| Lake Tahoe & the Sierras 6-Day Mountain Biking Adventure |
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This week-long adventure tour features 100 miles of mountain biking over five and one-half
days of activity, with 19 strenuous climbs and 19 exciting descents! All of this cross-country
riding occurs around some of the loveliest alpine lakes, forests, and mountains of the world! In
addition, this tour travels through key historical sites of the Old West. Due to the climbing involved at
elevation, a high level of fitness is required for this tour. Because of the technical nature of some of
the terrain, a Sport or Intermediate mountain biking level or higher is recommended for this tour. This
tour also includes seven nights of inn stays, with five nights in the Lake Tahoe region and two nights
in San Francisco, two meals per full day, rider support, and round-trip transportation from the San
Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe and to the trailheads. Importantly, our adventure tour offers one to
two additional nights of inn stays versus comparable tours, yet is more affordable!
Dates Price
6/16–6/22 7/14–7/20 $1795 (vs. $1890 or more)
8/18–8/24 9/22–9/28
10/13–10/19
Day 1, Saturday
We begin the adventure with our evening Reception and Orientation at our Home Office in San
Anselmo, CA. Your place of stay for Nights 1 and 7 will be in the neighboring town of San Rafael,
which was the location of the 20th of the 21 Spanish Missions in California. In more recent times,
director George Lucas filmed the street cruising scenes in downtown San Rafael for his 1973 pop
cinema classic American Graffiti.
Day 2, Sunday – Fallen Leaf Lake, Angora Ridge, and Angora Lakes
By mid-morning, we begin our drive from San Francisco into the Sierras to South Lake Tahoe (elev.
6,254 ft.). Prior to checking in, we do a short ride up Angora Ridge (elev. 7,290 ft.) to Angora Lakes
to test our equipment and become familiar with riding at elevation. Beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake can be
seen just north of Angora ridge. This 8 mile ride is out-and-back with a gradual climb to Angora
Lakes. Later in the evening after the ride, you may want to take a short stroll across the stateline to
Nevada. This is a unique location in that a number of casinos there offer the gaming excitement of
Las Vegas, yet are situated by one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world. It is here in
South Lake Tahoe that we stay for the next three nights.
8 miles of mountain biking, with 1 gradual climb and 1 gradual descent
Day 3, Monday – White Hill and South Camp Peak Loop
Today, we begin our ride from Spooner Summit (elev. 7,146 ft.) in Nevada, the Silver State, and
perform a clockwise loop to White Hill (elev. 7,811 ft.), South Camp Peak (elev. 8,866 ft.), and back.
This is a good introductory, full-day ride in order for everyone to become acquainted with mountain
biking at elevation. The trails on this ride are mostly Forest Service roads with a few short, paved
sections. However, the terrain is challenging and varied, with four strenuous climbs and three exciting
descents. There are a few patches of sand and stretches of loose rock that you may choose to walk
through.
17 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 3 thrilling descents
Day 4, Tuesday – Marlette Lake and the Flume Trail Loop
We return to the Spooner Summit area to do the Flume Trail Loop - a world renowned MTB ride.
This ride begins at Spooner Lake State Park in Nevada. After a long climb up North Canyon, we
descend down to lovely Marlette Lake. Shortly thereafter, we begin our loop by riding along the
Flume Trail's scenic singletrack. The Flume Trail was originally a man-made waterway used to
transport logs to the Comstock Lode mining boom. Today, this magnificent section provides both
excellent views of beautiful Lake Tahoe and phenomenal singletrack riding high above its shores. At
the Tunnel Creek intersection, we climb up towards the Tahoe Rim Trail. Then, a sandy descent
follows. You may want to walk through some sections of this. We cross a couple of creeks and
continue to descend down to the old, abandoned Red House. Two strenuous climbs follow before we
descend back down to Marlette Lake and complete the Flume Trail Loop. As we climb away from
Marlette Lake, we have a final, long descent through North Canyon and back to the Spooner Lake
starting area.
