We needed to park near the trailhead in Tahoe City, for the section of the Tahoe Rim Trail(TRT) — Tahoe City to Wards Canyon/Creek to Barker Pass. The parking is plentiful provided you get there early.(Early meaning before 9 a.m. on the weekends) If you are planning on hiking the TRT then park all the way to the back of the lot. You’ll be able to pick up the trail which is clearly marked. Round trip to Wards Canyon is roughly 12 miles and RT to Barker Pass is a bit over 25 miles. I recommend you either have a friend pick you up at Barker Pass or do the trail from Barker Pass to Tahoe City.
Peter S.
Place rating: 5 Las Vegas, NV
This gorgeous, paved trail along the beautiful Truckee River is very popular for biking, walking, blading… for ALLAGES! And it’s wheelchair friendly! All along the trail there are Porta Johns for your convenience, too! — Over the years, my wife and I come here every time we are in Tahoe to enjoy ourselves! It’s several miles long, partially shaded; right along the beautiful, flowing Truckee River. Along the trail one can enjoy the lively sceneries; watching all those happy people(and their pets) rafting down the river in a variety of water-crafts, not to mention the views of those charming houses and small, narrow«bridges» along the river banks. Yes, there are plenty of big, flat rocks along the trail, and a few shaded areas that are good for taking a break, and there are Porta John’s along the trail. THETRAILHEAD and FREEPARKING To get on the biking/walking trail, one can first park in a large, FREE parking lot on Cabin Creek Rd off Hwy 89(just south of Fanny Bridge). This parking lot is NEXT to the Transit Center. — The Trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot off the Overpass of the river. There is a nice rest area right over there in the lot by the river, where there are several large Porta-Johns. — On the shoulders of the freeway above the trail along the river, one can also park and walk down to the trail, where there are several areas one can launch the water crafts. THERIVARANCHPATIO — A Bar with great views! At the 4mi mark downstream from the Trailhead is the popular water hole, the Riva Ranch Patio Bar on the pier for food and drinks(open in the summer and fall till Labor Day). That is also where the water rafting tour ends and the rental craft is collected. From this spacious patio, one can see the rafters struggling through the very last rapids and maneuvering to dock safely. Yes, occasionally, a few rafts would miss the docking and got carried away further down to the next rapids beyond the pier. No worry, though, the ever watchful crew of the Rafting Company ALWAYS timely and skillfully come to their rescue, leading them to the SAFTY of the shore! It’s exciting AND entertaining, though, watching them over food and drinks in the comfort of the lovely patio, WHEN that happens! This Patio Bar is spacious and scenic; the food is delicious and the beers(and other beverages) are perfect for rehydrating before the 3.5+mi return trip to the trailhead. Yes, there’s public bathroom facility by the lodge’s parking lot. — Instead of returning upstream back to the parking lot, one could choose to hike a few miles farther downstream to Squaw, or some 9+mile(not all paved trail though) Truckee. I myself have not tried either, however. July 2014
Kenneth B.
Place rating: 5 Fullerton, CA
One of the highlights. This is a beautiful trail along the Truckee river. If you have small children(1 – 5), throw them in a Croozer and pack a lunch. The river only gets more pretty as you head down the trail. A «2» on the terrain difficulty scale. This is a smooth, easy run that the whole family can enjoy. Just gorgeous. –pack a lunch– –water– –great photo spots–
Sam K.
Place rating: 5 Santa Clara, CA
This is our favorite biking trail in North Lake Tahoe. It is very safe for kids and family which is mostly flat with a few easy grades. You can park your car at 64 Arces park which is next to Truckee River. You bike across the bridge and turn left to the start the biking trail along the Truckee River. They have portable restroom along the trail and plenty of area for pit-stop and to enjoy the view. If you are riding, make sure to keep on the right side of the trail. The trail does get busy on weekend with runners, hikers and kids. The entire route is 5 miles one way to Squall Valley. We did our first ride to River Ranch Restaurant & Lodge and then cycle back to the 64 Arces park.
