Gravel Biking

Explore the wild Sierra on two wheels where pavement ends and adventure begins. Discover Truckee-Tahoe's expansive network of forest roads and scenic dirt paths.

Cyclists on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees, under a clear blue sky.
Cyclist riding on a dirt trail through green vegetation.

Lose the Pavement, Find Your Ride

Gravel biking is what cycling used to be—before pavement and smartphones. It’s all about getting off the beaten path, mixing dirt, singletrack, and even some smooth road, and seeing where the trail takes you. Truckee’s endless network of forest roads, old wagon routes, and alpine byways offer some of the best gravel riding in the West.

Expect sweeping mountain views, punchy climbs, and backcountry silence broken only by the sound of your tires on the trail. Whether you’re riding for a mellow afternoon or an all-day adventure, you’ll find your flow here in the Sierra.

Our Favorite Rides

Cyclist on grassy field under clear blue sky.

Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail

Not technically a gravel road but a perfect singletrack sampler. Smooth rollers, swooping turns, meadows, and pine forest make this an ideal intro to off-road riding.

Distance: Up to 15 miles (one-way)

Elevation Gain: ~900 ft

Cyclist on a dirt path surrounded by tall pine trees.

Sawtooth 06 Road

A classic gravel connector between Truckee and the Lake Tahoe Basin, the smooth dirt and gentle climbs offer plenty of potential for epic extensions.

Distance: 10.6 miles (one-way)

Elevation Gain: ~1,900 ft

Cyclists racing on a dusty road with mountain backdrop.

Truckee-Tahoe City Gravel Grinder

Take the 06 Road further with this full-loop adventure through forest rollers, quiet pavement, and a few wild, unmarked intersections. Just keep heading for the lake.

Distance: 36.6-mile loop

Elevation Gain: ~2,600 ft

Two cyclists on a forest path with towering green trees.

Tahoe Pyramid Trail

Follow the Truckee River from Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. This historic route combines paved and dirt sections, plus bridges, bike paths, and remote trail connectors.

Distance: 81 miles (currently open) | 114 miles (planned complete length)
 

 

Trail through forest clearing, hikers in distance under clear blue sky.
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What To Look Out For

Things We Love

  • The crunch of gravel beneath tires as you leave the pavement behind
  • Fall foliage glowing along rivers and creeks while you pedal through crisp mountain air. Recommended fall rides
  • Pedal the serene 8-mile gravel approach from Highway 89 to Webber Lake's pristine shoreline, where the tranquil setting and refreshing alpine waters create the perfect mid-ride plunge to reset your soul before continuing your adventure

Key Experiences

Truckee-Tahoe Gravel

Not just a race—it’s a community ride with a pulse. Riders from all over come to explore, push their limits, and celebrate everything gravel. Truckee-Tahoe Gravel is hosted in June with routes designed by Bike Monkey and a post-ride festival featuring food, music, beer, and a bike valet. Spectators welcome. Cowbells encouraged.

Key Experiences

Truckee Dirt Fondo

Test your gravel mettle at this popular event featuring multiple course options that showcase the region's finest unpaved routes through stunning Sierra terrain. Riders of all levels can take on 26-, 58-, or 72-mile courses with a lively post-ride party to celebrate.

FAQs

What is gravel biking, exactly?

Gravel biking blends road, mountain, and adventure cycling. It’s about riding unpaved roads, forest doubletrack, smooth dirt, and the occasional stretch of pavement—perfect for exploring the wide-open terrain around Truckee-Tahoe.

Do I need a special bike for gravel riding?

A gravel bike is ideal—it’s built like a road bike with wider tires, better handling, and stability on dirt. But you can also ride many of these routes on a hardtail mountain bike or a sturdy hybrid with good tread.

Where can I find maps and trail info?

Use Ride with GPS, Strava, or Trailforks to find routes and segments. Our Gravel Rides Blog features local favorites, and local shops like Pacos and The BackCountry are great for insider tips.

When's the best time to go gravel biking in Truckee?

Late spring through fall is prime. Many forest roads stay snow-covered until mid-May or later. September and October offer crisp air, glowing foliage, and fewer crowds—perfect for big days on dirt.

Are there beginner-friendly gravel rides?

Yes! The Sawtooth 06 Road and Commemorative Emigrant Trail are great for new gravel riders—smooth, scenic, and not too steep. Many trails let you go out-and-back, so you can choose your distance.

Can I rent or service a gravel bike in Truckee?

Yes! For top-notch service, Start Haus is a local favorite known for expert bike mechanics and personalized tuning—perfect if your gravel rig needs some love before a big ride. For rentals, head to Tahoe Sports Hub or CyclePaths Truckee, both of which offer gravel and mountain bikes along with route recommendations and gear.

Can I hire a gravel guide?

If you want to ensure that your ride is absolutely perfect, Dirt Gypsy Adventures provides guided trips, both half-day to multi-day outings. From experienced cyclists looking to up their skills to first timers, they’ll be sure to help cleanse your soul with a little dose of dirt.