Trail builders in Lake Tahoe need to find other places to lay down pavement.

The West Shore trail from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay is too pretty. Too many beautiful distractions and photo ops are along this 11-plus mile (one-way) trail to keep pedaling. I felt like I was out of the saddle as much as I was in it.

In other words, planners, developers, builders, visionaries – they did their job and then some with this route. It’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, joggers, and all ages. It can be done it segments or all at once. It’s about 10-feet-wide the whole time.

Much of the north section of the bike trail is along Lake Tahoe. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

While the whole trail is not new, a significantly scenic section was completed in the last year. This is the 0.7 miles going from the south end of Sugar Pine Point State Park down to Meeks Bay Resort. By themselves those are two of my favorite destinations in the basin. The state park has a plethora of things to see and do no matter the season. The section of the paved trail that goes through the park is the densest forest area. No need to hike – just walk/ride here. Enjoy the pines, firs, aspens and junipers.

The color of the water at Meeks Bay is like no other at the lake. The aqua hue reminds me of the Sea of Cortez in Baja and the Caribbean. The water gently laps, almost to a cadence that beckons one to enter. This is one area no matter the winter snowfall where it still seems like there is plenty of beach. Such was the case this year. The white sand stretches from the land to beneath the water for as far as the eye can see.

Meeks Bay is the southern point on the West Shore trail. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Because we were making this a round trip we didn’t venture into the water. Meeks Bay might need to be the starting point next time so we end at the beach. Sue and I started in Tahoe City based on a friend’s recommendation because of elevation gains. Most of the ride is relatively even (aka flat), but it is Tahoe and these are the mountains, so it really isn’t flat – though it is flat for Tahoe. The most significant steepness was coming out of Meeks Bay into the state park.

Starting out from Tahoe City it isn’t long before the trail dumped us into a neighborhood. It’s a short stint. This is just north of Sunnyside restaurant. The other neighborhood section is Homewood. Both are easy to navigate – and we did this on a Saturday in September.

The Homewood section was completed in 2016. This had always been the missing link for this trail system. Before the routing into the neighborhood and along a more defined trail, cyclists had been along the busy highway, in a travel lane.

The only downside to the trail is the multiple times is crosses Highway 89. There are crosswalks at most of these intersections, but drivers are not always cognizant of the two-wheelers on the side of the road or don’t simply know they are supposed to stop for anyone in a crosswalk. Flashing yellow lights at all the crossings would make it better for everyone.

Still, we always felt safe.

Even when the trail is alongside the highway, it never felt like we were in vehicle traffic. The separation is clearly defined.

Riding through the forest of Sugar Pine Point State Park. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

At times the trail is right along Lake Tahoe, other times it is on the mountain side of the highway. It crosses Ward, Blackwood and General creeks. So many photo ops, especially next to the lake. It was all so visually stimulating that I cannot recommend a favorite section.

There’s even a bicycle campground closer to the Tahoe City end. A lone tent was set up.

While it is a multi-use trail, e-bikes are not allowed. A couple repair stations are set up — good if you need to add air or make some adjustments to your bike. There are even large trail maps in case you need to know where something is.

Here is a map of the trail, which will help you decide where to start if you don’t want to do the whole thing.