Starting at the Mt. Rose Highway at about 8,600’.
I joined Mark and Trish and Dave “the Wave” Pierce for another ride on the Flume Trail.
This time, we did a shuttle ride—starting at Mt. Rose Highway, riding to Marlette Lake on the Tahoe Rim Trail, and then circling back on the Flume Trail.
Lots of granite.
The first part of the trail is generally downhill, with a lot of granite features to negotiate.
Do I look warm? I’m not.
Unfortunately, this was—by far—the coldest day this fall. It was 16° last night, and only got up to 40° today at lake level, with a nasty east wind.
Whenever we were on the east side of the ridge and got hit by the east wind I would get an ice cream headache.
A view of Carson Valley.
After about 4 miles the views open up, looking both east to Carson Valley and west to Lake Tahoe.
Just past the Diamond Peak Ski Area above Incline Village.
This is one of my favorite rides in Tahoe, with a technical trail that keeps you focused and lots of great scenery.
Snacking at the Tunnel Creek Road junction.
After 8.5 miles you reach the Tunnel Creek Road junction. At this point you can drop down to the Flume Trail, or stay on the Tahoe Rim Trail for a tough 1,000’ climb.
Naturally, we started climbing.
Looking down to Marlette Lake and Lake Tahoe.
The top of the overlook felt like winter—my hands started freezing every time I took my gloves off.
Enjoying the downhill, except for the freezing appendages.
The downhill to Marlette Lake is fast and fun.
Most of the aspen leaves had fallen, but there was still some foliage around the southern end of the lake.
Is it still romantic to hold hands if you can’t feel your fingers?
By the time we reached Marlette Lake, any water on the side of the trail was icing over.
Walking through a landslide area.
We reached the Flume Trail as the sun was dipping down to the Pacific Crest.
It was comfortable when we were in the sun, but as soon as the trail wound back into the shady drainages our toes would go numb from the cold.
No more sun = c-c-cold.
We finished the ride just as the sun dipped behind the mountains.
Total ride: 25 miles and around 1,500’ of climbing.
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