Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout – Tunnel Creek Station Café loop from Bullwheel Parking Lot
Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout – Tunnel Creek Station Café loop from Bullwheel Parking Lot
4.6
(7216)
9,163
riders
Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout – Tunnel Creek Station Café loop from Bullwheel Parking Lot
02:22
26.9km
750m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
9.61 km
Incline Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
18.0 km
Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
26.5 km
Tunnel Creek Station Café
Highlight • Cafe
Translated by Google •
Tip by
26.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.10 km
5.17 km
4.96 km
4.11 km
2.86 km
2.47 km
225 m
Surfaces
17.8 km
7.82 km
644 m
632 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,610 m)
Lowest point (1,920 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
17°C
7°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout – Tunnel Creek Station Café loop from Bullwheel Parking Lot is one of those touring cycling routes that truly delivers a diverse experience. This difficult 16.7-mile (26.9 km) loop, with a substantial 2447 feet (746 metres) of elevation gain over roughly 2 hours and 22 minutes, offers a unique blend of paved lakeside riding and challenging unpaved climbs. It's best suited for cyclists ready to tackle varied terrain and earn some of the region's most iconic views.
What to expect on Lake Tahoe Scenic Lookout – Tunnel Creek Station Café loop from Bullwheel Parking Lot
Your journey begins with a smooth ride along the paved East Shore Lake Tahoe Trail, offering stunning views of the lake's clear blue waters. The route then transitions onto the unpaved Tunnel Creek Road, where the real climb begins. Expect a strenuous ascent on dirt and gravel, with some sections becoming sandy and more challenging as you gain elevation. Your reward is increasingly expansive panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe, culminating in the iconic Monkey Rock, a unique formation perfect for a photo op. This section is better suited for gravel or mountain bikes due to the rugged terrain.
Planning your visit
The Bullwheel Parking Lot serves as a convenient starting point for this loop. The Tunnel Creek Cafe, located nearby, is a great spot for refreshments, meals, or even bike rentals if you need a more suitable ride for the unpaved sections. Given the significant elevation gain and varied terrain, ensure your bike is equipped for both paved and unpaved surfaces, especially if you plan to tackle the full loop. Always check local conditions, particularly during shoulder seasons, as higher elevations can experience different weather.
Trail details
- Distance: 16.7 miles (26.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 2447 feet (746 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 22 minutes
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