Nevada trail ride offers mountain bikers Lake Tahoe views and tasty brews

Spooner Summit to Genoa via Sierra Canyon makes for an incredible Northern Nevada mountain biking adventure

Benjamin Spillman
Reno Gazette-Journal
  • This ride is best done by leaving a shuttle vehicle in Genoa and parking at Spooner Summit
  • There's a demanding climb from the parking lot to apex overlooking Lake Tahoe
  • Sierra Canyon descent covers about 4,000 feet over 10 miles and features dozens of switchbacks
  • Complete your day on the trail with a stop at the historic Genoa Bar

If there’s a downside to Northern Nevada’s embarrassment-of-riches outdoors scene it’s too many choices and too little time.

That’s why it’s important to jump at any adventure that promises to pack a lot of variety into a single day.

Taking a mountain bike ride from Spooner Summit to Genoa via Sierra Canyon is just such an adventure.

It crams a demanding climb, stunning views of Lake Tahoe, about 4,000 feet of thrilling descent and a historic Nevada saloon into one ride, which we did on a recent Saturday.

Outdoors writer Benjamin Spillman descends Sierra Canyon near Genoa, Nev., on Sept. 22, 2018.

The first order of business was leaving a vehicle in the tiny, historic town of Genoa on the west side of Carson Valley at the foot of Genoa Canyon.

We then loaded the bikes and gear into a second vehicle for the 25-mile drive to Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50. We parked at the Tahoe Rim Trail parking lot on the south side of the highway. The parking lot is usually busy on weekends so getting there early makes finding a spot easier. The lot also has restrooms and a trailhead sign with maps for the Tahoe Rim Trail.

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From the parking lot the trail climbs immediately, ascending from about 7,150 feet elevation to 8,800 feet in the first five miles. There are a few short breaks from the uphill where riders can build speed on flat or slightly downhill terrain. Still, it’s a demanding ride and most riders will have to push their bikes for part of it, especially near the top.

But don’t get dismayed by the climb because once you reach the top you’re in for one of Nevada’s best mountain biking experiences.

Outdoors writer Benjamin Spillman pushes his bike uphill during a ride from Spooner Summit to Genoa via Sierra Canyon on Sept. 22, 2018.

The first highlight is a large, rock outcropping at the apex of your route that makes for a perfect place to enjoy the view of Lake Tahoe and take a recovery break.

From there the trail traverses the ridge for about a mile on the approach to the top of Sierra Canyon. On the right, for riders going north-to-south, there’s also a bench overlooking the lake that makes for a nice resting point.

Lake Tahoe from the Tahoe Rim Trail south of Spooner Summit on Sept. 22, 2018.

Eventually, the trail heads to the southeast and off the ridge before reaching the intersection for Sierra Canyon.

It’s at this point riders exit the Tahoe Rim Trail and begin a massive descent that covers about 10 miles and more than 4,000 feet of elevation.

The Carson Valley seen from near the top of Sierra Canyon on Sept. 22, 2018.

Near the top of the canyon the trail emerges from the trees and treats riders to an impressive view of the Carson Valley, thousands of feet below.

It’s important to avoid getting too distracted by the scenery, though, because this segment of trail is fast with tight switchbacks, rocky terrain and steep sides that could mean severe consequences in a fall.

The trail crosses two scree fields that will challenge beginners and add to the fun factor for experienced riders. After the scree the trail goes back into wooded terrain and the switchbacks continue all the way down the canyon.

A Tahoe Rim Trail Association volunteer works on the Tahoe Rim Trail as a mountain biker approaches on Sept. 22, 2018.

Other highlights include some minor water crossings and a small waterfall that makes for a nice place to stop and enjoy the natural setting.

At the bottom of the canyon the trail crosses a small bridge before terminating at the end of Snowshoe Lane in Genoa.

From Snowshoe Lane head south on Centennial, take a left at the next intersection and continue downhill to Main Street. Head south into the middle of town and just beyond the stop sign on the right you’ll find the Genoa Bar, which claims to be the oldest, operating saloon in Nevada.

A spring produces a trailside waterfall in Sierra Canyon near Genoa, Nev., on Sept. 22, 2018.

The bar, opened in the mid 19th Century, is a popular watering hole for tourists and locals. Expect to see motorcycle riders, ranchers, mountain bikers and day-trippers bellied up to the bar or hanging at the picnic tables out front. We were able to ride our bikes right into the courtyard and up to a table, which made for a convenient place to park.

The bar is known for its Bloody Mary drinks, but it’s also got several beers on tap, including a pour from Shoe Tree Brewing Company that’s brewed locally in Carson City.

From the views to the brews, riding from Spooner Summit to Genoa via Sierra Canyon is well worth the effort.

Beer from Shoe Tree Brewing Company in Carson City, Nev., on a picnic table outside Genoa Bar on Sept. 22, 2018.

Spooner Summit to Genoa via Sierra Canyon

The stats: 18 miles of riding with 2,087 feet of ascent and 4,441 feet of descent. High point is 8,819 feet near Genoa Peak. Low point is 4,779 feet in Genoa.

Parking: If you’re planning to shuttle, leave one vehicle in Genoa then drive to the trailhead at Spooner Summit to park.

If you go: Bring a light jacket and plenty of water and snacks. Even on warm days the ridgeline overlooking Lake Tahoe can be cool and breezy. If you’re planning on taking time to enjoy the views and shoot photos expect to be on the trail four hours or longer. The trail is open to mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians so plan on being courteous to other users.