5.9 hr
Overview
Park at the start of Rock Garden Trail along Fallen Leaf Lake Road and be mindful of parking restrictions in certain pull-outs. <br><br>Pick up the trail just passed the forest service gate for road 12N19 on the right. A mellow ride up Rock Garden Trail ends on Tahoe Mountain Road. Turn left up the road and climb briefly to the start of Angora Ridge Trail on the right before the turn off to Angora Ridge Road. <br><br>An awesome singletrack climb on the spine of Angora Ridge leads up to meet with Angora Ridge Road. From here you have a few options:<ol><li>Turn right on the road and enjoy a break at the historic Angora Fire Lookout about 50 yards up the road.</li><li>Pick up Upper Angora Ridge Trail directly across the road and going right to ride up to Angora Lakes for a great mid-ride swim and famous lemonade (3.0 mile round trip detour)</li><li>Continue on your ride as mapped by picking up Mule Deer Connector across the road and going left for a smooth, fast, flowy descent with a couple optional log rides mixed in.</li></ol><br><br>When you reach the junction with Gunmount Trail, turn left and ride down Forest Mountain Drive. Pick up Tahoe Mountain Trail straight across the road and ride up to the top of Tahoe Mountain. Once you've enjoyed the views from the top drop your seat again and continue on Tahoe Mountain Trail for a fast and fun descent. Turn left on Forest Road 12N19 at the bottom junction and take it all the way back to your car. <br><br>Enjoy a cold post ride beer at one of many great breweries in town such as South Lake Brewing or Lake Tahoe AleWorX, a short drive away at the Y in town.
Trail Stats
20.0 km
533 m
2212 m
1926 m
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Photos
Looking out over the "Y"
Looking out over the "Y"
Coming up to a great view/turn
Coming up to a great view/turn
The climb up Tahoe Mountain from the lake side is a grind, but the views take your mind off the effort.
The climb up Tahoe Mountain from the lake side is a grind, but the views take your mind off the effort.
Top of Fallen leaf road
Top of Fallen leaf road
Leaving the rock garden in the light
Leaving the rock garden in the light
Coming into the only rock garden on the lower portion of trail, rock stairs to exit
Coming into the only rock garden on the lower portion of trail, rock stairs to exit
The Upper Angora Ridge Trail with Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe in the background.
The Upper Angora Ridge Trail with Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe in the background.
The climb up Tahoe Mountain from the lake side features killer Tahoe views.
The climb up Tahoe Mountain from the lake side features killer Tahoe views.
Riding up the North Side of Tahoe Mountain with Lake Tahoe in the backdrop.
Riding up the North Side of Tahoe Mountain with Lake Tahoe in the backdrop.