Due to its inaccessibility, the range was not fully explored until 1912. The California Gold Rush occurred in the western foothills from 1848 through 1855. The Sierra Nevada has played an important role in the history of California and the United States. Uplift continues due to faulting caused by tectonic forces, creating spectacular fault block escarpments along the eastern edge of the southern Sierra. The uplift caused a wide range of elevations and climates in the Sierra Nevada, which are reflected by the presence of five life zones (areas with similar plant and animal communities). The range started to uplift less than five million years ago, and erosion by glaciers exposed the granite and formed the light-colored mountains and cliffs that make up the range. More than one hundred million years ago during the Nevadan orogeny, granite formed deep underground. These areas include Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils Postpile National Monument. The Sierra is home to three national parks, twenty-six wilderness areas, ten national forests, and two national monuments. Notable features include General Sherman, the largest tree in the world by volume Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America Mount Whitney at 14,505 ft (4,421 m), the highest point in the contiguous United States and Yosemite Valley sculpted by glaciers from one-hundred-million-year-old granite, containing high waterfalls. The Sierra runs 400 miles (640 km) north-south and its width ranges from 50 miles (80 km) to 80 miles (130 km) across east–west. The Sierra Nevada is part of the American Cordillera, an almost continuous chain of mountain ranges that forms the western "backbone" of the Americas. The vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Carson Range spur lies primarily in Nevada. The Sierra Nevada ( / s i ˌ ɛr ə n ɪ ˈ v æ d ə, - ˈ v ɑː d-/ see- ERR-ə niv- A(H)D-ə) is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. Local bike shops can provide trail maps and detailed information.Position of Sierra Nevada inside Californiaģ8☀0′N 119☃0′W / 38.000°N 119.500°W / 38.000 -119.500 The Twin Lake variation add 9 miles and 1000 feet of climbing, while the Franktown variation is a total of 25 miles and gains more than 2500 feet. The Twin Lakes and Franktown variations are both rated as advanced. As you cruise down, be sure to stop along the way for fabulous views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The 4.5 miles of single track after Marlette Lake is the most scenic section of the whole ride. The fall colors are particularly spectacular. Turn left onto this steep, sandy road and continue down to Highway 28.Īfter the initial climb, the peaceful and pristine Marlette Lake is a popular place to stop for a snack or picnic lunch. Several rock slides also need to be negotiated.Īs the trail heads east, there will be an intersection with Tunnel Creek Rd. This is the start of the Flume Trail proper!Īs the Flume Trail singletrack heads north along the mountains, the Lake Tahoe Flume Trail narrows and becomes exposed in several places. Follow this trail until it crosses the stream flowing out of Marlette Lake. Upon reaching Marlette, turn left and continue north along the western shore. This climb to Marlette Lake meanders through aspen groves and stream crossings. Many people either shuttle their own car or hire a shuttle to avoid the 9 mile uphill road ride back to beginning the Tahoe Flume trail head.īegin at Spooner Summit State Park with a challenging steep climb via the North Canyon Road, approximately 5 miles. Approximately 13 miles long, this trail climbs 1200 feet, with a total descent of 1800 feet. There are several variations of this trail, the most popular being the one-way Spooner-Marlette-Flume-Tunnel Creek ride. From this parking area, look for signs to the Flume Trail via the North Canyon Road. Whether driving or riding your bike, begin at the Spooner Lake day use area in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Known as a 'must-ride', the Flume Trail in Tahoe has a few variations, providing sweeping panoramas of Lake Tahoe and thrills for intermediate and advanced riders alike.īeginning at Spooner Lake and ending at Highway 28, the Tahoe Flume Trail traverses 1600 feet above the east shore of lake Tahoe. A popular destination for mountain biking, the Lake Tahoe area offers trails for all ability levels.
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