Everyone loves getting out on our local trails—whether it’s for a hike, run, mountain bike ride, dog-walking or even bird watching, Truckee has a truly world-class network of dirt and paved trails. But did you know that new trails have recently cropped up in Martis Valley and the Sawtooth area and these trails are more fun – and inclusive – than ever before?
In October, Truckee Trails Foundation completed a five-mile trail in Waddle Ranch, just off Highway 267. This new trail (official name TBA) creates connections to the already existing Elizabethtown, East Martis Creek, Erica’s and Matt’s trail, allowing you to explore stunning Lake Ella (aka Dry Lake). This somewhat undiscovered area is as breathtaking as it is serene.
In early summer Truckee Trails Foundation also completed a one-mile mountain bike skills loop, Compass Skills Loop, that’s ideal for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers looking to gain or hone skills, and this trail also welcomes adaptive riders. The first of its kind in Truckee/Tahoe, Compass Skills Loop assures those with mobility challenges can experience the joy of Truckee’s trails too.
Directly across from the Compass Skills Loop trailhead is the flat, gravel-packed, one-mile Ridgeline Nature Loop which is great for nature-loving little ones, parents with strollers, and wheelchairs, too. Both of these trails are found in the Sawtooth area, within the Sierra Meadows neighborhood.
We caught up with Truckee Trails Foundation to chat about their goals for 2023 and learned that further expansion within the Sawtooth network is planned and, perhaps, the commencement of work on the final phase of the Pines to Mines Trail which would connect Truckee with Nevada City. We’re already envisioning a delightful, bicycle-fueled getaway into nearby gold country.
If you’d like to learn more about Truckee’s extensive trail network, or donate to Truckee Trails Foundation so that they can keep bringing our community paths to enjoy – visit www.truckeetrails.org
Photo courtesy Court Leve Photography / Truckee Trails Foundation
