The Best Summer Activities in TRUCKEE-TAHOE CALIFORNIA
Truckee-Tahoe, California is known for its endless views, adventures and ability to provide epic multi-sport days in the summertime. With Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe as your basecamp, you’re sure to embark on adventures that will create lifelong memories.
Here’s where we recommend exploring in and around Truckee-Tahoe, California – and what gear to use while doing so!
MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS
BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE
- Whether you are warming up or hopping in the saddle for the first time, the Sawtooth Ridge Trailhead is perfect for you. Consisting of flowy single track mixed with forest roads and progression features, this area is a comfortable zone to get familiar with the bike. Crank up Sawtooth Trail (lower ridgeline) to get the legs warm, and either turn around and bomb down it, or head over to Happy Face (downhill) for a fast, mellow grade descent. Dabble with some airtime on the jumpline Woodsplitter. Just 10 minutes from Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe!
Mountain Biking in Truckee-Tahoe
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED
Pack the snacks and dew rag, because the Alder Creek adventure center has an elaborate web of medium level trails to occupy hours of riding. Consisting of a mellow slope, pedal around the labyrinth atop the Tahoe Donner zone for a fun day in the sun. Alder Creek trail will get you up to the junction of Sundance Cutoff and Cinnamon Twist, and from there on its candy. 15min from GH Truckee.
EXPERT / PRO
Looking to get gripped? Northstar Downhill Resort has the rowdiest lines on the north shore and it’s less than fifteen minutes away from our front porch. Did we mention it is all lift accessible? Livewire will get you comfortable in the air with its tabletop lines, while Gypsy will challenge your creativity among its Redbull features and wooden sorceries. Still hungry? Drop the pro rated line Sticks and Stones for some world class rock gardens. Bring the full face, all the pads, and the crew because this resort will push your body and equipment to the limit. DISCLAIMER: Haus Quiver bikes prohibited at Northstar. Our Stumpjumpers are trail rated, not designed for enduro style riding.
STAFF PICKS:
- Martis Valley Trail to Tompkins Loop: 4.5 mile round-trip from Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe
- Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail (beginner)
- Jackass Trail (intermediate)
- Kings Beach DH Shuttle (intermediate/advanced)
- Western States to Glass Mtn (aka Tevis Trail) (intermediate/advanced)
- Flume Trail East Shore (Intermediate/advanced)
TAKE THESE BIKES OUT ON THE TRAILS:
- Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy | Not allowed at bike parks
- Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy | Not allowed at bike parks
PAVEMENT TRAILS
Cruising down pavement along a river more your speed? Pedal from Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe just half a mile and tag the Legacy Trail that parallels the Truckee river. This one is mellow. Cruise as far as you want, jump in the river, or pack the disc golf set for a typical multi-sport day.
Looking for a different scene? Drive 20 minutes over to Olympic Valley and hop on the bikes for a very smooth 5 mile pedal to Tahoe City, where you can learn all about the Dam and water regulations!
Honorable mention: Martis Valley (Tompkins Trail) also pedaling distance from the hotel, is a flat ride that you can loop. Creeks, baldies, and reservoirs make the sunset lap a perfect ending for an epic day.
CRUISER BIKES AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT DESK OF GRAVITY HAUS TRUCKEE-TAHOE!
PADDLEBOARDING
The west shore of Donner Lake is a sandy beach for dawning your life jacket and setting sail, whereas along the north shore of Donner Lake you can hang on a public dock and paddle around.
Want to get out on Big Blue? Head towards the jewel of the Sierra, as John Muir called it, and make your way over to Sand Harbor on the east shore to experience the crystal clear waters of Tahoe.
D.L. Bliss on the west shore is a gorgeous state park, but get there early because parking fills up by 11 am. Pro tip: it gets windy in the afternoon so morning paddles are the best, and both bodies of water require a PFD on board.
TAKE THESE SUPS OUT FOR A PADDLE:
- Bote Breeze Aero (10’8”)
HIKING
MARTIS VALLEY VIA TOMPKINS TRAIL [3 mile loop]:Expect a fun creek crossing, expansive views of the Martis Valley and plenty of birds. This trail is less than 10 minutes away from the front door of Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe and is perfect for a quick outing. Cross the street ( Highway 267) and head over to the reservoir to try and find a cave the Washoe utilized thousands of years ago.
PICNIC ROCK [3 miles out & back]: Climb this gradual, 3 mile out and back trail up to a cluster of volcanic rocks to enjoy a snack while peering over Lake Tahoe. Looking south, this vantage point encompasses all of Tahoe and beyond. Parking is slightly dicey, beware!
DONNER SUMMIT TUNNELS (3 miles out & back]: Step back in time on this 3 mile out and back hike. The tunnels are abandoned from the construction of the continental railroad back in the early 1800s, and now stand as an ode to the rugged, unforgiving terrain of the Sierra Nevada. With views of Donner Lake and potential rock climbers, this hike is a must for those looking to explore the dark side of California’s gateway to the west.
ROCK CLIMBING
Coined as the gateway to the west, Donner Summit boasts some of the best rock climbing crags in the Sierra. Mostly trad with a healthy amount of sport routes, this is a typical day crag with minimal approach times.
About 20 minutes from Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe is School Rock – great for a warm up! Then, make your way to Snowshed Wall in the afternoon for some shady, slightly overhanging routes.
Looking for slab? Green Phantom Wall is a perfect TR spot to get the legs warm, and keep your belayer engaged with views of Donner Lake while you’re working the moves.
DONUT FLOAT
From Tahoe city to River Ranch (about 4 miles) you can float the Truckee river in style! Take a donut innertube and a squad of friends to enjoy a relaxing, ‘lazy river’ like adventure. With minimal rapids and plenty of deeper pools for swimming, this is a perfect 3-4hr journey along Lake Tahoe’s only outlet. This is only feasible with two cars to shuttle, though, otherwise rent a float at Truckee River Rafting Co. and let them bring you back on their bus. Pack the sunscreen!
DISC GOLF
Located on the southern bank of the Truckee River, this course is moderately wooded and moderately hilly, offering incredible views of the surrounding Sierras!
GET OUT AND DISC GOLF WITH RENTALS FROM GRAVITY HAUS!
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Dynamic Discs Cadet Disc Golf Set
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Burst Escape – Driver
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Burst Emac Truth – Mid
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Prime Judge – Putter