Pyramid Lake

A Future Multi-Use Recreational Trail from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake

The Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway is a vision of following the Truckee River by foot or by bicycle from its source at forested Lake Tahoe to its desert terminus, Pyramid Lake. The route will descend over 2000 feet in 116 miles, using a combination of existing dirt and paved roads, plus some sections of new trail and bridges.

Some sections will suit families out for an hour, others horseback riders, and the entire route will entice adventure cyclists traveling the distance. Lands crossed will include both public and private land in 2 states, 5 counties, 1 Indian reservation, and 3 federal agencies. Presently, the Bikeway can be ridden in three stretches: Tahoe to Truckee, Verdi to Sparks, and Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake.

River view from bluff on new section of trail.

For more details, check out our latest newsletters and local media about the trail.

Be sure to check out American Trails Magazine for the Fall 2009 illustrated article about the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway's "Rez" section (page 14)

California Canyon Planning Underway

After an initial feasibility study by ALTA Planning + Design (2007) and a land ownership analysis were completed by the Bikeway from Boca to Verdi, an "Initial Study" required by the California Environmental Quality Act was completed, and a "Mitigated Negative Declaration" was adopted by the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District in early December. If one of the pending grants for construction is awarded, the first section of trail (Hirschdale to Floriston) could begin construction in 2010!

"The Rez" trail is finished!

The bike trail from Wadsworth 25 miles north to Pyramid Lake is complete, and provides a unique combination of desert and river scenery. Check out "The Rez" section below for important tips on riding there. Please let us know how your ride is on this new section. It is a work in progress!

View the maps, or visit our image gallery to see more images of this new section!

Waltham Way Section Delayed

Delays in our anticipated fall 2009 construction timeframe have occurred because of the economic downturn's effects on our partner, the private landowner. Thanks to successful fundraising and approval of a grant from Nevada State Parks' Rec Trails Program, we will start building the one-mile trail at Waltham Way soon. When complete it will connect 9 miles of trail from Mustang to Clark, passing through all the recent Truckee River Restoration sites on the way.

Bikeway Map

Tahoe City to Verdi

• The bike trail/bike lane from Tahoe City to Truckee has existed for many years, thanks to the Tahoe City PUD and Placer County.
• Through Truckee from the "mousehole" to Glenshire subdivision is continously being improved by the Town through its Legacy Trail Project.
• East of Truckee is currently in the design and permitting phase, with a trail alignment that follows closely along Interstate 80. If grant funding is awarded this winter, the first section of trail may get started in 2010.

  
  
  
  Verdi to Sparks

  The Mogul-Verdi link was opened by the Bikeway, in partnership with NDOT and Reno, in 2005, making it possible to ride from Reno to Verdi without cycling on I-80. Recent bike counts reach 200 per day in good weather.
  
  From Verdi to Sparks (about 20 miles) the route is a combination of bike lanes, streets, and older sections of bike trail built by the cities. The trail ends at Vista Blvd.

  
  
  Sparks to Wadsworth

  

  East of Sparks most property is privately owned, and to date there has been little willingness to provide bike trail easements. The bright spot in the Lower Truckee Canyon is from Mustang to Clark (9 miles) where the Nature Conservancy and its partners are restoring the river and creating opportunities for a trail to connect their projects. If the Bikeway's one-mile section at Waltham Way is completed in 2009, it may be possible to connect the entire 9 miles in 2010!

  
  
  
  
  "The Rez"--Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake

  The northern-most section of the trail, the Pyramid Lake Reservation Bikeway, is 24 miles long, alternating dirt and paved surfaces. Skinny tire bikes are NOT suitable. This is a remote area, so you will need all your own supplies, and cell phone coverage is spotty. The trail includes some rolling hills and passes through a working cattle ranch by going up-and-over two fence stiles, so please don't bother the animals, and you need to be able to lift your bike up and down 6 stairsteps. If these conditions don't appeal to you, you can still follow the old railroad grade north from Wadsworth, then turn right at Gardella Canyon Road, taking it downhill until you see the trail on your left to continue north. Not recommended for inexperienced riders or trailers; horses are not allowed by Tribal regulation.

  You must have a day use permit from the Tribe ($6.50 per car obtained at the Smoke Shop in Wadsworth). It is a good idea to call the Smoke Shop in Wadsworth, at (775) 574-1022, before driving out there to make sure they have permits for sale, as they sometimes run out. They can also tell you the current weather and snow cover conditions. We recommend that you download the trail map from this web site. Also, you can view a gps trace and elevation profile generously provided by expert rider Pat Roe. Allow about an hour to drive to Wadsworth and buy a permit, and a 2-3 hour leisurely ride round trip from Wadsworth to Numana Hatchery (18 miles round trip).