This is one of those WOW rides that you’ll never forget. Once you get to the sky-high views looking out over Lake Tahoe, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Lake Tahoe may be the showstopper alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada, but it is surrounded by many others. This ride connects two smaller, yet no less scenic, lakes on the Nevada side of the Tahoe Basin.
The ride begins at Spooner Lake, a small reservoir built in 1927, and ends at Marlette Lake, a larger reservoir built in 1887. Today the lakes are managed by the State of Nevada and are part of the Spooner Backcountry. With multiple trails to choose from of varying difficulties, this ride has something for all skill levels of riders and horses.
Route Options
The North Canyon Road trail links Spooner and Marlette with a five-mile (one way) access road that is open to horses, hikers, and bicyclists. This is the easiest trail option, with a wide and nicely maintained dirt road the entire way. Along the way, you’ll pass some cabins and a small primitive hike-in campground with a bathroom. Much of the road is flanked by aspen trees, lush green meadows, and small creeks.
Those looking for more challenging terrain might try the Marlette Lake Trail. This is a hiker and equestrian-only trail that parallels North Canyon Road for about four miles. There is signage marking the trail from where it deviates from North Canyon Road (one mile in) to Marlette Lake. The single-track trail weaves through mostly conifer forests. It does present some technical obstacles for riders such as bridges and steps.
The third route option, arguably the most beautiful, is the Tahoe Rim Trail. This (roughly 9-mile one-way) section of the lake loop trail climbs through forests and bald slopes to offer panoramic views high above Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake, and even as far as Reno and Washoe Valley. It features steep elevation gain and some moderately technical sections such as sharp drop offs, dizzying heights, and boulders.
No matter which route you take, you’re going to have magnificent views all the way to Marlette and back. Thick forests, green meadows, wildflowers, fall colors, and unforgettable Tahoe views – it’s hard to have a bad ride here. Once you get to Marlette, you can get your horse right to the water. There is a vault toilet and a potable water pump (seasonal).
With so many routes, a nice option is to go in one way and come out another to make a loop instead of an out and back. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can go further past Marlette to ride to Hobart Reservoir or continue on the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.
Bikes are not allowed on the Tahoe Rim Trail between Hobart and Spooner Lake, but that does not mean that you won’t see a few rule-breakers from time to time. There are usually bicyclists on the North Canyon Road Trail since it is the approved bike route. Otherwise, you’re bound to see some hikers and dogs on all of the trails. This is bear country so don’t be surprised if you see bear poop on the trails.
With elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to 9,000 feet, this whole region can hold snow into July, though generally, the trails are rideable by June. Late spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons for horseback riding Spooner to Marlette. Boots or shoes are recommended.
Getting Here
Where to Park: As with everywhere around Lake Tahoe, parking is limited and tight, especially for horse trailers. This area is very busy on the weekends. Get here early or you won’t get a spot.
Option 1: Nevada State Parks operates a visitor’s center on the west side of Spooner Lake. They have five marked horse trailer parking spots. There is a fee for entry. From here you can ride out of the park and onto the North Canyon Road Trail and connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Option 2: This primitive parking spot is immediately next to an NDOT station on Highway 50. It has a small dirt pull-through, turn-out area that can fit a few rigs. There is no fee to park. From here you can ride onto the Tahoe Rim Trail and connect to the North Canyon Road Trail.
Trail Maps
