Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is well known for its extensive network of cross country ski trails in the winter. But it’s also a great place to head to in the summer. The Tahoe XC lodge becomes a mountain bike rental hub to explore all those great trails, and the ski area’s yurt is home base for the Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships Explorers Camps.
Tahoe XC Mountain Biking
At the lodge Tahoe XC provides Giant mountain bike rentals for adults and kids from the Tahoe XC lodge. It’s the only place in the region where you can rent your bikes and be on the dirt in about 30 seconds. And not just any dirt, you will be riding to your heart’s content on trails good for every ability level from gentle dirt roads, to awesome single tracks with views of Lake Tahoe. Several new trails have been built in the area in the last few years by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association including Ocelot (my favorite) and the Lakeview Ridge Trail. And right now the yellow mules ears and purple squaw carpet flowers are going off.
The lodge is open Thursday-Monday from 9-4 pm. There is a quick fix/maintenance station at the lodge, a retail store with gear and apparel, and snacks and drinks available to quench that after ride thirst.
Adult Mountain Bike Rental Rates.
All day $60
Hourly $15
Youth Rental
All Day $40
Hourly $10
In addition to the Tahoe XC lodge and yurt, there are also Junior Mountain Rider programs and Devo Team training available. For more information go to tahoexc.org.
SWEP Junior Explorers Camp
The Sierra Watershed Education Partnership runs the Winter Discovery Center science programs for school kids out of Tahoe XC’s yurt in the winter. Now, SWEP is giving kids a summer opportunity to learn about the environment through science, games, art, writing and exploring the network of trails with their Junior Explorers Camp. It will be fun for both body and mind. Two four day sessions will take place in July. Register by July 1st and spots are limited. The sessions are July 8 through the 11th for 6 to 8 year olds, and July 15-18th for 9 to 12 year olds.
For information or to sign up go to 4swep.org