They say the reward is in the journey and that couldn’t be more true than using a bicycle around Truckee. As you glide your way around town, you’ll slow down and appreciate the beauty around you. Hear the sounds of nature and inhale the aromatic scent of pine. Find unique boutiques that you never even noticed before. Stop wherever or whenever you want with the freedom a bike gives you. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a hardcore mountain biker or a Tour de France cyclist to enjoy it. These popular paved bike trails in Truckee are perfect for an outside family outing.
Truckee River Legacy Trail
Length: 9.6 miles round-trip
No matter where you are in Truckee, you aren’t far from the Truckee River and therefore the Truckee River Legacy Trail. Starting at the Truckee River Regional Park, the trail winds its way along the Truckee River and ends in the Glenshire Neighborhood. Highlights include ample scenery of the river itself and a bridge over Martis Creek. An ever popular route for locals to commute to downtown Truckee, it’s perfect for bikers, runners, dog walkers, and families. For closest downtown Truckee access, use the East River Street Trailhead or Truckee River Regional Park. In the winter, the Legacy Trail is cleared of snow, making it a local favorite for a dog-friendly, snow-free stroll in any season.
Closest e-bike docking station is located at the Glenshire Trailhead. Other nearby docking stations are outside 5050 Brewing Co. on Brockway Rd. and in Downtown Truckee.
Martis Valley Trail
Length: 9.4 miles round-trip
Get your daily dose of Vitamin D and take in Truckee’s early season bounty of wildflowers. Beginning near the Truckee Tahoe Airport, this trail connects to the Brockway and Truckee River Legacy Trail as well as Northstar Village on the other end. The route parallels Highway 267 and takes users into Martis Valley. In the valley itself, you’re treated with views in all directions. And on your northwest return, glimpses of the Sierra Crest, Frog Lake Cliff, and Castle Peak are in the distance. While it has minor rolling topography, be aware that the final leg near Northstar ascends in a series of sweeping bends that could add a bit of a challenge for families.
Closest e-bike docking station is at Truckee Town Hall.
Trout Creek Trail
Length: 3 miles round-trip
Give yourself a break and escape to nature right from the center of town. Starting at the corner of Bridge and Jibboom in downtown Truckee, this paved trail connects the Tahoe Donner neighborhood as well as the trailhead to the Donner Lake Rim Trail (dirt). As it gently ascends out of town, it quickly transitions into a natural setting making for a perfect forest bathing getaway even if you only have a few minutes. Take in the sounds of Trout Creek bubbling by in the canyon. Look up at the shimmering aspen groves and rustling pines in the sunlight. Smell the blooming flowers. Then finish it off with a frosty pint at one of the many patios in town.
Closest e-bike docking station is at the corner of Bridge St. and E Jibboom St. in downtown Truckee, across the street from Alibi Ale Works.
Where to Rent Bikes in Truckee
Didn’t bring a bike? No problem! We get it’s challenging to bring a bike on a plane or even with your car. Some of Truckee's hotels, lodges, inns, and mountain homes provide courtesy bikes or provide a rental fleet for their guests to use. If your lodging does not provide bikes, support a local business and rent one from a Truckee bike shop or hop on the Truckee e-bikes located at docking stations throughout town. To see how many e-bikes are available at a specific docking station, view the BCycle station. For a list of locals shops that rent and sell classic bikes and e-bikes, check out our biking page.
Paved Bike Trails Maps for Truckee and Lake Tahoe
Truckee makes it easy for you to use a bicycle as your mode of transportation in town. The trails above are a small glimpse of the 26+ miles of scenic paved bike trails that you can access via a bike or e-bike. Along with these car-free trails, there are a host of roads that have dedicated lanes specifically for bikes as well.
In addition to the Google Map below, use the following maps to explore the Truckee bike network:
- Town of Truckee Trails (Interactive Map)
- Truckee Scenic Paved Paths Brochure (PDF)
- Truckee Bike Route Map
The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition has developed a comprehensive map of bike routes, lanes, and multi-use trails in the Truckee-Tahoe region. To see bike routes throughout the Lake Tahoe basin, view their interactive map.
E-Bikes, Trail Etiquette, and Bike Safety
Learn about Truckee's BCycle E-Bike sharing program here! Embrace the mindset of a Truckee local on the trail. Smile, give a friendly howdy, and share the trail with other users. Trash cans are located along the trail for waste. Thanks for picking up after your pet. Follow the Leave No Trace principles to to keep our trails and waterways clean and beautiful.
For an on-trail reminder, keep an eye out for these new stenciled messages!
Understand all Bike Safety and E-Bike Laws in Truckee. Always wear a helmet, reduce speed around others, and stay alert. All classes of e-bikes (Class 1, 2, and 3) are allowed on Truckee’s paved biking trails.
Trails For EveryBODY™
Truckee’s paved bike trails are universally designed for everyone to enjoy. Young, old, able-bodied or not. With an average width of 8-10 feet, these trails are wheelchair and mobility device friendly. They’re also a great choice for mamas and papas with strollers in tow and bikes with training wheels.
