Thunder Mountain Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

One of my favorite rides in the Sierras, this loop has it all: Lung-busting climbs, great scenery, and fast flowy singletrack through cool rock features. It's an off-the-beaten-path adventure for the regularly overcrowded South Lake Tahoe area.

Start with a tough but fun climb to the turret on Thunder Mountain Loop Trail #17E22, followed by incredible narrow singletrack above the cliffs on the other side. Glide past a cave across alpine meadows, then rip flowy singletrack with some nice rock gardens down Silver Lake - Horse Canyon Trail #17E21.

The dirt road back is meh, but it's over quickly, and leads to a last bit of singletrack with views over Caples Creek Canyon. This trail is a rare chance for solitude on fast singletrack near South Lake. It is also one of the few areas with lots of
exposed mafic volcanic rocks, giving something like a Mordor (from Lord of the Rings) feel.