23 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
Day 5, Wednesday – Tahoe City, CA to Truckee, CA
By mid-morning we drive to Tahoe City, CA (elev. 6,240 ft.) to begin this point-to-point MTB ride.
We encounter two strenuous climbs and two descents on old logging roads as we make our way to
Watson Lake. After Watson Lake, we tackle an out-and-back climb up Mt. Watson (elev. 8,424 ft.).
Then, we have a long, fast, and non-technical descent towards Truckee (elev. 5,820 ft.). Just
southeast of town, we venture onto the Sawtooth Trail - a fun singletrack system that overlooks the
Truckee River. Some miles later, we arrive in Truckee, an Old West railroad and lumber town that is
noted for it 1800-period buildings. It is here that we will stay for the next two nights.
19 miles of mountain biking, with 3 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
Day 6, Thursday – Donner Lake, Lakeview Canyon, and Coldstream Valley Loop
This loop ride begins at Donner Memorial State Park and travels through some very historically
significant areas. It is here that the ill-fated Donner Party spent the miserably harsh winter of 1846-
47. Fortunately for us, our time here will be much more pleasurable. We begin the ride by traveling
along the southern shore of Donner Lake until we encounter Lakeview Canyon - our first climb of the
day. It is a fairly long and strenuous climb. We will experience this terrain, mostly jeep roads with
some loose rock mixed in, thoughout the day. Finally, we reach and cross the old Central Pacific
Railroad lines, which are still in use today. As we cross the tracks and look to both sides, we notice
the long, elaborate train tunnels, dug through solid granite, that Chinese laborers built in 1867-68 for
the Transcontinental Railroad. In fact my Great Grandfather, Sing Jung Lee (Henry J. Lee), was one
of those men. I am deeply moved by the accomplishments of him and his crew members whenever I
ride here. After crossing the old tracks, we face two consecutive climbs to a lovely vista point
overlooking Donner Peak and Donner Lake. After taking in these remarkable sights, we have three
consecutive descents into Emigrant Canyon and Coldstream Valley. Beware of the loose rocks on the
second descent into Emigrant Canyon.
15 miles of mountain biking, with 3 strenuous climbs and 3 thrilling descents
Day 7, Friday – Hole in the Ground Trail Loop
Before driving back to San Francisco, we save the most challenging ride for last. This counter-
clockwise loop starts at Soda Springs, CA (elev. 6,768 ft.), climbs to the base of Boreal Ridge, and
intesects the Pacific Crest Trail. From this point onward, the loop is composed mostly of challenging,
technical singletrack. The singletrack climb to Andesite Peak (elev. 8,219 ft.) is definitely a challenge
due to its switchbacks, narrowness, and gradient. After cresting the peak, you experience a technical
descent over loose and protruding rocks to Lower Castle Creek. After briefly leveling off, rolling
singletrack with two strenuous climbs and two fast descents are experienced all the way to Lower
Lola Montez Lake. The terrain varies considerably on Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail. While this trail
has sections of dirt and gravel roadways, it also includes a unique wood and dirt staircase with well-
spaced steps for us to descend down. We finish this magnificent loop by riding over rolling
singletrack through a plush alpine forest.
18 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
days of activity, with 19 strenuous climbs and 19 exciting descents! All of this cross-country
riding occurs around some of the loveliest alpine lakes, forests, and mountains of the world! In
addition, this tour travels through key historical sites of the Old West. Due to the climbing involved at
elevation, a high level of fitness is required for this tour. Because of the technical nature of some of
the terrain, a Sport or Intermediate mountain biking level or higher is recommended for this tour. This
tour also includes seven nights of inn stays, with five nights in the Lake Tahoe region and two nights
in San Francisco, two meals per full day, rider support, and round-trip transportation from the San
Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe and to the trailheads. Importantly, our adventure tour offers one to
two additional nights of inn stays versus comparable tours, yet is more affordable!
