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Flume Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (65)
  1. Areas
  2. NV
  3. …Lake Tahoe Area, Reno, Carson City
  4. Carson City
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“A classic must-do tour covering some of the most popular riding and offering incredible Tahoe views. ”

Michael Ahnemann
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Map Key

22.3

Miles

35.9

KM

50%

Singletrack

8,688' 2,648 m

High

6,977' 2,127 m

Low

2,538' 774 m

Up

2,540' 774 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

As of summer 2021, Spooner Lake park is completely closed and fenced off until September 2021. The only access to this trail is via the dirt lot at the intersection of 28 and 50. The sign there indicates it is a hiking entrance only, and that mountain bikers should proceed 1/2 mile north to the Spooner Lake entrance. However, that entrance is closed with a fence across it.

For details, see: parks.nv.gov/news/main-entr…

Overview

The Flume trail is considered to be one of the absolute must-do rides in the Tahoe area, and this ride is a popular way to ride that trail and hit a few other awesome spots along the way.

The "difficult" rating is due to some challenging climbs and the overall distance of this ride, but many intermediate riders would find this technically doable as long as they're prepared to be on their bike for several hours.

The ride as mapped starts from Spooner Lake State Park, heads up the North Canyon Road, then descends the famous Flume Trail, then curves around to return south on the Tahoe Rim Trail, meeting back up with North Canyon Road and returning to the start point.

Need to Know

There is also a very popular shuttle service that makes several runs a day from Spooner Lake State Park to/from a cafe on Tunnel Creek road (the northernmost point of this ride). After riding the Flume Trail, you can make a left on Tunnel Creek Road for an easy cruise to the shuttle pickup, rather than riding the entire Tahoe Rim Trail portion.

Description

This ride starts out from Spooner Lake State Park. Find parking here at the northern edge of the park, and start out on North Canyon Road. This is the main road that will take you to The Flume Trail. Drop down onto North Canyon Road and follow the road uphill (north) for 3.6 miles where you'll come to the base of a pretty steep section of the trip. This section is about 1/2 a mile, and 300 ft. of vertical gain. This is the steepest section of trail, and once done it is downhill to Marlette Lake and the start of the Flume Trail.

Just before the top of this climb you'll see an optional road on your right that will take you to the top of Snow Valley Peak. This climb is for the expert rider only. It is very loose, and steep. It is a 1.5 mile climb with 1100 ft of climbing to the top. The view is spectacular, but it's difficult to get there.

Continue due north on North Canyon Jeep Trail and you'll drop back down to a 4 way intersection. Take a left and follow the trail around the south end of Marlette Lake. This will eventually lead into the Flume Trail.

This trail is enjoyable, mostly flat singletrack twisting along a steep mountain side dropping only 40' per mile. If you're afraid of heights, this ride might not be for you, but it's an intermediate trail otherwise, and an incredible one at that. The views are spectacular and the riding is flowy and fun.

The first section is very technical, and many riders walk this section. It is very short, and once you clear it, the ride gets much easier. From here, the singletrack swings out on the side hill and gives you a great view of Lake Tahoe. Follow the singletrack north for 4.2 miles (10.5 miles) where you'll intersect Tunnel Creek Road.

This is the point where you can make a left to get a shuttle pickup, but for this ride, take a right to head east to the Tahoe Rim Trail. In this section of the ride, you'll encounter a torturous 900' climb with many... no... VERY many obstacles.

The climb rewards you with an opening to another meadow with spectacular views at Marlette Peak. Here you'll find a couple hundred foot diversion to a view point. Enjoy the view of Tahoe & Marlette Lakes. Continue back to the trail and descend 500' to Marlette Lake.

When the trail hits Marlette Lake Rd. take a right to continue riding around the lake. Eventually, you'll come to the same 4-way intersection you came to earlier in the ride, at the southern end of the lake. Straight ahead would take you back around for another descend on the Flume Trail, but this time, head left to get back on the North Canyon Road.

Cruise down the remaining 4.5 miles or so back to your car and look at all the amazing pictures you took along the way!

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Humboldt & Toiyabe National Forests Office

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Matt Hawkins
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 65 votes

#1

in Carson City

#228

Overall
  4.5 from 65 votes
5 Star
65%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Carson City

#4

in Nevada

#228

Overall
28 Views Last Month
25,476 Since Jun 22, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
0%
35%
18%
45%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Tahoe Flume Trail!
May 4, 2018 near Incline…, NV
Yup, it really looks like that. For miles.
Jul 12, 2014 near Incline…, NV
Hard to keep your eye on the trail!
Jul 12, 2014 near Incline…, NV
The most amazing views! Loved this trail!
Sep 11, 2017 near Incline…, NV
Superb passage!
Mar 10, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Wild flowers in August after the huge 2016/2017 snow year.
Aug 18, 2017 near Incline…, NV

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2024
Charlie L
Mar 28, 2024
Andrew Lubinski
Oct 4, 2023
Jonathan Ross
4h 00m
Sep 20, 2022
Kelsey Weist
Jun 21, 2022
alexander aharonov
Some patches of snow block the second part of the trail. I was able to go around them. 24mi — 4h 00m
Jun 1, 2022
Nick Przybyciel
May 29, 2022
Justin Genant
Aug 1, 2021
Jeremiah Farwell
Yes!

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