Cycling Echo Summit

Distance: 2.6 miles one way to Johnson Pass (Echo Summit)
Elevation changes: +1,200 feet (6,350' - 7,550')

Avoid Highway 50 and ride up lesser used roads, making the classic climb from Meyers in the South Lake Tahoe area to Echo Summit. Then relax at the resort by Echo Lakes and enjoy a cold drink before making the descent.

Starting Point: South Upper Truckee Road and Highway 50
Ride south on Upper Truckee Road for a quarter mile and turn right onto Old Meyers Grade Road. Follow it all the way up to Johnson Pass at Echo Lake Road. Then add another mile by following Echo Lake Road down to the Echo Chalet at the edge of Lower Echo Lake for a well-earned break.

Distance: 54 miles one way
Elevation changes: +5,377 feet (2,000' - 7,377')

This is the big ride on Highway 50 over Echo Summit. Get organized in Placerville and then head out on Highway 50 going east. Expect moderate grades the first 30 miles and then averaging about 3.5% over the next 18 miles.

Starting Point: Placerville
Highway 50 climbs steadily out of Placerville all the way to Union Hill around mile 14 and then makes a short descent to the area around the Pacific Ranger Station. Steady climbing begins again as the road joins the river and follows closely along its bank up the narrow canyon. Kyburz, the Forty-two Mile Picnic Area, and Strawberry all make good stopping places as you approach the summit.

Once at Echo Summit consider the short side-trip to Echo Lakes for lunch. Also consider taking the Old Meyers Grade Road down to Meyers rather than narrow and busy Highway 50. From Meyers it is only a short ride to South Lake Tahoe. Worn out? Consider using Wanna Ride to shuttle you back up to the summit before coasting back to Placerville.

Ice House Reservoir to Loon Lake

Distance: 21 miles one way
Elevation changes: Total climb +3,400 feet (range 4,900' - 6,500')

Make a tour of the Crystal Basin by riding from Ice House Reservoir, past Union Valley Reservoir, and all the way to Loon Lake. Shorten the ride, and greatly lessen the difficulty, by turning around at the Rubicon River crossing rather than going all the way to Loon Lake. The last 6 miles of the route beyond the Rubicon climbs a steep 1,300 feet.

Starting Point: Ice House Reservoir
The first 8 miles drops several hundred feet over up and down terrain to Union Valley Reservoir. Then a steady climb takes you to a ridge near Robbs Peak at mile 12. There is a fire lookout on Robbs Peak you can visit (3 miles up on dirt road). Beyond Robbs Peak the road drops to the Cosumnes River before beginning its final big push to Loon Lake.

Ice House Bike Trail

Distance: 3.1 miles one way
Elevation changes: Total climb +80 feet (range 5,400' - 5,480')

The Ice House Bike Trail is a dirt trail along the shore of Ice House Reservoir. It can be accessed from any campground around the lake.

Starting Point: Ice House Road and Forest Road 12N06 (200 yards north of Big Hill Lookout turnoff)
The scenic trail follows ridges and shaded northern slopes, offering views of Ice House Reservoir and some peaks along the Crystal Range. The bike trail ends at Strawberry Campground. Ice House Bike Trail connects with other roads in the area.

Union Valley Bike Trail

Distance: 5.5 miles one way
Elevation changes: Total climb +200 feet (4,860' - 5,160')

This paved bike trail connects all the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir from Jones Fork Campground to Tells Creek.

Starting Point: Jones Fork Campground
Ride north to Sunset launch ramp area and then round the east shore to Big Silver Group Campground where a 109-foot-long bridge spans Big Silver Creek. Continue north past Wench Creek and on to Tells Creek where another bridge is found.