North Canyon Road is the primary access route for Marlette Lake and the backcountry of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The peak elevation is just over 8,100ft at the pass.

It begins at the Spooner Lake Trailhead and ends at Marlette Lake, covering 4.6mi and ascending some 1200ft. The entire ride takes place on a fire road that is frequented by Park personnel in 4WD vehicles, so be on the lookout.

Most of the road is nice hard-packed sand, although there are a couple short sandy spots (depending on season), and short steeper sections with exposed rocks and some gravel. There are also a couple of creek crossings, but these are minor in nature.

The entire road is ridable by most MTB'ers, with a little extra effort thrown in on the final mile of uphill. Personally, my fairly soft condition allows me to challenge myself to ride from the parking lot to the lake without putting a foot down.

Trail Description

Starting at the Spooner Lake parking lot (and Park Entrance), head NE down a short slope through the trees on a marked trail. You will cross the outlet of Spooner Lake and enter North Canyon on a semi-sandy road.

After 0.75mi you will find yourself on the west side of the North Canyon creek, and the first climb will start. This climb gains 400ft in 0.75mi at a fairly steady rate. Gear down and spin it.

The next 1.5mi is very pleasant, with a shallower climb angle, gaining another 300ft while winding through the open forest. The road stays on the east side of the creek during this section.

At the 3mi mark, you cross the creek again and pass a 'rest area' of sorts where many folk take a break. I personally don't recommend this, as you have the last steep climb ahead, and keeping the blood flowing will help.

The road climbs steeply for the next 0.7mi, with overhanging shade here and there, but few flat spots. This climb requires careful traction management at times to remain on the pedals. It's a good aerobic workout if you ride the whole thing, however many people break down and hoof it here...

At the 4mi mark you reach the high point of the trail in a saddle below Snow Valley Peak. This is a great place to catch your breath, but don't sit too long because you are missing out on the beautiful Marlette Lake, which is only a fast and furious downhill away.

Point your nose downhill, and hit a few improvised jumps off the water bars and rocks, and a fast 0.6mi later there you are at the lake. The final left turn is a bit sharp and can be rutted, so stand by the brakes. Cruise out to the Point and take a well-earned relax.

Getting There

The Spooner Lake Trailhead is located just north of US Highway 50 on State Route 28. A modest entry fee of $6 per car is required by the Nevada State Park personnel.

Cautions

As with any popular ride, there are a few cautions the first-timer should be aware of:

1) The governing authorities often use 4WD transport to reach the Lake from Spooner Summit or to conduct forestry activities, so keep an eye out for SUV's on the North Canyon road.

2) The State Park has posted several signs on the North Canyon road indicating a 5mph on corners speed limit with a 20mph maximum. These signs are often ignored by hikers intent on bypassing the hiker's trail (see below).

3) Despite the existence of a wonderful "hikers only" foot trail to Marlette Lake, many walkers choose to use the slightly easier North Canyon road as their "escape to the wilderness". Many in this position also consider their status to be at the top of the right-of-way chain. As a result, no matter whether you use verbal communication, bells, or gear-changing to alert these folk of your approach, do not expect them to move out of both tracks or give you a courteous look on the way by, no matter how slow you go.