Dates Price
6/16–6/22 7/14–7/20 $1795 (vs. $1890 or more)
8/18–8/24 9/22–9/28
10/13–10/19
Day 1, Saturday
We begin the adventure with our evening Reception and Orientation at our Home Office in San
Anselmo, CA. Your place of stay for Nights 1 and 7 will be in the neighboring town of San Rafael,
which was the location of the 20th of the 21 Spanish Missions in California. In more recent times,
director George Lucas filmed the street cruising scenes in downtown San Rafael for his 1973 pop
cinema classic American Graffiti.
Day 2, Sunday – Fallen Leaf Lake, Angora Ridge, and Angora Lakes
By mid-morning, we begin our drive from San Francisco into the Sierras to South Lake Tahoe (elev.
6,254 ft.). Prior to checking in, we do a short ride up Angora Ridge (elev. 7,290 ft.) to Angora Lakes
to test our equipment and become familiar with riding at elevation. Beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake can be
seen just north of Angora ridge. This 8 mile ride is out-and-back with a gradual climb to Angora
Lakes. Later in the evening after the ride, you may want to take a short stroll across the stateline to
Nevada. This is a unique location in that a number of casinos there offer the gaming excitement of
Las Vegas, yet are situated by one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world. It is here in
South Lake Tahoe that we stay for the next three nights.
8 miles of mountain biking, with 1 gradual climb and 1 gradual descent
Day 3, Monday – White Hill and South Camp Peak Loop
Today, we begin our ride from Spooner Summit (elev. 7,146 ft.) in Nevada, the Silver State, and
perform a clockwise loop to White Hill (elev. 7,811 ft.), South Camp Peak (elev. 8,866 ft.), and back.
This is a good introductory, full-day ride in order for everyone to become acquainted with mountain
biking at elevation. The trails on this ride are mostly Forest Service roads with a few short, paved
sections. However, the terrain is challenging and varied, with four strenuous climbs and three exciting
descents. There are a few patches of sand and stretches of loose rock that you may choose to walk
through.
17 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 3 thrilling descents
Day 4, Tuesday – Marlette Lake and the Flume Trail Loop
We return to the Spooner Summit area to do the Flume Trail Loop - a world renowned MTB ride.
This ride begins at Spooner Lake State Park in Nevada. After a long climb up North Canyon, we
descend down to lovely Marlette Lake. Shortly thereafter, we begin our loop by riding along the
Flume Trail's scenic singletrack. The Flume Trail was originally a man-made waterway used to
transport logs to the Comstock Lode mining boom. Today, this magnificent section provides both
excellent views of beautiful Lake Tahoe and phenomenal singletrack riding high above its shores. At
the Tunnel Creek intersection, we climb up towards the Tahoe Rim Trail. Then, a sandy descent
follows. You may want to walk through some sections of this. We cross a couple of creeks and
continue to descend down to the old, abandoned Red House. Two strenuous climbs follow before we
descend back down to Marlette Lake and complete the Flume Trail Loop. As we climb away from
Marlette Lake, we have a final, long descent through North Canyon and back to the Spooner Lake
starting area.
23 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
Day 5, Wednesday – Tahoe City, CA to Truckee, CA
By mid-morning we drive to Tahoe City, CA (elev. 6,240 ft.) to begin this point-to-point MTB ride.
We encounter two strenuous climbs and two descents on old logging roads as we make our way to
Watson Lake. After Watson Lake, we tackle an out-and-back climb up Mt. Watson (elev. 8,424 ft.).
Then, we have a long, fast, and non-technical descent towards Truckee (elev. 5,820 ft.). Just
southeast of town, we venture onto the Sawtooth Trail - a fun singletrack system that overlooks the
Truckee River. Some miles later, we arrive in Truckee, an Old West railroad and lumber town that is
noted for it 1800-period buildings. It is here that we will stay for the next two nights.
