🏔️ The Best Hiking & Biking Trails Around Truckee — From a Local Realtor Who Lives It

Lake Tahoe Cole Mizak October 22, 2025

Hi, I’m Cole Mizak, your local Truckee real estate agent with Compass. When I’m not helping people find the perfect Truckee home for sale, I’m out on the trails—because that’s what living in Truckee is all about. If you’re looking for fresh air, alpine views, and miles of hiking and biking bliss, here are my personal top trail picks that showcase what makes this mountain town such an incredible place to live.

🚴‍♂️ 1. Donner Lake Rim Trail

Why go: Jaw-dropping views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Crest
Trail type: Mixed-use | Intermediate to advanced
Local tip: Best in early summer or fall when the weather is crisp and the traffic’s light.

This trail delivers big Truckee energy—pine forests, granite outcroppings, and panoramic lake views. It’s a dream for mountain bikers and a solid challenge for hikers. You’ll quickly understand why so many people fall in love with this place—and start searching for Truckee homes for sale right after.

🥾 2. Emigrant Trail

Why go: Smooth terrain, family-friendly, great for beginners
Trail type: Mixed-use | Easy
Local tip: Ideal for trail runners, e-bikes, and families with kids or dogs.

If you're easing into the outdoor lifestyle or want a scenic loop without the steep climbs, Emigrant Trail is a local favorite. Its gentle path winds through wildflower meadows and shaded forest, and it’s close to many newer Truckee real estate developments.

🚵 3. Sawtooth Trail Network

Why go: Close to downtown, tons of variety, well-maintained
Trail type: Mountain biking focused | Moderate
Local tip: Ride “Big Chief” for flowy turns and granite drops.

If you’re buying in Truckee for the biking scene, this network is a must. It's practically in your backyard if you’re living in Glenshire or Tahoe Donner. These trails are also a great selling point if you’re considering investing in Truckee real estate.

🏞️ 4. Martis Creek Trail

Why go: Serene and scenic, flat and fast
Trail type: Hiking & light biking | Easy
Local tip: Great birdwatching and sunsets. Ideal for after-work strolls.

Martis Creek Trail is one of those hidden gems that feels peaceful even on a busy weekend. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Martis Camp and Lahontan—two of Truckee’s most prestigious communities.

🚶‍♀️ 5. Tahoe Donner Trail System

Why go: Over 60 miles of trails right in the neighborhood
Trail type: Mixed | All levels
Local tip: Hit the Alder Creek area for fall foliage hikes.

If you’re considering Truckee homes for sale in Tahoe Donner, this system alone might seal the deal. Residents get trail access right out their door—and trust me, that’s something buyers ask me about all the time.

🌄 Why Trails Matter in Real Estate

As a Truckee realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how outdoor access drives buyer decisions. People don’t just want square footage—they want lifestyle. Whether it’s morning hikes with a view or evening rides after work, Truckee offers a quality of life that you can’t box in.

When buyers look at homes, they ask:

How close are the trails?
Can I ride to the trailhead from my driveway?
Is there year-round outdoor access?

These aren’t just bonus features—they’re deal-makers. That’s why I always highlight our trail systems to anyone thinking about moving here.

🏡 Ready to Find Your Trail-Adjacent Dream Home?

If you’re trail-curious or ready to take the leap into Truckee mountain living, I’m here to help. I’ve helped dozens of families, adventurers, and investors find their perfect fit in our tight-knit, trail-loving community.