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South Lake Tahoe, CA: Armstrong Pass
Warm up for Tahoe's trails on this moderate, 7.5-mile out-and-back that climbs to Armstrong Pass for views of the Carson Range and a fun, granite-peppered downhill.
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| Author: | Bicycling Magazine |
| Activity: | Mountain Biking |
| State: | California (CA) |
| Distance: | 7.46 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
A great introduction to Tahoe's mountain bike scene, this singletrack climb to Armstrong Pass has plenty of short, techy bits, but gains elevation gently for a moderate—but not masochistic—workout that will help you adjust to the high altitude. From the end of Oneidas Road, the trail heads south and is blocked almost immediately by a huge fallen tree. Heft your bike over it and ride across a bridge to a relatively flat section winding through granite boulders.
Near mile 1.7, you'll round a small saddle and continue east over a couple of narrow sections of trail with downhill exposure. Intermediate riders should expect to walk up a couple of challenging steps and over a few rocky stretches (most of which are rideable on the way back down). As the trail turns south, look left toward the slopes of Freel Peak (the area's tallest); you'll catch occasional glimpses of Trout Creek below the trail. Though the climb is mostly steady, it does ease a little on the final approach to Armstrong Pass, which is marked by a sign post at the junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Catch your breath on large rocks and admire the view of the rocky Carson Range to the south before hopping back on your bike for the fun descent to the trailhead. Hikers also frequent this stretch of trail, so stay in control and yield the right of way heading downhill.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
TO TRAILHEAD: Go 4 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on CA 89 and turn left onto Pioneer Trail. In 0.8 mile, turn right onto Oneidas Rd. and continue 4.5 miles to a gate at the end of the pavement where this route begins.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Armstrong Pass
| Distance: 7.46 mi | Points: 521 |
Points of Interest
ARM001
Location: 38.856530, -119.940560The trail to Armstrong Pass takes off from the south side of the road, just to the right of the gate. The short, steep downhill leads to a trail-blocking tree just a few dozen yards ahead.
ARM002
Location: 38.849066, -119.935802Just before the 1-mile point, the trail gets slightly more technical. A few tricky rocks and roots start to appear on the trail and you'll be feeling warmed up having already gained more than 200 feet of elevation.
ARM003
Location: 38.844661, -119.940145The smooth dirt trail winds through large granite boulders to the right of a small hill. After you pass through the saddle up ahead, the trail will get a little more technical.
ARM004
Location: 38.842069, -119.927041After a relatively flat stretch of trail, you'll begin a steeper climb as the trail rounds the hillside and follows the creek.
ARM005
Location: 38.840412, -119.920750There are several rocky washes, like this one at mile 2.8. Though the trail isn't likely to be wet most of the summer, the rocks are well-worn and sometimes loose.
ARM006
Location: 38.838387, -119.918776Prep for a tough climbing section up ahead. Though this is perhaps the route's most difficult stretch, it's relatively short. Keep in mind that, with the exception of a few washes and quick dips, the climbing mellows as the trail winds higher toward the pass.
ARM007
Location: 38.832076, -119.912148The large saddle of Armstrong Pass is about 8,750 feet above sea level and the thin air is noticeable. Rest atop rocks on the saddle's east side and if you'd like to add a few miles, continue exploring in either direction along the Tahoe Rim Trail which cruises the ridgeline heading north and south.
Trailhead
Location: 38.856528, -119.940520Follow this singletrack to the south. © Kristy Holland
Tree
Location: 38.856331, -119.940528Bridge
Location: 38.855751, -119.940577The bridge across Trout Creek. © Kristy Holland
Singletrack
Location: 38.848998, -119.938495The trail is smooth in most places, but goes around and over many rocky sections too. Expect some to be too big to ride on the way up. © Kristy Holland
Winding
Location: 38.844716, -119.940064This rock garden section near the beginning of the trail is smooth and fast going both directions. © Kristy Holland
Climb
Location: 38.842074, -119.927303Rocks and roots are more difficult on the way up than the way down. © Kristy Holland
Meadow
Location: 38.841529, -119.921983As you near the pass, look left for open meadows and views of Freel Peak's southwest-facing slope. © Kristy Holland
Trees
Location: 38.836494, -119.916807This tree arch is just 0.5 mile from the pass and the end of the climb. © Kristy Holland
Rock
Location: 38.832457, -119.912869A large granite slab at the end of a small dip requires a little extra effort to power over. © Kristy Holland
Trail Marker
Location: 38.832106, -119.912190One of the only markers on this entire route indicates the junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail at the pass. © Kristy Holland
Relaxing
Location: 38.831919, -119.912167Relaxing on shady rocks atop Armstrong Pass. © Kristy Holland
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