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Powerline Trail #18E33

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.9 (24)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. Lake Tahoe
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“This trail provides easy access from South Lake Tahoe to a number of trails, loops and rides. ”

Bob Gardner
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3.5

Miles

5.6

KM
Singletrack

6,643' 2,025 m

High

6,477' 1,974 m

Low

322' 98 m

Up

155' 47 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Trailhead parking is limited--heed the no-parking signs. More parking available along Ski Run Blvd.

Description

Powerline Trail runs along the eastern city limits of South Lake Tahoe through the El Dorado National Forest in a north-south direction. From the trailhead at the end of Saddle Rd., head directly south towards the ski area on the left as the trail follows the base of the hill. Heading more west brings you to the Under Power Line Variation to Powerline Trail closer to the houses.

There's a maze of criss-crossing trails in this area but Powerline is easy to follow as it traces along a fairly level elevation contour at the base of Heavenly Ski Area on the left (east) with the neighborhoods along Pioneer Trail (road) to the right (west). Fir and pine forests provide plenty of shade and the only technical challenges are a couple creek crossings.

The trail forks just before reaching the Cold Creek Trail with the main trail on the right. Past Cold Creek Trail, Powerline ends in a short distance at High Meadow Road.

Powerline can be ridden as an out-and-back or combined into loops with Cold Creek Trail or the Corral Trail, Cedar and Sidewinder trails further south.

Contacts

Local Club: Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA)

Oct 22, 2026: E-Bikes on Tahoe Trails: What’s the latest?!

Oct 15, 2026: Your Dollars in Action: Thank You to Our 2026 Season Crew

Sep 23, 2026: The Places We Ride: Why the Roadless Rule Matters to Mountain Bikers

Land Manager: USFS - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Office

Shared By:

Bob Gardner
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 24 votes

#8

in Lake Tahoe

#1605

Overall
  3.9 from 24 votes
5 Star
21%
4 Star
54%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Lake Tahoe

#131

in California

#1,605

Overall
13 Views Last Month
12,838 Since Jul 17, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
14%
10%
71%
5%
0%
0%
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Photos

The bridge over Cold Creek.
Jul 26, 2017 near South L…, CA
Top of Powerline Trail.
Jul 15, 2017 near South L…, CA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 7 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 27, 2026
G O
Oct 13, 2024
Anonymous
Jul 30, 2024
Mario Aguilera Jr
7h 10m
Sep 15, 2022
Mike Strizich
8mi
Jun 7, 2022
Guy Martin
May 29, 2022
Bridey Mc
Jul 30, 2021
Raquel Yu
Fun & challenging bike route! Lots of ups & downs, hardly any rock features. Like the end at the bridge with a small stream. 80% shade 20% exposed. 6.1mi — 1h 24m
May 9, 2021
Carr Driven Performance
Fun fun first ride 8.6mi

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