The Lake Tahoe Loop

Tried and True.  Get the original Lake Tahoe experience by taking the 72 mile ride around the lake, or add on to the ride with great vista points.  The route we have created takes you by some of our favorite spots to enjoy the views, take photos and grab refreshments.  We recommend going around Lake Tahoe in a counter-clockwise direction from our shop at Rolling Freedom Motorcycles Lake Tahoe.  This route takes you through Cave Rock, up the East Shore and up to Incline Village.  One of our favorite places to grab a quick snack on a motorcycle or Slingshot is at T’s Mesquite Rotisserie.

Slingshot into Cave Rock

Rolling Freedom Motorcycles 2-seat Slingshot approaches Cave Rock

Add on to the journey by heading up to the Mount Rose summit for twisty fun and stunning views of Lake Tahoe from the north shore.  Head back down toward the Lake along the north shore and grab some refreshments along the water at Garwood’s in Tahoe City. From there, cruise along the west shore towards Emerald Bay State Park.  There are plenty of places to grab photos or you can go for a quick hike up to Eagle Falls.  As you make your way back towards South Lake Tahoe, you can stop by the Divided Sky in Meyers, a biker favorite in Tahoe.  By heading this direction, you can avoid much of the South Lake congestion and enjoy Pioneer Trail.

We hope you enjoy this ride.  Please follow us on Instagram @rolltahoe and post your favorite photos from your ride with the hashtag: #rolltahoe 

Ride Safe. #rolltahoe  

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Download image version here  

Smith Valley – Bridgeport Loop

Approx 4.5- 5 hours.

Take off from Lake Tahoe through historic Genoa.  Stop by local favorite, Genoa Bar & Saloon.  Continue on down the scenic 395 corridor to Bridgeport and over to Sonora Junction. Make a stop for lunch and visit our friends at Cutthroat Brewery in Markleeville.  Cruise up 89 back to Meyers and stop at another Local Biker favorite, The Divided Sky

 

 

Virginia City – Mount Rose – Genoa

Approx 3 hours.

Take off from Lake Tahoe and go over Spooner Summit over to historic Virginia City.  From there, cruise up to South Reno and pick up Mount Rose Highway.  Enjoy the twisties and grab lunch at one of our favorites, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie in Incline Village, NV. Head south down the east side of the lake, past Sand Harbor and Spooner Lake and head towards Historic Genoa.  Grab a beverage at Genoa Saloon, the oldest bar in Nevada, since 1853.  The last leg takes you up Kingsbury Grade and back to Rolling Freedom Motorcycles.

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Click Virginia City Mount Rose Genoa Map.

Genoa – Markleeville – Echo Summit & Lake Loop

Approx 5 hours.

Take off from Lake Tahoe and go over Kingsbury grade to your first stop at the historic Genoa Saloon, the oldest bar in Nevada, since 1853.  Next, take 395 South towards Topaz Lake and make a right on Highway 89. Enjoy the twisties and the scenery on your way to Markleeville.  Don’t forget to make a stop at local biiker favorite, Cutthroat Brewery The last leg takes you up out towards Echo Summit where you will enjoy waterfalls and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe as you re-enter the basin to Rolling Freedom Motorcycles.

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Topaz Lake – Markleeville – Luther Pass Loop

Approx 2.5 hours.

Take off from Lake Tahoe and go over Kingsbury grade toward your first stop at Topaz Lake. Continue on 395 South past Topaz Lake and make a right on Highway 89. Enjoy the twisties and the scenery on your way to Markleeville.  Don’t forget to make a stop at local biker favorite, Cutthroat Brewery The last leg takes you over Luther Pass back into South Lake Tahoe. If you skipped Cutthroat Brewery another great place to stop is Divided Sky a local favorite restaurant and bar. From this point you will take Pioneer Trail back to HWY 50 to get back to Rolling Freedom Motorcycles.

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Mormon Emigrant – Sly Park – Omo Ranch Loop

Approx 4.5 hours.