19 miles of mountain biking, with 3 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
Day 6, Thursday – Donner Lake, Lakeview Canyon, and Coldstream Valley Loop
This loop ride begins at Donner Memorial State Park and travels through some very historically
significant areas. It is here that the ill-fated Donner Party spent the miserably harsh winter of 1846-
47. Fortunately for us, our time here will be much more pleasurable. We begin the ride by traveling
along the southern shore of Donner Lake until we encounter Lakeview Canyon - our first climb of the
day. It is a fairly long and strenuous climb. We will experience this terrain, mostly jeep roads with
some loose rock mixed in, thoughout the day. Finally, we reach and cross the old Central Pacific
Railroad lines, which are still in use today. As we cross the tracks and look to both sides, we notice
the long, elaborate train tunnels, dug through solid granite, that Chinese laborers built in 1867-68 for
the Transcontinental Railroad. In fact my Great Grandfather, Sing Jung Lee (Henry J. Lee), was one
of those men. I am deeply moved by the accomplishments of him and his crew members whenever I
ride here. After crossing the old tracks, we face two consecutive climbs to a lovely vista point
overlooking Donner Peak and Donner Lake. After taking in these remarkable sights, we have three
consecutive descents into Emigrant Canyon and Coldstream Valley. Beware of the loose rocks on the
second descent into Emigrant Canyon.
15 miles of mountain biking, with 3 strenuous climbs and 3 thrilling descents
Day 7, Friday – Hole in the Ground Trail Loop
Before driving back to San Francisco, we save the most challenging ride for last. This counter-
clockwise loop starts at Soda Springs, CA (elev. 6,768 ft.), climbs to the base of Boreal Ridge, and
intesects the Pacific Crest Trail. From this point onward, the loop is composed mostly of challenging,
technical singletrack. The singletrack climb to Andesite Peak (elev. 8,219 ft.) is definitely a challenge
due to its switchbacks, narrowness, and gradient. After cresting the peak, you experience a technical
descent over loose and protruding rocks to Lower Castle Creek. After briefly leveling off, rolling
singletrack with two strenuous climbs and two fast descents are experienced all the way to Lower
Lola Montez Lake. The terrain varies considerably on Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail. While this trail
has sections of dirt and gravel roadways, it also includes a unique wood and dirt staircase with well-
spaced steps for us to descend down. We finish this magnificent loop by riding over rolling
singletrack through a plush alpine forest.
18 miles of mountain biking, with 4 strenuous climbs and 4 thrilling descents
Click on the link above to use
Yahoo! Maps, and view the
layout of some of the major
destinations on this adventure
tour. Enter locations such as
South Lake Tahoe, CA; Camp
Richardson, CA; Glenbrook, NV;
Tahoe City, CA; Truckee, CA;
and Soda Springs, CA in the
City, State text box of the map
window.
Yahoo! Maps, and view the
layout of some of the major
destinations on this adventure
tour. Enter locations such as
South Lake Tahoe, CA; Camp
Richardson, CA; Glenbrook, NV;
Tahoe City, CA; Truckee, CA;
and Soda Springs, CA in the
City, State text box of the map
window.
Complimentary Livestrong bracelets are available to the first tour guests on our 2007
tours while supply lasts! You may reserve this Wild West Cycling adventure tour by clicking
on the Dates and Tour buttons on the right and placing your choices into your online shopping
cart. Or you may reserve any of our adventure tours via the Internet, telephone, or regular
mail by visiting our Reservations Center. A $400 deposit is required per guest per tour, and
any balance is due 30 days before the start of your tour. To learn more about all of the
amenities that are included with our tours, please visit our Guest Services Center. We look
forward to mountain biking with you in the High Sierras!
Please view our Terms of Service page if you have any questions concerning our cancellation and refund policies.
tours while supply lasts! You may reserve this Wild West Cycling adventure tour by clicking
on the Dates and Tour buttons on the right and placing your choices into your online shopping
cart. Or you may reserve any of our adventure tours via the Internet, telephone, or regular
mail by visiting our Reservations Center. A $400 deposit is required per guest per tour, and
any balance is due 30 days before the start of your tour. To learn more about all of the
amenities that are included with our tours, please visit our Guest Services Center. We look
forward to mountain biking with you in the High Sierras!
Please view our Terms of Service page if you have any questions concerning our cancellation and refund policies.