Weather at Reno
Wind Advisory in effect — Wind Advisory issued September 12 at 1:47AM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
- Tonight
- Mostly Clear
- Temperature
- 52°F
- Wind
- 5 to 20 mph
- Zone
- NVZ003
Mountain biking in the Reno-Tahoe region spans from high-desert terrain in the Reno valley to high-alpine trails in the Sierra Nevada. High-elevation trails are typically inaccessible in winter and early spring due to snow accumulation. Riders should consult the road conditions hub for current closures or chain requirements before traveling to trailheads.
Reno and Sparks Trails
Peavine Mountain offers terrain ranging from 4,900 ft to 8,266 ft in elevation. Trailheads are accessible along the southeast side of the mountain, near Rancho San Rafael Park and neighborhoods in northwest Reno. For technical obstacles and climbs, the Halo-Crispy Bacon Loop is a common route; park on Kings Row to access the Halo Trail, then head west to the intersection for the Crispy Bacon Trail.
Sierra Vista Bike Park, located off Robb Drive in northwest Reno, provides flow lines and strider tracks. The park includes water fountains and restrooms.
South Reno features trails near Galena Creek. The Dry Pond Loop is a 7-mile route at the base of Mount Rose that includes climbs and descents through the forest along Whites Creek and Thomas Creek. The North Ballardini Ranch Trail is a 2-mile single track connecting Ballardini Open Space to Galena, with a grade between five and 10 percent.
In Sparks, the Los Altos Trail Network includes the Zipper West Loop and Jackrabbit. These trails consist of packed dirt, which can become difficult to ride when wet. East of Reno, Hidden Valley Regional Park contains a 3.6-mile Backcountry Loop that includes significant climbing sections.
Lake Tahoe and Truckee Trails
Lake Tahoe trails often require travel over mountain passes. Before heading to the North Shore or South Shore, verify access using I-80 road conditions or US-395 road conditions.
Sky Tavern is located on Mount Rose Highway (SR-431). This site offers a network of trails for adaptive, intermediate, and advanced riders, along with a strider pump track for children. Check SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions for updates regarding mountain access.
Cameras on the drive to Mt. Rose trails.
The Tahoe Rim Trail spans 168 miles, with sections catering to various skill levels. Shorter options include the 3-mile round-trip Picnic Rock Vista Ride on the North Shore and the 6.4-mile round-trip McCloud Falls Ride on the West Shore. The Flume Trail, a well-known route, runs from Spooner Lake State Park north to the Tunnel Creek Cafe. Riders can utilize a shuttle service between these points or ride it as a loop by returning via the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Northstar California Resort provides lift-serviced riding during the summer months. The resort features a network of trails ranging from learning terrain to advanced lines.
Event Information
The Rose to Toads ride is an annual event organized by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA). The route covers over 62 miles, featuring more than 8,000 feet of climbing and 10,000 feet of descent. The ride links the North Shore from Mount Rose to the South Shore, ending on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. The 2026 event is scheduled for Sunday, September 13. Note that route access for this event is specific to the day of the ride to avoid backcountry trail closures in Spooner Lake State Park.
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Following established trail rules preserves the integrity of the trail systems. This includes giving the right-of-way to uphill riders and staying on marked trails rather than creating new paths. In areas with shared-use trails, such as the Dry Pond Loop, be aware of hikers and trail runners. Do not ride when trails are wet, as this causes damage. If a section of a trail becomes too difficult, walk the bike rather than creating a new line.