Cyclists can embrace the prolific trail systems across Northern Nevada’s breathtaking landscape
Bicycles have been around for centuries as a mode of professional and leisurely transportation that has no bias about race, social status or gender. It’s sustainable, affordable, and a popular source of recreation with physical and mental health benefits to boot.
The number of cyclists in America has grown from 43 million in 2015 to 52 million today, with the industry growing by the millions each year. Infrastructures around the country have been mapped out with cyclists in mind as this bicycling trend climbs.
The spirited city of Reno has long been working toward creating a bike-centric city with paths separate from traffic and wider cycling lanes among other measures. The connectivity among city destinations and workplaces allows citizens to utilize affordable, green transportation. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a mud-bound mountain biker, into cyclocross, or bike for fun, Reno and the surrounding areas offer a gamut of fresh air cycling options for all types of enthusiasts.
For a great cloudy day adventure, visit the Tom Cooke Trail, located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in West Reno. The 3.7-mile loop is an easy ride and is popular among nature lovers with minimal shade adding to the expansive scenery. Located along the Truckee River, this trail offers a myriad of birdwatching and wildlife sightings.
The 114-mile round trip Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway is a network of paths. Travel to and from Downtown Reno and Mayberry on mostly flat terrain popular with folks of all skill levels. Keep going to glimpse picturesque Lake Tahoe before pedaling through tree-lined streets and along the Truckee River on the way to Pyramid Lake.
Reno-Sparks offers an array of mountain biking opportunities suited for any experience level. The Los Altos Trail Network in Sparks offers the Zipper West Loop and Jackrabbit trail made of packed dirt with some steep climbs, but you’re rewarded with amazing views.
Located in South Reno, the seven-mile Dry Pond Route starts at the base of Mount Rose near Galena Creek and includes intermediate terrain and some challenging ascents until descending along Whites Creek and Thomas Creek.
For a quick leisurely trip, the single-track, two-mile North Ballardini Ranch Trail can be traversed in either direction and connects to the Ballardini Open Space with a moderate 5-10 percent grade.
Just north of Downtown Reno is the Peavine Trail System located on Peavine Mountain. Popular trails in this network include Total Recall, Halo, Poedunks, Crispy Bacon and Snow Terrace. These high desert trails offer expansive scenic views of the city below and trailheads can be located along the southeast section of Peavine Mountain. The mountain elevations range from 4,900-8,266 feet accommodating all skill levels.
Also located north of downtown is a progressive stacked-loop trail system in North Valleys Regional Park. These mountain bike trails wind through high desert terrain full of switchbacks and loops covering three miles of impressive views, the perfect route for tenacious mountain bikers.
Cyclists can enjoy Reno’s numerous scenic bike routes with year-round bike-friendly weather. The 12-mile Truckee River Bike Path stretches between Rancho San Rafael Park and Idlewood Park which slices through Downtown Reno and along the beautiful Truckee River to the easternmost area of Sparks. This path provides a safe leisurely ride for all bikers.
While at Rancho San Rafael Park, enjoy the park loop that encompasses 600 acres between the Evans and Keystone Canyon Routes. The 580-acre park is a diverse blend of rolling landscape, lush green pastures, native wetlands and arboretum gardens. The park also hosts events like the Cyclocross National Championships held in 2018 featuring more than 50 local riders, 1,400 cross-country participants and over 5,000 spectators. Rancho San Rafael Park is the perfect place to enjoy an easy or intermediate jaunt surrounded by idyllic scenery and wide open spaces.
Located just west of Reno is the spectacular Sierra Vista Park offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This 200-acre bike park has a multitude of terrains and trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Brush up on your mountain biking skills at the unique jump track or on any of the diverse trails.
Micromobility is the use of lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, e-bikes and scooters as modes of transportation. As more Americans become bike-minded, communities have a growing aspiration for safe bike paths and trails. In recent years as Reno addresses safety concerns, the city continues to be a spectacular bikeable community with gorgeous backdrops and phenomenal trail systems.
By Heather Dale
Main photo: Peavine Mountain in Nevada
