Meeks Ridge Trail

Partners: Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), US Forest Service
Funds Granted: $100,000

Right now, people on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe have to drive to trailheads to get in a longer hike or bike ride. The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) is working to change that by building the brand-new Meeks Ridge Trail. This will be a 4.5 mile multi-use trail that connects the Meeks Bay area to the Lost Lake Trail, creating a brand new 10+ mile loop opportunity for hikers and bikers on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. 

The new trail, which will begin just north of Meeks Bay Resort, starts at lower-elevation and then climbs to the top of Meeks Ridge where it will connect with the Lost Lake Trail. From there, users will be able to pick up the General Creek Trail as part of the 10-12 mile loop. The loop will end by the Highway 89 bike path that connects directly to Sugar Pine Point and Meeks Bay Campground. 

While volunteers are working diligently on clearing and building the lower half of the trail, a paid crew will be key to completing the final 2-3 miles of the trail at higher elevation. This section is more rugged and requires a professional team to tackle the difficult terrain. The funds raised through the Tahoe Fund’s $50,000 matching campaign will help cover the cost of the paid crew, allowing them to be camped in the higher elevations for 8-days at a time to work on the trail more efficiently.

With panoramic views of Meeks Bay, Meeks Meadow and Desolation Wilderness, vista points along the trail were available for a $10,000 donation each, but are now sold out. The vista points identified on this map will each feature a bench and custom plaque with the name of the donor.