Truckee River Trail – Tahoe City loop from Ward Creek
Truckee River Trail – Tahoe City loop from Ward Creek
3.4
(3)
87
riders
Truckee River Trail – Tahoe City loop from Ward Creek
01:48
44.0km
240m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
7.16 km
Truckee River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
11.7 km
Truckee River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
17.5 km
Truckee River
Highlight • River
Tip by
18.2 km
Tahoe City
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
22.0 km
William Kent Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
32.2 km
Tahoma
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
40.9 km
West Shore Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
44.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
35.9 km
3.86 km
2.38 km
1.76 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
41.9 km
1.98 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
15°C
5°C
8 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for one of the most popular road cycling routes around Lake Tahoe that offers both scenic beauty and an easy ride, the Truckee River Trail – Tahoe City loop from Ward Creek is definitely worth your time. This 27.3-mile (44.0 km) road cycling route, rated easy, features a gentle 781 feet (238 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 47 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed day out on the bike for anyone seeking a scenic, accessible cycling experience.
What to expect on Truckee River Trail – Tahoe City loop from Ward Creek
Expect a journey through diverse landscapes, starting with the mostly flat, paved path along the Truckee River from Tahoe City towards Olympic Valley, where you'll enjoy stunning river views. As you head south from Tahoe City along the West Shore, the trail introduces some rolling ups and downs, passing by spots like Sunnyside Restaurant and Marina. Further along, near Kilner Park, you'll find a quiet, slightly uphill paved road that winds through scenic forests along Blackwood Creek, offering picturesque views of tall pines and open meadows. This route is ideal for road cyclists of all fitness levels looking for an easy to moderate ride with plenty of natural beauty and Ward Creek road scenic views.
Planning your visit
The trail is multi-use, so be prepared to share the path with pedestrians and joggers, especially during peak season. There are numerous access points and parking areas, including at the Tahoe City Transit Center or Kilner Park. While the route is generally accessible, always check seasonal conditions, as some parts of the broader Tahoe trail system may be unpaved; stick to designated paved paths for road cycling. The best time to cycle is typically from late spring through fall, avoiding winter snow.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.3 miles (44.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 781 feet (238 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 47 minutes
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