If you are a mountain biker, Reno Tahoe is probably on your radar. With world-class trails, including downhill routes that will get your heart racing, single tracks through the desert landscape and mellow trails offering sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, this should be where you plan your next mountain biking trip. In addition to miles of trails, Reno Tahoe is also home to some epic bike parks, like Northstar Bike Park and Truckee Bike Park. These aren’t just a place to ride some laps to warm up, we’re talking serious trail systems that you can spend an entire day (or more!) exploring.
Find Bike Parks in Reno and Lake Tahoe
Sierra Vista Bike Park
Sierra Vista Bike Park is a 200-acre bike park in northwest Reno that features a variety of trails and tracks for all levels of riders. Beginners can work on their skills on their green routes and those looking for a bit more speed can check out the blue-rated downhill with embankments and small jumps. In total, there are more than 20 miles of trails for riders to explore. The Sierra Vista Bike Park is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Reno, making it the perfect place to practice your skills before heading out on surrounding mountain bike trails on Peavine Mountain.
Sky Tavern Bike Park
Best known by locals as the mountain where many kids learn to ski and snowboard, Sky Tavern’s recent development of the bike park has put them on the map for mountain bikers as well. Sky Tavern Mountain Bike Park, located at 8,000 feet elevation, is where you can find almost any type of trail or track your heart desires. The park strives to embody a ‘trails for all’ concept, with options for riders of all abilities. Some of the bike park’s most unique features include a dual slalom course, a pump track, a safe skills area for the littlest shredders and an adaptive bike-friendly trail. One of their most popular trails for intermediate and advanced riders is the Rick Sutherland trail. With a 700-foot elevation drop, optional rock gardens, rock rolls and tabletop jumps, the mountain biking trail delivers a different experience for riders every time they drop in.
In addition the to extensive mountain biking trail system at Sky Tavern Bike Park, it also serves as an access point for miles of popular Reno Tahoe mountain biking trails. The Tamarack Lake Trail connects Mt. Rose to Sky Tavern, with access to the Reno-to-Tahoe trail system. Other popular Tahoe mountain biking trails such as Tyrolean DH and the Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed via the Mt. Rose Meadows.
With close proximity to both Reno and Lake Tahoe, Sky Tavern Bike Park is a great place for mountain bikers of all abilities to practice their skills and experience some of the best mountain biking in the Reno Tahoe area.
Northstar Bike Park
Northstar Bike Park is a lift-serviced bike park in North Lake Tahoe, near Truckee, CA and less than an hour’s drive from Reno. The mountain bike park is open four to five days a week, based on weather and conditions. Riders will find world-class downhill trails, fire roads, technical rock gardens and cross-country loops. There’s plenty to explore and you may want to consider a season pass if frequent trips to Tahoe to mountain bike is part of your summer plans.
Northstar Bike Park also offers group and private mountain biking lessons, whether you’re a beginner looking for an introduction to the park or a more advanced rider who wants to hone your skills. If your child wants the chance to work on their mountain biking skills with a professional, Northstar’s Sunday Mountain Bike Program is the perfect opportunity during the summer months. Young mountain bikers, ages 10 to 17, can ride with professional coaches from the Northstar Bike School and a group of other mountain bikers.
Incline Bike Park
Tucked in the pine trees, minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village is Incline Bike Park. This free-to-ride park is a local favorite, and for good reason – it offers a fun and accessible environment for mountain bikers of all ages. Incline Bike Park offers a wide range of trails catering to riders of varying skill levels. From gentle, scenic paths for beginners to challenging descents and jumps for the experts, there’s something for everyone. There is plenty to challenge the most advanced riders, and for those new to mountain biking, Incline Bike Park offers dedicated skills areas where you can hone your techniques and build confidence before hitting the more challenging trails. Families with kids can make the most of the park’s kid-friendly trails and picnic areas, creating a fun-filled day for everyone.
Incline Bike Park’s proximity to Reno Tahoe, local amenities, and nearby attractions make it an ideal stop on your vacation itinerary. The park is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. As you tackle the trails, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas that provide the perfect backdrop for your adventure. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a leisurely ride surrounded by nature, this park has it all.
Truckee Bike Park
The Truckee Bike Park is open daily during the summer months, with a pump track and a variety of jump lines for every rider. The park has flow lines, dual trails, slopestyle lines and areas where you can focus on building skills and progression. Beginners will love the flowy Mint Chip, a green flow line with bermed turns and tables that can be ridden at any speed. More advanced mountain bikers should check out Medusa or the park’s black line. These pair a fun, smooth flow with features like hips, gaps and overhead jumps to challenge riders. Put your speed and skills to the test head-to-head on one of the dual trails.
Truckee Bike Park also has a bike camp during the summer months for riders looking to advance their skills, from the fundamentals to more advanced techniques.
If you’re new to mountain biking, planning a mountain biking trip with your family, or an advanced rider in search of the most challenging mountain biking trails, the bike parks in Reno and Lake Tahoe offer a diverse mix of skill-building and heart-pumping features. When you’re planning your next mountain biking getaway to Reno Tahoe, make sure to add at least one of these bike parks to your itinerary! For even more mountain biking tips and inspiration, check out FreeHub’s Reno Tahoe travel guide for the best trails and apres spots in the area.