, you can purchase the rentals at the end of the season. (I have personally done this and saved a lot of money on a high end mountain bike!)4. Finally the Tunnel Creek Cafe provides beer and great eats at the end of your ride!!

My Husband and I decided to do this based on a positive review in the tourism magazine we found in our hotel room. We had no idea our little "bike ride" would be that challenging. I'd consider myself a novice mountain biker, even though I frequently ride my bike around town. All reviews are accurate that the first 1/3 is quite difficult. It completely baffled me how ANYONE could ride their bike up the sandy steeply inclined trails whilst I stood there gasping trying to catch my breath.I consider my-self relatively fit. Certainly better than the average Midwesterner, with perhaps extra weight of 10-15 lbs from my personal IDEAL goal - even though my doctor says I'm within the range of "normal" and certainly not obese or fat. I found myself needing to push my rented bike for about 50 - 70% of the incline up, and stopping frequently to catch my breath. I didn't want to fatigue my body and hate myself for the downhill fun, nor pre-exhaust my muscles which would possibly leave me in a vulnerable physical state.I found myself thinking during the first 1/3 of the trail that this is more like a hike with your bike, than a bike ride and that this definitely did not fall into my definition of "fun". I seriously considered quitting and turning around, had it not been for my husband patiently cheering me on. But once we made it to the posted map just before the lake it became MUCH more enjoyable. Several people were resting there, not looking very happy themselves. We spoke with a few athlete types on the trail who said perhaps we had not yet adjusted to the altitude which made it harder for us. This made me feel much better and less like a cream-puff and more like a cupcake!The flume part of the trail was quite beautiful and in my opinion very scary. So scary, I found myself wanting it to be over about a mile before we got to the Hwy 28 junction sign. We walked our bikes anytime we were a bit unsure of what to do with the particularly narrow, or rocky, or sandy sections. I would not recommend this to anyone who is afraid of heights, or traveling with children. While it was statistically not likely that either of us would face injury or death, it certainly was a very REAL possibility, which left me concentrating much more on the trail and objects in front of my bike, than on the lovely and absolutely marvelous view! Because of the difficulty of the first 1/3 and the increasingly overwhelming fear of injury, which kept me from enjoying myself, I gave this a “very good” rating. If I were to do this again, I would have gladly hiked it. And it seems anyone could do that with plenty of time for rest and pictures within about 4 1/2 hours. I would not recommend doing this alone for the very real possibility of injury.If you are the type of person who is an adrenalin junkie, or just doesn't get enough dopamine, you will love this trail. As for me, I think I'd rather just hike it next time.

The views are spectacular on this trail! We brought our MTBs to travel it. The first 4miles are a hard uphill climb. I recommend going when it is early. We didn't and suffered in the heat! However once you get to the top you forget the climb because it is so beautiful! Be careful for hikers, blind corner, and death cliffs.

First there's alot of good rides in tahoe, so I wouldmake sure you know what you r doing before you attempt. My first flume experince turned into an epic.anyway here's the ride. Your going to up hill for 4 miles, by the way your at elevation, you will go around the lake an enter the flume trail. You might want to walk some of the trails sections.(especially if a sign ask you to).yea baiscly flat and twisty, with the best view of the lake Tahoe you will ever see , next its downhill, can be sandy beware, s

Don't underestimate the energy it will require to get past the 4 mile uphill start to this one. ...and the water will go quickly. The view definitely pays off once you get past this hurdle and the rest is gravy! Be prepared for hand cramps from the last 4 miles of braking and remember to use your rear brakes too! Well worth it!

This is an absolute breathtaking hike along this trail. It is a very easy hike above the lake. At a. Purple os points it appears that you could jump over the edge and land in the water below. I would go hike this one again!

Unless you are driving up to Tahoe, do not bring a bike, just rent one at Spooner summit or any of the other rental outlets---of which there are many. Heading north, expect a very steep climb up to the Flume Trail then right past the lake, it becomes a single track on the edge of a cliff for about 5 miles. Incredible scenery. Be sure to bring a tire repair kit, water, and some food. The trip will take about 4 to 5 hours depending on what shape you are in. If you are a beginner, don't do this trail, if you are out of shape do not do this trail, if you are from a low elevation---get prepared for the altitude. Use caution on the trial returning back down to route 28----it is sandy and you could easily take a spill. This is one of the most rewarding mountain biking trips I have ever done in my life.

Writing this review as I sit in the hospital in Reno. My wife and I heard and read all the great reviews mentioned and agree for the most part. We were told this was an easy ride. We are not experienced mountain bikers and don't want to discourage anyone like us from this experience, but be careful. We made it through OK until the last 1/4 of the ride that is very sandy and have to ride your brakes constantly. My wife took a spill that broke her back, jaw, and finger. I rated the value low because this ride turned into a very expensive one! Still recommend the experience but do so carefully. Good idea to have plenty of water and a first aid pack.

One of the most beautiful mountain biking experiences bar none. Do it now. The sites were amazing. The first four miles to get to the trail required a 1100 foot vertical but he remaining trail was horizontal for nine miles. The last three miles was a 3000' descent overlooking the lake.

I could probably ride this trail on a 3spd beach cruiser. It's not technical. It is at least 15 miles of riding, can be more depending on detours. There is a long stretch of uphill at the beginning of the trail and some sandy downhill that requires some attention. I'm sure that many folks choose to walk their bikes for at least part of the uphill.It *is* amazing. The views of Lake Tahoe are splendid. I will ride it again, with pleasure.

Highly recommend to add to your bucket list. If you are in the area this is a must-do activity. We rented bikes from Max at Flume Trail Bikes in Incline Village. He shuttled us to Tahoe Meadows/Mt Rose Trailhead. We peddled about 14 miles on the Tahoe Rim Trail, then peddled around Marlette Lake and over to the stunning Flume Trail. Biked another 9 miles on the Flume Trail and back to the Flume Trail Bike shop. These are awesome single track trails with great scenery--so bring a camera. The Flume Trail is right along the edge-you must kept your eyes on the trail. The trails are rocky and sandy for the most part. A few good climbs but nothing too steep to ride. There were several sketchy rocky sections throughout that we walked around. Thin air nor high altitude was not an issue for any of us South Dakotans. We are a group of six fit 50-year olds that mountain bike regularly. It took us about 4.5 hours to peddle 23 miles. We got a late start otherwise it would have been nice to take a little more time an enjoy the views (had to get the bikes back by 5 pm). We each took 100 oz of water and 3 of the 6 ran out of water before we finished on a cool day.

Its a wonderful ride, and the views are just amazing. Its is described as moderate ride, so we took our two 11 year old kids with Us. The first part of the ride is a 4 mile uphill to lake marlette. I would describe it as moderate to step uphill. We saw plenty of fit bikers pushing their bikes, in special the last mile. Needless to say, we pushed ours (and our kids) most of the way up.After that the road gives you a nice .8 miles downhill, that is not difficult at all. It ends at the lake, so you can spend some time relaxing there.The road continues to the flume trail which is a 4 mile flat trail. There is were we felt worried about our kids. the ride itself is not difficult, but with the amazing views, it also has amazing cliffs, right next to the bike path, which is a few feet wide and sandy. i can definetly see a mistake been very costly. We asked our kids to walk sections of that trail, just to feel better.At the end, there is a 3 mile downhill, which is very sandy, was a good practice for the kids to keep control of the bikes.Because of all the walking it tooks us a long time, so give yourself plenty of time if you think you will need it. You do not want to miss the ride back. Take also plenty of water. At least 2 liters or more per rider.With