Navigating the Pope Baldwin Bike Path in South Lake Tahoe
One of the best ways to get around in South Lake Tahoe is by bike, and it is local trails like the Pope Baldwin Bike Path that make it so easy. The convenient Pope Baldwin Bike Path links downtown Lake Tahoe with the area's best beaches on a paved and readily accessible trail separate from the road for added safety and convenience.
The trail is accessible via bicycle, eScooters, and pedestrians if you are walking. But before you depart, here is what you need to know about the Pope Baldwin Bike Path for your visit to South Lake Tahoe.
Biking on the Pope Baldwin Bike Path
The Pope Baldwin Bike Path is a paved trail maintained by the US Forest Service. It is 3.4 miles long from beginning to end and travels along the southwest edge of Lake Tahoe, parallel to Highway 89, or Emerald Bay Road. The trail is mostly flat for easy traversing, but despite being highly trafficked, it also offers beautiful views, taking you by meadows, creeks, and old growth pine forests without having to be on heavily trafficked roads.
The trail can take you to destinations that include:
Pope Beach - One of the beaches for which the Pope Baldwin trail gets its name, Pope Beach is a family friendly beach located outside of downtown South Lake Tahoe. The beach is sandy and ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Baldwin Beach - The other namesake beach for the Pope Baldwin trail, Baldwin Beach is at the western end of the train and furthest from downtown.
Kiva Beach - Kiva Beach is situated between Pope and Baldwin Beaches and is a great sandy beach ideal for enjoying the water or a sunset.
Camp Richardson - This historic, family friendly resort offers beaches, camping, and dining, all just a short ride away from the trail.
Tallac Historic Site - This site includes three estate homes that were restored and are open for touring.
Taylor Creek - Taylor Creek empties into Lake Tahoe and is also a place to spot Kokanee salmon in the fall when they come up to spawn.
In addition to these locations just off the Pope Baldwin Bike Path, the bike path also links to a ½ mile trail to access Fallen Leaf Lake. You can also continue onto the streets of South Lake Tahoe, many of which are lightly trafficked by vehicles and safe for biking, to travel through town and access the restaurants and shopping in downtown South Lake Tahoe.
You can get onto the Pope Baldwin Bike Path at the corner of 15th Street and Eloise Ave. There is also free parking at the Taylor Creek Visitors Center or paid parking at any of the beaches that the trail connects.
Another option for biking on the Pope Baldwin Bike Path is to rent an eBike from Pine Nut Cycle Cafe. Our bike rental shop is located just down the street from the eastern trailhead of the Pope Baldwin trail, making it easy to pick up your standard bike or eBike for the day and head to this popular trail and all of South Lake Tahoe’s best locations. Learn more about our eBikes for rent or reserve yours online today.
