Flume Trail
Iconic 14-mile mountain bike trail with stunning Lake Tahoe views and rich mining history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Flume Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 14-mile mountain bike trail with stunning Lake Tahoe views and rich mining history.
"One of the most beautiful rides in the world. Tahoe's Flume Trail."
Book Shuttle in Advance
Shuttles fill up fast! Book your spot online to guarantee your ride from Incline Village. :ticket:
Elevation Acclimation
The trail hovers around 7,000-8,000 feet. Give yourself time to adjust if coming from sea level. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Tahoe Views
Along the main Flume Trail
Breathtaking, cliff-hugging singletrack offering unparalleled vistas of the crystal-clear Lake Tahoe.
Historic Flume System
Trailside markers
Discover remnants of the 19th-century gold mining flume, a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.
Marlette Lake
Mid-point of the trail
A serene alpine lake offering a picturesque rest stop and stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Shuttle or Self-Shuttle?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Shuttle in Advance
Shuttles fill up fast! Book your spot online to guarantee your ride from Incline Village.
Elevation Acclimation
The trail hovers around 7,000-8,000 feet. Give yourself time to adjust if coming from sea level. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
It's a 14-mile ride with limited services. Stay hydrated and fueled for the journey.
Beginner-Friendly Section
The Incline Flume Trail offers a flatter, more accessible option with great views. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Shuttle in Advance
Shuttles fill up fast! Book your spot online to guarantee your ride from Incline Village.
Elevation Acclimation
The trail hovers around 7,000-8,000 feet. Give yourself time to adjust if coming from sea level. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
It's a 14-mile ride with limited services. Stay hydrated and fueled for the journey.
Beginner-Friendly Section
The Incline Flume Trail offers a flatter, more accessible option with great views. :hiking_boot:
Respect the Trail
Stay on the designated path, especially on narrow sections, and pack out everything you pack in. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Flume Trail's breathtaking Lake Tahoe views and its historical significance. Many consider it one of the most scenic bike rides in the world. However, some find the initial climb challenging and the narrow trail sections intimidating.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Flume Trail is typically accessed via Spooner Lake State Park for the start of the ride, or Incline Village for the end. Many visitors use the shuttle service from Incline Village to Spooner Lake to complete the trail one-way.
Yes, parking is available at Spooner Lake State Park, which is a common starting point for the Flume Trail. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up.
While some sections of the Flume Trail can be accessed from Tunnel Creek Road, the full iconic experience usually starts at Spooner Lake. Biking directly from Tunnel Creek Road involves a significant climb.
The Flume Trail is primarily a point-to-point trail. To complete it as a loop, you would need to bike back the way you came or arrange for a shuttle service to transport you and your bike back to your starting point.
While direct public transport to the trailheads is limited, the shuttle service from Incline Village is a popular and convenient option for accessing the Flume Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for Spooner Lake State Park, which is where the Flume Trail begins. The shuttle service also requires booking and payment.
Shuttle prices can vary, but it's recommended to check the official shuttle provider's website for current rates and to book in advance, as they often sell out.
The Flume Trail is generally accessible during daylight hours, but park hours for Spooner Lake State Park and the operating hours for the shuttle service should be confirmed.
While there isn't a dedicated bike shop directly at the trailhead, there are bike rental shops in nearby towns like South Lake Tahoe and Truckee that can accommodate Flume Trail riders.
The primary fee is for entry into Spooner Lake State Park. The shuttle service also has a fee. The trail itself is generally open to the public during park hours.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Flume Trail is considered a moderate to difficult mountain bike trail. The initial climb from Spooner Lake is strenuous, and the narrow, exposed sections require good bike handling skills. However, some sections like the Incline Flume Trail are noted as beginner-friendly.
The Flume Trail is approximately 14 miles long, typically ridden one-way from Spooner Lake to Incline Village.
Expect spectacular, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from high above. The trail hugs the cliffs, offering dramatic perspectives of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Yes, the Flume Trail is also popular for hiking. Hikers should be aware of and yield to mountain bikers, especially on narrower sections. +1
Yes, e-bikes are permitted on the Flume Trail and can be helpful for tackling the initial climb.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the Flume Trail. It's essential to bring your own food and plenty of water.
Restaurants and cafes are available in nearby towns like Incline Village and Spooner Lake. It's best to plan your meals before or after your ride.
Picnicking is possible at designated areas, particularly around Marlette Lake, which offers beautiful scenery for a break. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers stunning photo opportunities, but the sections with dramatic overlooks of Lake Tahoe are particularly iconic.
It's crucial to prioritize safety. Pull over to designated safe spots before taking photos, especially on narrow or exposed sections.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's advisable to check with Spooner Lake State Park or the relevant authorities regarding drone policies before flying.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most, but a GoPro or similar action camera is great for capturing the ride. Consider a lightweight camera bag for easy access.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own lunch and snacks instead of purchasing them in nearby towns. If you have a vehicle, arranging a car shuttle with friends can eliminate shuttle fees altogether. 🚴 Mountain Bikers
Be prepared for a significant climb at the beginning, especially if starting from Spooner Lake, and for the narrow, exposed sections that demand focus and skill. Remember to check flume trail conditions before you go, as weather can impact the trail's state. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flume Trail Experience: Biking vs. Hiking
For hikers, the Flume Trail offers a similarly spectacular experience, though it's crucial to be mindful of bikers, especially on the tighter sections. The trail meanders through diverse terrain, from open viewpoints to shaded pine forests, and passes by the serene Marlette Lake, a perfect spot for a rest and a picnic.
While the full 14-mile route is a substantial undertaking for hikers, the opportunity to witness the grandeur of Lake Tahoe from such a unique vantage point makes it a memorable adventure. It's important to note that while the main Flume Trail is challenging, variations like the Incline Flume Trail are considered more beginner-friendly, offering a gentler introduction to the area's beauty without the intense climbs.
History and Construction of the Flume Trail
This engineering feat allowed water to be channeled from distant sources to the mines, playing a vital role in the area's economic development during that era. The remnants of this historic flume are still visible along parts of the trail, offering a tangible connection to the past. The trail itself, as it's known today for recreation, was carved out of the mountainside, often following the path of the original flume. This resulted in a unique, narrow, and sometimes exposed route that provides its signature dramatic views. The construction was a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the era, shaping the landscape in ways that continue to be appreciated by visitors centuries later.
Understanding this history adds another layer of appreciation to the experience of riding or hiking the Flume Trail, transforming it from a simple outdoor activity into a journey through time.Navigating the Flume Trail: Shuttle Services and Logistics
Booking these shuttles in advance is crucial, as they are in high demand and often sell out, especially during peak season. For those who prefer to arrange their own transport, options include using a private shuttle service, having a friend drop you off and pick you up, or even biking the entire distance back to your starting point. The latter, of course, significantly extends the day's ride and requires a high level of fitness and endurance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit