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Tahoe-Pyramid Bike Trail (TPT)

A bucket list adventure that travels along the Truckee River from Tahoe City, CA. to Pyramid Lake, NV.  
Trail Uses
Accessible Experience Walking Hiking Mountain biking Bicycling E-biking
Location
Nevada County (CA), Placer County (CA), Storey County, Washoe County
Length
114.00 miles (One Way)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Lockwood, Nixon, Reno, Sparks, Tahoe City (CA), Truckee (CA), Verdi, Wadsworth
Surface
Boardwalk, Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Paved, Rock/Ledge, Sand
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
Yes

Description

The trail is broken up into several sections.

  • Tahoe City to Hirschdale Section: This section is 23 miles and fully paved but has sections of trail that is shared with cars. The trail is rated as easy. Trail users must be comfortable riding next to traffic. Recommended bikes include: Road, Hybrid, Touring, etc. This segment of trail combines the Truckee River Bike Trail, and CA Route 89.
  • Hirschdale to Verdi Section: this section is 16 miles with a mix of dirt, paved paths, bike lanes and shared road with cars. This trail is rated as moderate with some steep sections. A gate with a motion detection alarm has recently been added near the Hirschdale Rd and Hinton Rd intersection along the trail segment, this is only to deter cars, not trail users. Please stick to the old roadbed because private property lies on either side of this trail. Recommended bikes include: Mountain, Cyclocross or Gravel bikes. This trail segment is a mix of street riding and park trails. The park trails follow the Truckee Legacy trails and Old US HWY 40.
  • Verdi to Reno/Sparks Section: this section is 20 miles and consists of mainly paved roads shared with cars. Homeless encampments are prominent along some sections of this trail. Consult your GPS for alternate routes if the trail seems unsafe. Recommended bikes include: Road, Hybrid, touring, etc. The segments along this route go through several parks, roadways and city trails. Some highlights on this route is the Idlewild Park and Wingfield Park in Reno. 
  • Mustang - USA Parkway: this section is 10 miles and mostly flat and dirt/gravel. The trail is rated as easy. Segments of this trail section traverse through the McCarran Ranch Preserve. Please consult the rules and regulations before passing through. Wild horses do roam the area. Please slow down and do not approach or feed the horses. Recommended bikes include: Mountain bikes, Cyclocross or gravel bikes.
  • Wadsworth-Pyramid Lake Section: this section is 24 miles and mostly dirt. It is rated as easy to moderately difficult. If you plan on riding your bike on this trail, a day-use permit must be acquired either in-person or online. This is the only segment of trail that requires a fee. No motorized use allowed, must provide your own repair kits, first-aid etc., mountain bikes or touring bikes with off-pavement tires required, cellphone coverage is limited. Recommended bikes include: Mountain, Cyclocross or Gravel

Each one of these trail segments offers wonderful opportunities for fishing, bird watching, trail running and even paddling access to the Truckee River. 

The development and management of this trail has been completed by the work of dedicated volunteers. The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is a "100% Volunteer Non-Profit Organization and are not affiliated with any government agency."  Please take the time to go through their website and learn how you can be a part of the mission to keep the Tahoe-Pyramid Bike Trail thriving. 

Other Information

Two sections of the trail are currently closed and under development for future use: From Vista Blvd in Sparks, NV to Mustang, NV and from USA Parkway (Clark) to Wadsworth.

Much of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail shares the road with cars, please use caution on these segments of trail. ADA use should be restricted to urban areas only such as the trail segment through Reno, Nevada. 

A day use permit is required for the Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake trail segment because it passes though the Paiute Tribe reservation. Permits may be bought in person or online.

Check the Official TPT Website for trail updates and closure information.

Official signage has been designed to help users navigate the trails. The signage below is an example of what to look out for:

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Tahoe Pyramid Trail website or contact:

Pyramid Lake Ranger Office

Pyramid Lake Ranger Office
2500 Lakeview Drive, Sutcliffe, NV 89510
Sutcliffe, Nevada 89510
Phone: 775-476-1155
plrangers@plpt.ncn.us
View website

Tahoe-Pyramid Trail

Tahoe-Pyramid Trail
4790 Caughlin Parkway, #138

Reno, Nevada 89519
Phone: 775-825-9868
info@tahoepyramidtrail.org
View website

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
208 Capitol Hill
Nixon NV 89424

Nixon, Nevada 89424
Phone: 208 Capitol Hill Nixon NV 89424
View website

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Trailhead Information

Parking is available along the entirety of the TPT. The trail can be taken in small segments and used as day rides or finished as a backpacking trek. Parking for the Hirschdale to Verdi segment is limited to street parking. It is recommended to park between HWY/80 and Hirschdale Exit.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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Trail Alerts

Trails
Private Property
This trail passes through private property. Please respect the landowner and protect future access by staying on the marked trail and following all rules.
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