By Jenny Kendrick ·
Hitting the trails at Tahoe Donner.
Kenny Blum | Tahoe Donner Association ·
Eager to learn where the best single track for mountain biking was in Tahoe Donner, my husband and I met up with our mountain bike guide, Dave Walker, at Bikeworks at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Dave, who also is the ski school director, knows the local trails like the back of his hand. Another Bikeworks employee, Kim, helped us with our equipment selection and we were outfitted with the latest full-suspension mountain bikes and helmets before we headed out.
Bikeworks at its temporary location at the Downhill Ski Area offers a fleet of Giant bike rentals.
Alyson Stetz | Tahoe Donner Association ·
At the Bikeworks shop, there is a fleet of new Giant rental bikes including Trance X 27.5-inch, full-suspension mountain bikes or the Talon 27.5-inch front suspension mountain bike. If you opt to bring your own bike, Bikeworks operates as a full service bike shop with experienced mechanics to tune up your bike and get it in tip-top shape.
Once we were fully equipped, we headed out on the trails. We descended from the Downhill Ski Area to the network of trails that branch off from where the Cross Country Ski Center is located in the winter. The trees and wildflowers beamed against the deep blue morning sky and Dave pointed out the mule ears distinguished by soft, fuzzy leaves and bright, yellow flowers as we joined up with the first of many single-track trails that we would ride.
Family bonding at Bikeworks at Tahoe Donner.
Kenny Blum | Tahoe Donner Association ·
As we headed toward Euer Valley, we started our climb up a trail called 3 Bridges, aptly named because you cross three bridges, though there is no water flowing under them this time of year. As we approached Euer Valley, we hopped on Sundance and began a mellow and steady climb to the Sundance Hut, enjoying sprawling panoramic views of the Sierra Crest with Castle Peak and the Euer Valley to our right. We continued to Hasting’s Cutoff, made our way toward the new Mother Lode trail and were rewarded with the most stunning views of the Euer Valley.
After cutting along the ridgeline deeper into the wilderness, we arrived at the top of the fun part. We had climbed 1,050 feet with a peak elevation of about 7,089 feet. That’s where we earned access to the flowy, downhill combo of Mother Lode to Hidden Gem. This is where you can take a minute to lower your seat and drop in.
Reaching the bottom of the new single-track trail, Mother Load, before dropping into Hidden Gem.
Jenny Kendrick | Tahoe Donner Association ·
Mother Lode rewarded our efforts with its banked, hairpin turns paired with smooth, fast, wooded descents and the occasional jaw-dropping view of the expansive back country. Things got a little squirrely on the first few turns, but Dave pointed out some tips for improving my technique so I was able to tackle the switchbacks without hesitation.
Minutes later, after descending 300 vertical feet, we regrouped with Dave at a dirt road and then descended another 300 vertical feet on the classic downhill single track Hidden Gem. This trail was more worn in, a little narrower and a little more technical, but also provided more of the same exhilaration.
Climbing up Hasting’s Cutoff and taking in the expansive views of the Sierra and Euer Valley.
Jenny Kendrick | Tahoe Donner Association ·
At the bottom of Hidden Gem, we arrived in Euer Valley at last and, feeling spent, we opted to head back out with a steady, gradual climb via the dirt road versus heading up the single track. As we continued on, we were rewarded with a kaleidoscope of colors radiating from an assortment of wildflowers in full bloom. For those who want to explore Euer Valley – definitely worth the time and energy – you could make the loop around it before heading back up.
The fun wasn’t over yet. There was still single-track riding as we headed back out. We eventually returned to the 3 Bridges trail on the way down and enjoyed the mini drop-offs from the bridges as we headed back with speed.
One of the banked, hairpin turns on the new Mother Load single-track trail.
Jenny Kendrick | Tahoe Donner Association ·
We saved a little energy for the final climb back up to the Downhill Ski Area where we completed the ride and returned our gear. We patted ourselves on the back after enjoying a lovely, scenic, two-hour, 10-mile ride out on some of Tahoe Donner’s finest mountain biking trails. Mission accomplished.
Guided mountain bike group rides for all levels are $10 per person at Tahoe Donner, with rentals available starting at $10 per hour. For more information, call (530) 582-9694 or visit tahoedonner.com/bikeworks.
