Flume Trail Incline Village Nevada
Legendary 14-mile point-to-point mountain bike trail with breathtaking Lake Tahoe vistas and challenging terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful ride
Flume Trail Incline Village Nevada
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful ride
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Legendary 14-mile point-to-point mountain bike trail with breathtaking Lake Tahoe vistas and challenging terrain.
"One of the most beautiful mountain biking experiences you will ever enjoy. 
Shuttle is Key! 🚌
Book your shuttle from Spooner Lake back to Tunnel Creek Station in advance. It's a necessity for this point-to-point trail.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
It's a 14-mile ride with limited services. Stay hydrated and fueled up for the journey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Flume Trail Section
Marlette Lake to Spooner Lake
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from this legendary 14-mile mountain biking route.
Tunnel Creek Road Climb
Start of the trail
A challenging but rewarding ascent offering stunning vistas as you gain elevation towards the main trail.
Marlette Lake Views
Near Marlette Lake
A serene alpine lake offering a picturesque backdrop and a perfect spot for a mid-ride break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Shuttle in Advance
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shuttle is Key! 🚌
Book your shuttle from Spooner Lake back to Tunnel Creek Station in advance. It's a necessity for this point-to-point trail.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
It's a 14-mile ride with limited services. Stay hydrated and fueled up for the journey.
Consider a Guide 🧑🏫
If you're new to mountain biking or the trail, a guide can enhance your experience and safety.
Check Trail Conditions ☀️
Snow can linger into early summer. Always check current conditions before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
Shuttle is Key! 🚌
Book your shuttle from Spooner Lake back to Tunnel Creek Station in advance. It's a necessity for this point-to-point trail.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
It's a 14-mile ride with limited services. Stay hydrated and fueled up for the journey.
Consider a Guide 🧑🏫
If you're new to mountain biking or the trail, a guide can enhance your experience and safety.
Check Trail Conditions ☀️
Snow can linger into early summer. Always check current conditions before you go.
Rentals Available 🚲
Bike shops in Incline Village offer rentals if you don't have your own mountain bike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Flume Trail is overwhelmingly praised for its absolutely stunning Lake Tahoe views and exhilarating mountain biking experience. Riders rave about the scenic beauty and the thrill of the ride. However, some find the mandatory shuttle cost to be high, and the trail can be challenging for less experienced cyclists.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is Tunnel Creek Road in Incline Village, NV. You'll need to arrange a shuttle to bring you back from the end of the trail at Spooner Lake.
While the full trail is point-to-point, some riders aim for specific sections. However, accessing the middle without the initial climb from Tunnel Creek Station can be challenging.
Parking at Tunnel Creek Road can be limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early or consider alternative transportation if possible.
The Flume Trail is a 14-mile point-to-point ride. You MUST book a shuttle service from Spooner Lake back to Tunnel Creek Station in advance.
Public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. Shuttles are the primary method for completing the point-to-point route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's no entry fee for the trail itself, but you'll need to pay for a shuttle service to complete the point-to-point ride.
Shuttle prices can vary, but typically range from $30-$50 per person. It's essential to book this in advance.
Shuttle operating hours are usually aligned with daylight riding hours, but confirm with your chosen shuttle provider when booking.
While technically possible, riding in reverse is not recommended due to the challenging climb and potential for head-on collisions with riders going the intended direction.
The trail is typically open from late spring (May/June) through fall (October), depending on snow conditions. Always check current conditions.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
Most riders complete the 14-mile trail in 2-4 hours, depending on fitness level, stops for photos, and technical skill.
The Flume Trail is considered an intermediate to advanced mountain biking trail. It involves climbs, descents, and some technical sections.
A mountain bike with good suspension is highly recommended. Fat bikes are also popular for their stability on varied terrain.
There are no food services directly on the trail. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and plan to eat before or after your ride.
The full 14-mile Flume Trail is generally not recommended for absolute beginners due to its length and technical sections. However, shorter, flatter sections might be manageable with caution.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers stunning Lake Tahoe vistas. Key spots include overlooks near Marlette Lake and various points along the ridgeline.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the scenery.
It's best to stop at designated pull-offs or safe spots to take photos to avoid accidents. Safety first!
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most. If you're serious about photography, consider a lightweight action camera or DSLR.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If older, experienced teenage riders are part of the family, the Flume Trail can be an incredible adventure. Ensure they have appropriate mountain biking skills and fitness. Booking a shuttle in advance is crucial, and packing plenty of snacks and water is a must. Consider a guided tour for added safety and expertise if your family is new to this type of riding.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is essential to avoid expensive on-the-go purchases. If you don't own a mountain bike, renting one can add to the expense. Bringing your own bike or exploring other, more accessible trails in the Lake Tahoe area that don't require a shuttle might be more budget-friendly options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flume Trail Experience: More Than Just a Ride
Many visitors highlight the sheer beauty of the landscape. The trail hugs the mountainside, providing constant, awe-inspiring panoramas of the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. This scenic aspect is often what draws people to the trail, even those who might not consider themselves hardcore mountain bikers. The combination of challenging riding and breathtaking scenery makes it a truly memorable adventure.
It's crucial to understand that this is a point-to-point trail, meaning you'll need to plan your logistics carefully. The most common way to experience it is to start at Tunnel Creek Road, ride to Spooner Lake, and then take a pre-booked shuttle back to your starting point. This shuttle system is a vital part of the Flume Trail experience and should be arranged well in advance, especially during peak season.
Navigating the Flume Trail: Logistics and Preparation
Beyond the shuttle, preparation involves ensuring you have the right gear and supplies. A mountain bike in good working order, preferably with front suspension, is highly recommended. While some sections are smooth, others can be rocky and technical. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services along the 14-mile stretch. A basic repair kit, including a spare tube and pump, is also a wise addition.
For those new to mountain biking or unfamiliar with the trail, considering a guided tour can be beneficial. Guides can offer insights into the best lines, ensure your safety, and handle the shuttle logistics. They can also help beginners navigate the more challenging sections, making the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit