Reviewed by: Johnny , from Lake Tahoe

Summary:
I ride all over LT, this trail offers epic steps, views with moderate climbs, stay right on the TRT after Stanford Rock, you will have enough time to fit in a 2nd ride for the day.

Recommended Route:
14 Mile loop on TRT, it's only 2100' of climbing/downhill.

Reviewed by: AMUTHIG , from Laramie, WY

Summary:
Wild and adventurous. Good climb up to spectacular views (what else can be expected in the Tahoe area?)and then a twisting, rocky, loose, quite technical descent. Did this trail by "mistake" and was so happy to have screwed up! All grins at the end. Only advanced riders should attempt this, with others around in-case you bust your teeth. Intermediates will be walking much of the descent.

Recommended Route:
As stated.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Flume Trail to Tahoe Rim Trail (nice swooping singletrack on the TRT)

Reviewed by: Rick , from Nevada City

Summary:
I've been riding in the Tahoe area for years but only did the Stanford Rock ride in the SUmmer of 2001. I liked it so much that I did it 3 more time this season! THe long single track climb to the top is a good workout but no big deal if your in shape. The downhill is a kick. Lots and Lots of water bars switch backs etc. Very challenging, great veiws.

Recommended Route:
THe route described above.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Rim trail

Reviewed by: Steve , from Mountain View

Summary:
The Stanford Rock/Ward Creek loop is another classic Sierra ride, starting and ending at the Tahoe Rim parking area in Tahoe City. It made for a good day ride, with lots of time to take pictures and enjoy the view of Tahoe and beyond. We followed some forest service roads out from the top of Bonanza, but followed the rim trail back - a good route. The climb up to Stanford Rock is a good one (take the officially marked trail with the blue ribbons, not the lower trail), with semi-technical singletrack in places, and near the top, three hills we heard referred to as the "three bitches." The first was loose and moderately steep. The second was just loose, and the third was quite short, but very steep. The views on the Tahoe side were amazing, and once up at Stanford Rock, the views looking across to Alpine Meadows, Ward Peak, and Twin Peaks were equally impressive. The trail drops from there down a steep and very loose trail, where it meets up with the Pacific Crest/Ward Creek trail. This is a wild downhill, with seemingly hundreds of granite waterbars and steps - some quite large. Most of it is rideable and fun, but it's a real workout, even with a dual suspension racebike (I suspect a real downhill bike would be a gas). The trail hits the road, from which one can once again take a myriad of trails back to Tahoe City, although we would recommend staying on the Rim trail - it turned out to be much more interesting than we guessed it would be. The total distance for us was 22 miles, with 3350 of climbing, although the route out and from Ward Creek can be variable. Ride times (on the bike) will likely range from 3.5 to 5 hours.

Recommended Route:
Start at the Tahoe Rim trail parking. Head out the Forest service road at the end of Bonanza, which meets up with the Rim trail. Follow the rim trail to the road. About 1/2 mile down the road will be the Stanford Rock trail - head on up. There is a short downhill after Stanford Rock to the Ward Creek/Pacific Crest trail, which takes the rider back to the road. Drop down the road a short ways and take the Rim trail back (where you came in earlier). Follow the rim trail all the way back to the parking area.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Toads, Hole in the Ground