Tahoe Trailways

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Ever since I was a little girl, my family would bike along the West Shore Bike Path, named the Tahoe Trailways. I have fond memories of peddling as fast as I could to get in front of my dad and be the first in our bike caravan. Tahoe Trailways is multi-use trail off the highway that allows bicycles and pedestrians to meander along some of the most stunning coastline in the world. This path is one of the most beautiful bike paths I’ve encountered and I thought I’d share my favorite routes along this path.

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The Bike Path runs along the West Shore from Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Point and has an off-shoot that follows the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley. If you look at a trail map like this one, you’ll notice the bike path disappears in Homewood. Don’t worry- you don’t have to ride on the road. Instead you are routed through one of the most charming neighborhoods in Tahoe. Below are our favorite rides plus where to stop and eat along the way!

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Top Three West Shore Rides

Number 1: Sunnyside to Chambers Landing

  • About: This ride takes you from Sunnyside south along the West Shore to one of the oldest and most iconic locations in Tahoe - Chambers Landing. Famous for their Chambers Punch, this restaurant and bar is a must-see spot on a trip to Lake Tahoe. At 10 miles roundtrip, you can easily arrive at Chambers and have plenty of time to enjoy yourself before heading back home.

  • Mileage: 10 miles roundtrip

  • Directions:

    • Get on your bike going South

    • Ride for 5 miles, slowing down when you see a neighborhood along the lake called Chamberlands

    • Stop when you see a sign that says Chambers Landing and safely cross the road to enter through the gate

  • Food + Drink:

    • Chambers Landing has both a full restaurant and a bar, but they are in separate areas. To get the full experience, make sure to go out to the building over the lake and enjoy a Chambers Punch. If you’d like a full meal, the restaurant is tucked away back on shore.

    • Fun Fact: The building over the lake is one of the oldest buildings in Lake Tahoe! Ask any bartender for the history of Chambers - it’s worth it.

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Number 2: Sunnyside to Squaw Valley

  • About: This is a ride we often did during my childhood summers. It goes towards Tahoe City and then winds along the Truckee River and brings you right to a great spot for food and music at Squaw Valley Village. Sometimes we would stop at River Ranch along the way (before arriving at Squaw Valley) as the outdoor patio is really special. This ride is 20 miles roundtrip but well worth it. If 8-year-old Natalia could do it, so can you!

  • Mileage: 20 miles roundtrip

  • Directions:

    • Get on your bike going North

    • Ride towards Tahoe City and follow the path towards HWY 89

    • Stay on the bike path until you arrive at the Squaw Valley entrance

    • Be sure to Bike all the way in to Squaw Valley Village, where the restaurants are. Lock up your bike and listen to live music as you sip a cocktail or have a big lunch before heading back

  • Food + Drink:

    • River Ranch - The best outdoor patio along the Truckee River

    • Any of the restaurants in Squaw Valley Village (I prefer River Ranch)

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Number 3: Sunnyside to The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

  • About: This ride takes you south to a grand and historic mansion perched on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It’s now a museum run by the State of California as part of the Sugar Pine Point State Park.

  • Mileage: 15 miles roundtrip

  • Directions:

    • Get on your bike going South

    • The bike path will turn into the Sugar Pine Point State’s bike path after you’ve been riding for 7 miles

    • You can ride around the campground or cross the street to enter the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion Area (do this if you can!)

    • Ride along the drive up to the mansion and explore the grounds for the day

  • Food + Drink:

    • The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion ground is a great spot for a picnic! If you have a basket on your bike, we highly recommend packing a lunch and blanket so you can soak up the sun overlooking the water

    • If you choose to eat along the way instead of picnic, there’s a few great options:

      • West Shore Pizza: Great pizza along the route in Tahoma

      • Where We Met: Excellent Gelato next to West Shore Pizza

      • End your day at Sunnyside - get the Fried Zucchini and a glass of wine

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Important Note: All rides below start at Sunnyside because

  1. Food + Drinks are available

  2. The exceptional view

  3. Central Location on the West Shore

TRAVELNatalia JanelleBIKING, LAKE TAHOE, WEST SHOREComment