The Tahoe City-Truckee-Kings Beach Triangle is a challenging and enjoyable ride for any road rider. As a circle, the good news is that you can begin riding the Triangle from wherever you choose and will end up right where you started. Since I live in Tahoe City, I start at the 64 Acres parking lot along the Truckee River, but you could start in Kings Beach or Truckee.
I suggest riding it clockwise for two reasons. First, if you ride along the river from Tahoe City to Truckee, you’re treated to a slight downhill and river views and often have the wind at your back. Riding from Truckee to Tahoe City, however, usually means fighting off the headwinds while not being able to see the river. Second, riding clockwise allows you to head to the top of Brockway Summit from the Truckee side, avoiding the steep descent with a narrow shoulder you encounter when descending from Brockway Summit to Northstar.
River views from Tahoe City to Truckee
Beginning in Tahoe City, you start with the gentle warm up ride along the river toward Truckee. I prefer riding on the bike trail to Olympic Valley, but some like to avoid the congested pathway and face the cars instead along the highway. If you follow the trail, it’s a pleasant ride just above the Truckee’s sparkling waters, but keep your speed under control as those who don’t understand bikes lurk on the trail. At Olympic Valley, the trail joins the road, and the bike lane becomes wide, providing a quick and enjoyable trip to Truckee. At the stoplight in Truckee, take a right turn onto West River Street.
Meadows & mountains to Kings Beach
West River Street has a narrow shoulder and steady traffic, so ride carefully. In Downtown Truckee, turn right at the stop sign next to the diner, and follow Brockway Road past the ball fields and Cedar House Sport Hotel to a junction with Highway 267. From here turn right, ride past the Truckee Airport, and into the wide expanse of Martis Valley. Enjoy the views of the surrounding meadows, mountains and golf course of Northstar.
Just a bit before the stoplight that takes you to the Village at Northstar, the climbing begins. Try to focus on the beautiful aspens and lush meadows you pass instead of the sound of your breath gasping as you granny gear it to the top.
At the summit, the fun begins with a long and fairly gentle descent with a wide shoulder. Delight in the views of Tahoe before returning to civilization, passing the Old Brockway Golf Course before reaching Highway 28, and Kings Beach at the stop light along the lakeshore.
Scenic views to Tahoe City
Turn right and head toward Tahoe City. Looking for water, a bathroom, grass to lie on or a dip in the lake? Take a quick left into the North Tahoe Beach. After your rest, reach the popular Cable Car Ice Cream in a log cabin in Tahoe Vista in another mile.
Continuing on, the riding is easy along the lake to Carnelian Bay, where another public beach and the Waterman’s Landing Cafe awaits. Past Carnelian Bay, a few short climbs get you warmed up for your last uphill of the ride at Dollar Hill.
It’s a steep one, but fortunately also a short one. From the top, it’s a few miles of downhill past Lake Forest and Star Harbor to Tahoe City, where your 36-mile journey is complete.
Tim Hauserman wrote the guidebook to the Tahoe Rim Trail and tries to ride the Triangle at least a few times a year.
