MTB Project: Riders can expect excellent views on the ascent along the ridge line. Smooth, fast, flowy descent down Mule Deer Connector with a couple optional features. The ride ends with a second fast descent on the Tahoe Mt. Loop Trail to a nice, level cool down back to the car. There's also an optional three-mile round-trip detour out to Angora Lakes for swimming and lemonade in the middle of the ride.
Angora Lakes Resort is a nice stopping point halfway through the ride during the summer. Take the Upper Angora Ridge Trail to the parking lot, then ride up the 0.5 mile trail to the lakes on the south end of the parking lot. The upper lake offers lovely beaches, swimming, beautiful cascades, and the resort has famous ice cold lemonade and lemonade popsicles along with other treats. The resort also has bike racks to lock up your bike during your visit.
Park at the start of Rock Garden Trail along Fallen Leaf Lake Road and be mindful of parking restrictions in certain pull-outs.
Pick up the trail just passed the forest service gate for road 12N19 on the right. A mellow ride up Rock Garden Trail ends on Tahoe Mountain Road. Turn left up the road and climb briefly to the start of Middle Angora Ridge Trail on the right before the turn off to Angora Ridge Road.
An awesome singletrack climb on the spine of Angora Ridge leads up to meet with Angora Ridge Road. From here you have a few options:
Turn right on the road and enjoy a break at the historic Angora Fire Lookout about 50 yards up the road.
Pick up Upper Angora Ridge Trail directly across the road and ride up to Angora Lakes for a great mid-ride swim and famous lemonade (3.0 mile round trip detour)
Continue on your ride as mapped by picking up Mule Deer Connector across the road and drop your seat for a smooth, fast, flowy descent with a couple optional log rides mixed in.
When you reach the junction with Gunmount Trail, turn left and ride down Forest Mountain Drive. Pick up Lower Angora Ridge Trail straight across the road and ride up to the top of Tahoe Mountain. Keep an eye out for the junction of Tahoe Mt. Loop Trail on the left and drop your seat again for a fast and fun descent. Turn left on Forest Road 12N19 at the bottom junction and take it all the way back to your car.
Enjoy a cold post ride beer at one of many great breweries in town such as South Lake Brewing or Lake Tahoe AleWorX, a short drive away at the Y in town.
History & Background [Suggest Change]
Passes by a historic fire lookout on Angora Ridge Road and the ride passes through a large portion of the devastating 2007 Angora Fire.
Contacts
Local Club: Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association
