Find the top rated running trails in Iron Horse, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_0_st.jpg)
My wife and I rode this path from Meeks Bay to Tahoe City and back. It's a decent trail, often just off the busy road that encircles Lake Tahoe. While it most definitely has some sections that are quite beautiful, a good part of the trail is more utilitarian: good for getting from point A to Point B, but not particularly scenic. The paved bike path does deviate onto some streets (watch the signage, which is adequate, carefully), but these streets are low traffic and relatively brief in length. The route is moderately hilly in parts, enough to test one's cardio capacity at times, and also enough to make it unsuitable in parts for young children. We're in our 70's, and though the ride got our heart rates up from time to time, we enjoyed the ride. Be aware that the weather can change suddenly. We rode the path one week after a somewhat freakish storm came up over the lake, creating 8 foot waves and resulting in some boating fatalities, as well as converting a summer (June) afternoon into a snowstorm (yes, really).
Rode this in September or October 2023. It was a week right before the big running race that happens on the trail every fall. We came up from Sacramento and stayed in Susanville two nights. The first day we rode out from Susanville depot all the way to where there’s a parking area where the highway comes across. Turned around there and went back. Nice trail. The following day we went over towards Lassen and rode around that side of the trail and also did a little exploring by car. The trail over near where the fire occurred was a little beat up and muddy.. etc. because of course all the firefighters were in there fighting the fire and etc. so not a problem but all in all it was a great fun time I would go back and do it again.
We discovered this trail in summer and had a great evening ride on the summer solstice. Came back for the fall colors. Started in Westwood and rode 25 miles down to susanville. The Lassen rural shuttle makes this sooo easy. Thank you Lassen county for the shuttle ! Awesome river canyon ride!
I started the trail at lake st for the first .75 lots of homeless folks. One actually chased after me. Very irregular trail until reaching the end of the Reno side then got better.
Stunning views, lake breeze and access along the way. Perfect way to spend a day.
Biked the entire length on Aug. 6, 2023. A very pretty ride. Started at the north end where the parking is limited. The trail is all asphalt and in very good condition, but there are some potholes. It seemed like it had just been swept as there was almost no pine needles or twigs on the trail. The first 1.5 miles on the north end are in the burn scar and include a mild hill. A casual rider should consider starting at the boat launch where the bathrooms are. Most of the ride has mild hills that casual riders and kids might find challenging (the south end is the flattest). On the way back, we bypassed the biggest hill on the route and rode into Prattville for lunch along Almanor Drive. Consider this alternative route not only for a bite to eat but also for its nice views of the Lake. The south end is also in the burn scar, but only for quarter mile. A very nice ride.
I really enjoy getting on this trail early on a Sunday Morning. I am usually on the trail by 8am.
I start at the south end and ride to E Greg Street.
I park at the Double Diamond Park. It is just a short ride along S Meadows Parkway to the beginning of the trail.
I included two screen shots of the Garmin map and a picture of the entrance to the Double Diamond Park.
Parked at the north trailhead and rode south to end of trail. Fire devastation from Dixie fire at north and south end of trail, but in between beautiful forest and lake shore trail with beaches, picnic and camping areas. We came around a curve and startled a bald eagle that was feeding on a fish. What an experience to see our national bird up so close as it spread it's wings and flew off over the lake.
My only complaint is the lack of maintenance on this trail. I would think the US Forest Service and other involved agencies would have done a better job of repairing/restoring this beautiful trail after the Dixie fire. But this should not discourage anyone from visiting the area and riding this trail.
This is a great trail even with the aftermath of the 2021 Hog Fire. We rode the entire trail from the Susanville Depot to Mason Station and back with our ebikes. First 6+ miles to Devil's Corral was amazing with the Susan river running full and green vegetation everywhere. After Devil's Corral the fire beast has devastated the forest until just before Goumaz Campround. After that beautiful forest and river surroundings until the fire beast reared it's ugly head the last couple of miles before Mason Station. If you are looking for a well groomed gravel surface, this ride is not for you. But if you don't mind rough areas, downed trees and an occasional boulder on the trail, you will enjoy the Beauty and the Beast.
You won’t regret visiting this well traveled trail. The walk is fairly easy with some extended inclines. This is one of the most beautiful trails I have hiked. Gorgeous views the whole way to Kings beach and back. Plan to take your time and enjoy it. The is no shade on this trail and
Nice fall colors and spring wildflowers. Winter is under snow (x-country skiing, though). Summers can be warm but still tolerable.
Fascinating geology. The observant rider will see when the underlying bedrock is granite or basalt, and understand you are transitioning between two mountain ranges -- Sierra Nevada and Cascade.
A campground is halfway if you want to make it a two day ride. The local bus company will haul you and your bike as a shuttle.
Unfortunately, a good portion of the forest along the trail burned in 2020. However, you can see forest recovery in action.
If you are more adventurous you could connect to the Collins Pine Rail to Trail and ride into Chester, then pick up the Almanor Recreation Trail along Lake Almanor. From the Susanville end you could connect to the Modoc Line Rails to Trail that goes to Alturas. You could easily make a week long bikepacking trip with the Bizz Johnson trail in the middle.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
