Tahoe Trail 2026

Tahoe Trail 2026

Presented by Life Time Events
Mountain Biking
Truckee, CA
Jul 18–19, 2026
Solo + Relay Moderate Ultra Extreme Climbing Singletrack Alpine

50K Solo

Distance
31.2 miles
Elevation Gain
4,491ft
Terrain
singletrack
Mid-Distance · Rolling

100K Solo

Distance
62.4 miles
Elevation Gain
8,482ft
Terrain
singletrack
Ultra · Mountainous

50K Relay

Distance
31.2 miles
Elevation Gain
4,491ft
Terrain
singletrack
Mid-Distance · Rolling
Duration
2 Days
Register

About This Event

The Tahoe Trail 2026 is an endurance mountain bike race in the scenic and high-altitude Sierra Nevada mountains. This is a Leadville Race Series event and qualifier for the famed Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Straddling the borders of Nevada and California, the Sierra Nevada is a mountain biker’s dream. The Tahoe Trail 100 offers athletes a 2-loop, 50-kilometer course filled with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Rocky summits and pine forests are found in every direction from the host location of Northstar California Resort. It’s no surprise that we consider this to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest / Southwest.

Riders can either go solo and complete the 50k loop or go bigger and do a solo two-lap, 100k mountain bike ride. The other option is to do a relay and partner up with someone to do a 50k lap each. One lap of the course is 31.2 miles and gains a sizable 4,491 feet in elevation. Lap two has a 500′ less gain as you do not have to return to the start gate. Something important to keep in mind is that this course is at altitude! The lowest point is over 6,100 feet, so it is important to be prepared for the lack of oxygen if you are training at sea level. Arriving a few days before to increase some red blood cell numbers is a big Strambecco recommendation!

As mentioned, the Tahoe Trail is a Leadville Qualifier!! For those who are unaware of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, it is one of the most famous and grueling mountain bike races in the world. To race in Leadville, you need to qualify, and the Tahoe Trail is one of those qualifiers. To get a spot and a right-to-race Leadville, riders must finish two laps of the course in less than 8 hours and 15 minutes. If you have no interest in Leadville, that is not a problem, as the Tahoe Trail is a completely independent race, and you can have a fun time racing without any intention of wanting to race in Leadville.

The Tahoe Trail is produced by the excellent event organizer Life Time Events. They are one of the big players in the mountain bike/gravel/ cycling space and run some of the top events in the country, such as Unbound Gravel, Sea Otter Classic, Wilmington Whiteface, and more.

Life Time Events

Event Organizer
View organizer Visit website

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

  1. Leadville Race Series
    • Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
    • Links:
  2. Sea Otter Classic
    • Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
    • Link: Sea Otter Classic
  3. Unbound Gravel
    • Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
    • Link: Unbound Gravel
  4. Life Time Grand Prix Series
  5. Tour of the Battenkill
    • Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
    • Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.

4o

More from Life Time Events

More Mountain Biking Events in California

Strambecco hub

Mountain Bike Races in the Pacific Northwest

See every race we track on a single page, with insider notes on season, terrain, gear, and travel.

Explore the guide
Part of the series

Leadville Race Series

Explore the series

Strambecco For the Love of Living

Strambecco is your guide to the world's best outdoor experiences — from epic gran fondos to backcountry ski adventures. We curate the events, share the stories, and connect you with the community.

Learn More