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Race on one of the best trails above Lake Tahoe.


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Map Key

13.6

Miles

21.8

KM

91%

Runnable

8,171' 2,490 m

High

6,320' 1,926 m

Low

1,488' 453 m

Up

2,142' 653 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This scenic race provides miles of singletrack and dirt roads, all overlooking the beautiful region surrounding Lake Tahoe. Most elevation gain occurs in early on in the race, and runners can cruise downhill to the finish.

Need to Know

This is a point to point race, and parking is very limited along Hwy 28 at Tunnel Creek station. Plan your return trip accordingly and check out Ascent Runs website for all related information. ascentruns.com/events/tahoe…

Runner Notes

This race will test you as terrain ranges from steep singletrack climbs/descents to flats on a dirt road.

Description

The course starts at Spooner Lake, Nevada State Park located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe.

The first mile of the run follows North Canyon Road (jeep road) into the backcountry. At about 1 mile, the course veers off to the left and onto the Marlette Lake Trail, a beautiful singletrack. In the next 3 miles, runners climb 1500 feet through conifers and aspen groves passing an old loggers cabin on their way to Marlette Saddle, the highest point on the course at 8200 feet. After cresting the hill, the trail then descends a half mile to Marlette Lake at 7823 feet.

Once at Marlette Lake, all runners turn left for 1 mile of flat running on a jeep road along the west shore of Marlette Lake. At the dam, just before dropping onto the Flume Trail, runners will encounter the first of 2 aid stations along the course at mile 5.8. After leaving the Dam Aid Station, the next 4.5 miles of running are flat and narrow (sometimes very narrow) singletrack of some of the most spectacular views you'll ever experience.

Use caution, as this section has very steep drop offs and can be challenging for those who are afraid of heights. Although some of you may think that this section should be flat and fast, it is quite the contrary. The breathtaking views along this 4.5-mile section will literally stop you in your tracks. Every turn seems to reveal a better view to snap on your smartphone. To help keep traffic flowing, we will have a professional photographer out on this section of the course taking event photos of every runner.

After these memorable 4.5 miles come to an end, runners come upon the second and last aid station on the course at the junction of the Flume Trail and Tunnel Creek Road. Put your downhill legs on for the next 3 miles: a 1500 foot descent down Tunnel Creek Road (jeep road). When almost down to lake level, runners will veer off Tunnel Creek Road to the right through a green gate heading north toward the finish line at Tunnel Creek Station.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Smith

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#2

in Carson City

#1405

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Carson City

#17

in Nevada

#1,405

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,913 Since Jun 30, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Stunning views of Lake Tahoe
Aug 27, 2015 near Incline…, NV
On the shores of Marlette Lake
Aug 27, 2015 near Carson…, NV
Coming up on Marlette Lake
Aug 27, 2015 near Carson…, NV
A view that could never get old
Aug 27, 2015 near Incline…, NV
The Flume Trail
Sep 23, 2015 near Incline…, NV
Smooth dirt, gentle gradient trail
Oct 11, 2019 near Carson…, NV

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