Take off from Lake Tahoe and go over Kingsbury grade to Hwy 88. Enjoy the twisties and the scenery on your way past Kirkwood to Mormon Emigrant Trail. This scenic road takes you to Sly Park. On your way back you’ll take the scenic and very less traveled Omo Ranch Road back to HWY 88. There are a few stops along that way for food and or a quick dip in one of the many high alpine lakes. This route will take you back over Luther Pass into South Lake Tahoe and then back to Rolling Freedom Motrocycles.

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Lassen Volcanic National Park Loop

Approx 9.45 hours without traffic


1. Stateline → Emerald Bay (Hwy 50 → CA-89 S)
Rolling out from Rolling Freedom Motorcycles in Stateline, you’ll head west on Hwy 50 into California. Almost immediately, the lake views and alpine air set the tone. A quick turn onto CA-89 S (Emerald Bay Road) takes you along one of the most photographed stretches of Lake Tahoe. Expect sweeping turns hugging the shoreline, towering pines, and the glittering waters of Emerald Bay—a road made for two wheels.

2. Emerald Bay → Truckee (CA-89 N)
From South Lake Tahoe, you’ll continue north on CA-89 N, winding through dense forests, river valleys, and into higher elevations. This is a pure rider’s road—bends, climbs, and descents all the way into Truckee. The historic mountain town is a perfect pit stop with its old rail-town charm and café-lined main street.

3. Truckee → Sierraville (CA-89 N)
Leaving Truckee, you stay on CA-89 N, carving your way through alpine meadows and open valley stretches until you roll into quiet Sierraville. It’s a rural gem, surrounded by wide-open spaces and a slower pace that feels worlds away from Tahoe.

4. Sierraville → Chester (CA-49 → CA-70 → CA-89 → CA-36)
Here the ride gets longer and more varied. From Sierraville, take CA-49 S/CA-89 N, then stay on CA-89 N as it snakes through forested ridges. You’ll merge onto CA-70 W, tracing the Feather River Canyon with dramatic cliffs and water crossings, before reconnecting with CA-89 N. A sharp left brings you onto CA-36 W, entering Chester along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway—a stunning preview of the volcanic terrain ahead.

5. Chester → Lassen Volcanic National Park (CA-36 → CA-89)
Stay on CA-36 W/CA-89 N, then continue north on CA-89 N, which officially becomes the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. This is a highlight of the ride: smooth pavement, sweeping curves, and dramatic volcanic peaks rising in the distance. You’ll enter Lassen Volcanic National Park, climbing toward Manzanita Lake Campground, a serene alpine stop surrounded by towering peaks and crystal waters.

6. Lassen → Kings Beach (CA-89 N → CA-44 E → US-395 S → CA-70 W → CA-89 S → CA-267 S)
Heading out of Lassen, continue north on CA-89 N, then east on CA-44 until it meets CA-36 E. From there, drop south via US-395 S, cut west again on CA-70 W, and rejoin CA-89 S toward Truckee. Finally, head down CA-267 S into Kings Beach. This stretch blends high-speed highway runs with twisting mountain passes—a true rider’s mix.

7. Kings Beach → Stateline (CA-28 → US-50)
From Kings Beach, follow CA-28 E along the sparkling north shore of Tahoe, a relaxed yet scenic shoreline cruise. You’ll eventually rejoin US-50 W, circling back into Stateline and finishing where you began at Rolling Freedom Motorcycles.

Ride Highlights by Highway

  • Hwy 50 → Gateway to Tahoe, fast-moving and lake-hugging.

  • CA-89 (Emerald Bay Road & Northbound) → Iconic lake views, winding mountain curves.

  • CA-49/CA-70 → Feather River Canyon, dramatic river and canyon riding.

  • CA-36/CA-89 (Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway) → Epic volcanic landscapes, pristine forest highways.

  • CA-28 → Relaxed shoreline ride with lake breezes.

This loop is roughly 465+ miles of varied terrain: lakeside cruising, canyon carving, alpine passes, and volcanic high country—all on a seamless mix of highways that motorcyclists dream about.

Click here for Google Map.