Anyone that’s gone hiking in the mountains can tell you having a destination is important. But what you see along the trail is part of the fun too. Instead of driving to each brewery, why not make it an adventure by going car-free on Truckee's FREE shuttle or hop on a bike. You’ll experience the sights and sounds of Truckee, make it stress-free, and of course sample the flavors of Truckee’s brew scene. You can always create your own itinerary or separate these into a multi-day adventure, but here’s a way to enjoy them all car-free.
Get Around Using Truckee's FREE Shuttle - TART Connect
It's easier than ever to get to and from Truckee's breweries using TART Connect, a free on-demand shuttle that provides point-to-point rides throughout Truckee. The shuttle works like Uber or Lyft. You'll download the app, order a ride, and get picked up in as little as 15 minutes. For those looking to sample a taste of local brews and the unique atmosphere of each brewery, TART Connect is a great transportation option available to Truckee visitors.
1st Stop - Brunch
Start off the day with a brunch in historic Truckee. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can enjoy a bit of international flavor with Turkish eggs at Cornerstone Kitchen or a unique twist on diner fare at Jax At The Tracks. And before you pedal off, don’t forget to take a picture in front of the underrated landmark - the Flying “A” Gas station.
2nd Stop - Donner Creek Brewing
11448 Deerfield Drive, Truckee
Just because you’re a Mountain Mom or Dad doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beer. All of Truckee’s breweries are kid friendly, but for families where one enjoys beer and the other wine, you’ll LOVE Donner Creek Brewing. Along with a handful of rotating taps of their concoctions, they also offer hard ciders and wines. And the kids will love their soft pretzels or gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches on their fun outdoor patio.
3rd Stop - FiftyFifty Brewing Co
Coffee break and then off to FiftyFifty. Pedaling from Donner Creek Brewing you’ll head back via River Street. On your way back through downtown, coffee aficionados will want to make a pit stop and sample a cup of java from small batch roastery Dark Horse Coffee Roasters which is across the street from Jax. Then it’s off to the Great American Beer Festival’s award winner - FiftyFifty. A flight will show you they’re dedicated to the perfect beer with a deference to strict style guidelines, but if it tastes good, it is good.
4th Stop – The Good Wolf Brewing Company
10990 Industrial Way B103, Truckee
For those searching for the elusive one-of-a kind beer offerings, Good Wolf is a MUST stop. Tucked in a quiet industrial complex above Main Street, Good Wolf Brewing’s “Forest Beer” line is the liquid version of Claude Monet’s Wheatstacks. Using beer as their medium, the beer line showcases the local flavors by using only ingredients that are sourced and often foraged from the area such as California blue juniper berries.
5th Stop - Truckee Brewing Company
10736 Pioneer Trail #1, Truckee
Full bellies and drinkable brews. Just down the street you’ll find your next stop - Truckee Brewing Company. Opened in 2018 in the Pioneer Commerce Center, their mission has been to put out quality drinkable beer. With seven taps, you’ll see a variety of their selection from the hoppy Little Truckee IPA to the light and refreshing Truckate Mexican style lager. By now you should be hungry so make a stop at a local favorite - Full Belly Deli. Focused on the art of sandwich making, they bake nearly all their breads in-house, use premium ingredients, and top them off with their own sauces you won’t find anywhere else.
Final Stop - Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House
Summer is perfection in Truckee so might as well finish off with a frosty pint outside. Sip a German pilsner with a creative twist on the Bavarian inspired beer garden at Alibi. Then dance the night away in front of a historic 19th century Victorian built by Austrian craftsmen at RMU. For more about the best patios and live music spots, be sure to check out our summer Après page.
Don’t Forget Truckee BrewFest
A summer tradition that kicks off the season. Every year typically around July or August, the Truckee River Regional Park plays host to breweries from Northern California and Nevada for an afternoon of celebrating the craft of making beer. As you sample over thirty varieties, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy live music performed by local bands. All proceeds from this event go to supporting programs, scholarships, and funds for Truckee youth via the Truckee Optimist Club.
More Ways to Get Around: Truckee Bike Lanes and Dedicated Paved Trails
Many organizations have put in a lot of work for Truckee to have a town-wide bicycling infrastructure. This bikeable itinerary really showcases how far they’ve gone. For example, River Street has a dedicated bike lane while Brockway Road has a shared use path that everyone from walkers to bikers can enjoy. In fact, Truckee boasts over 26 miles of paved trails that are perfect for a walk, hike, or ride. To explore the entire Truckee bike network, take a closer look at this map.
