Updated 10/23/23
Discover 6 Wheelchair Accessible Trails in the Lake Tahoe Area!
Coming to Tahoe in a wheelchair can seem daunting, but Lake Tahoe boasts some great trails that are paved and will fit any size wheelchair. Downtown Tahoe City’s many restaurants and shops are wheelchair accessible and a great place to spend the afternoon. We have a few great homes that are wheelchair accessible as well, in fact our Bear Falls vacation rental in Alpine has an elevator and ADA compliant master bedroom and bathroom. Below you will find 6 trails that will accommodate wheelchairs.
The Pinedrop Trail
The Pinedrop Trail is a paved link between the community of Kings Beach, located on the northern shore of Lake Tahoe, and North Tahoe Regional Park. The trail winds through a hilly landscape of pine forest.On the trail's western end, North Tahoe Regional Park offers baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a nature trail, disc golf course, open space and a host of other amenities across its nearly 125 acres.Parking for the Pinedrop Trail is available in North Tahoe Regional Park (6600 Donner Road). There is a $5 fee to park, but local residents are exempt.
Length: 1.2 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path
The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is one of the most popular paved trails in the scenic Lake Tahoe area, as it winds through pine forest not far from the lakeshore. The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities.
Parking and Trail Access:
Parking for the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is available at the Lake Tahoe (Taylor Creek) Visitor Center on SR 89 (Emerald Bay Road) west of South Lake Tahoe. Additional parking can be found at Baldwin Beach and Pope Beach, but parking fees apply.
Length: 3.6 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
The Ski Run Bike Trail
The Ski Run Bike Trail is a short paved sidepath adjacent to Ski Run Boulevard in the scenic resort community of South Lake Tahoe. On its route northeast towards the majestic lake, the trail links homes and apartments with the community's downtown area along Lake Tahoe Boulevard (US 50). From there, continue your journey on the paved South Lake Tahoe Bike Path to reach El Dorado Beach to the west and the Heavenly Mountain Resort gondola to the east.
Parking and Trail Access:
There are no official parking lots for the Ski Run Bike Trail, but parking can be found on Ski Run Boulevard.
Length: 0.6 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
The Tahoe Trailways Bike Path
The Tahoe Trailways Bike Path meanders along the west shore of Lake Tahoe in California. From a hub in Tahoe City's 64-Acres Park, the system branches out with three paved legs, reaching Dollar Point in the northeast, Olympic (Squaw) Valley in the northwest and Sugar Pine Point State Park in the south. The trails link residential, recreation and business areas, offering scenic views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River.
The segment from Tahoe City to Dollar Point is the most urban, passing downtown shops and places to stay. Here a newer component of the system winds closer to the lake, providing a more scenic alternative to the existing State Route 28 alignment. The short waterfront promenade, which is also known as the Lakeside Trail, features several overlooks, plazas and picnic areas. North of Tahoe City, residential and vacation developments line the trail, with names like Star Harbor and Rocky Ridge. The trail ends at the entrance to the Dollar Point community, which juts out prominently into Lake Tahoe.
Parking and Trail Access:
You can access the Tahoe Trailways Bike Path from numerous locations throughout the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Perhaps the best place to begin your trek in any direction is 64-Acres Park in Tahoe City (165 W. Lake Boulevard). Refer to the TrailLink map for additional parking locations.
Length: 19.4 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
The Truckee River Legacy Trail
The Truckee River Legacy Trail follows the river's south side, providing scenic views and access to two recreational amenities: Truckee River Regional Park and Riverview Sports Park. The paved trail has recently been extended from the latter park to Glenshire Drive via a bridge over Martis Creek.
Parking and Trail Access:
Parking is available on the current west end of the trail in Truckee River Regional Park, off Brockway Road.
Length: 4.4 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center, operated in partnership with the Great Basin Institute, is located on the south shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe approximately three miles north of the City of South Lake Tahoe. The visitor center serves as a hub where four fascinating self-guided trails start and is the home of the Stream Profile Chamber and the Lake of the Sky Amphitheater, primary attractions at the visitor center complex.
Parking and Trail Access:
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located approximately three miles north of the City of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of SR 89. The visitor center entrance is just past the entrance to the Tallac Historic Site and Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
Length: .5 miles
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
*Some information is taken from https://www.traillink.com the rest was researched and written by Rusty Belicek.