The dream of a continuous trail stretching from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake has taken an exciting step forward. We are thrilled to share progress on the Feasibility Study for one of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail’s most vital sections yet: a 30-mile multi-modal corridor extending from Vista Boulevard in Sparks to Wadsworth, with a spur into Fernley.

Beyond completing Janet Phillip’s original vision of building a scenic path along the full-length of the Truckee River for hikers and cyclists, these final sections hold tremendous potential as an alternative transportation corridor. With over 25,000 employees commuting daily along I-80 to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), a dedicated multi-use trail offers a safer, sustainable commuting option for our growing region.

Laying the Groundwork: This study is funded by a federal grant administered by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), with leading engineering firm Wood Rodgers conducting the technical analysis. To date, the team has built a comprehensive GIS database using advanced LiDAR aerial mapping, mapped land ownership, and evaluated environmental and physical constraints along the river, railroad, and interstate corridor.

After walking potential routes on-site, Wood Rodgers and subconsultant Rail Pros are now using modeling tools to refine route options, evaluate railroad rights-of-way, and develop segment-by-segment cost estimates.

What’s Next & How to Get Involved: Community collaboration is key to bringing this trail to life. Over the coming months, Wood Rodgers and the TPT will engage directly with private landowners, local agencies, and key regional partners to evaluate route possibilities.

Most importantly, your voice matters. Public and stakeholder meetings will be scheduled this fall and winter to present initial concepts, gather community input, and review potential alignments together. As those public meetings are scheduled, we will be sure to let you know when, where and how to participate - your support will be vital to the success of this project.

Looking Ahead to 2027: In early 2027, input gathered from the public, landowners, and a Technical Advisory Committee will help Wood Rodgers and the TPT to finalize a preferred route. Wood Rodgers will complete the Feasibility Report for presentation to the TPT Board and regional agency leadership in Spring or Summer 2027—setting the stage for future design and construction.

Stay tuned for upcoming public meeting announcements, and thank you for your continued support as we work to fulfill the original dream to complete the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail!

~ Mark Cameron, President & CEO

Hopefully by now  you’re aware that land owned by Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) in the Truckee Canyon will be closed for construction work between the Quilici Ranch Road Trailhead and Fleish Bridge from September to May of 2027. The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) passes through this section of land, and we need to respect this closure for everyone’s safety and for the future use of TMWA-owned land.

I can tell you that I use this portion of the trail almost weekly, so we all feel the impact. The closure could possibly extend through May, so let’s take this opportunity to discover some new trails to explore locally. Maybe there is a section of the TPT that you haven’t explored yet! There are plenty of resources available to help to find them.

There are hundreds of hiking books featuring the Reno/Tahoe area. We are truly blessed with the incredible number and variety of trails around us. Some of these trails may require a little travel, but they are surely worth the drive. If you’re looking for something closer to home, we’ve promoted Urban Trails Reno by Helena Guglielmino in the past. She focuses on neighborhood trails organized geographically. Helena is a local author, and her book is well put-together and filled with great ideas.

Hiking and biking apps can also be a great source of new trails to explore. One of the advantages of using an app is that you can access it while you’re out on the trail, which can be especially helpful. AllTrails is one of the more popular options and offers a free version with limited features.

Nevada Trail Finder is another great resource for exploring trails throughout Nevada. It includes not only hiking and biking trails, but also opportunities for rock climbing, paddling, horseback riding, ATV riding, and more.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Every time I work the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail booth at events throughout the year, I find myself talking about our “Ride the Rez.” event. It’s a great opportunity to ride the section of the trail between Wadsworth and Nixon, located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation.

This is a beautiful but remote section of the trail, so the ride is also a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded cyclists and enjoy the route together. Once again, Randy Collins of College Cyclery will be our guide.

This year, the ride is scheduled earlier than in the past, on October 4th, and we’re hoping the weather will cooperate. We’ve had a few rainy and cold rides in previous years, so we’re hoping to avoid that scenario this time! If weather conditions require us to cancel, we’ll email everyone on the RSVP list.

We’ll start at 9:30 a.m. This is an intermediate gravel/mountain bike ride, and tubeless tires are a good idea. E-bikes are welcome, but only Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are permitted. Helmets are required and make sure your bike is in good condition. 

The route includes pavement, dirt roads, and singletrack. The ride is approximately 18–20 miles one way and will take about 2–3 hours of riding time. We’ll regroup along the way so everyone has a chance to stay together.

About halfway along the trail, we’ll take a break, and treats will be provided. Marie Norell will be our support person.

At the end of the ride, we’ll provide a shuttle for approximately 20 bikes back to the cars in Nixon. Because shuttling so many bikes and riders could require several trips, you may want to bring a snack for the end of the ride. Bill vonPhul will be our driver.

Cyclists who would like to ride back to Nixon may do so. Several routes are available, but riders returning on their own will not be guided.

RSVP

To RSVP, email info@tptrail.org. Please use “Ride the Rez” as the subject line and include all riders' names and whether they need the shuttle.

All riders must sign a liability waiver and provide an emergency contact. Please arrive a few minutes early to complete these requirements.

Please note, you will need to purchase a Permit

A Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe day-use permit is required for each vehicle and costs $25 per car. Carpooling is encouraged.

Permits are available at:
https://pyramidlake.us/permits

We hope you’ll join us for a great day on one of the most beautiful and remote sections of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail!

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

We are thrilled to welcome our newest Board Member, Dale Schneeberger! With over 41 years of experience spanning scientific research, environmental consulting, and academia, Dale brings a rare depth of expertise that will be invaluable as we design and construct new trail segments.

Dale began his career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, performing planetary geology research using the Viking Orbiter data, a science liaison for the Mars Observer team and tracking asteroids at the Mount Palomar Observatory. In 1989, he transitioned into environmental geology, later co-founding an environmental consulting firm where he served as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. Over a 36-year career in environmental geology, he managed multi-million-dollar projects across the United States and internationally, specializing in natural resource restoration, geologic hazard evaluations, SWPPP planning, and NEPA/CEQA environmental compliance.

Dale is a licensed Professional Geologist and a Class A Engineering Contractor with hazardous materials certification. His deep background in soil and water investigations, environmental permitting, and post-construction habitat restoration will help ensure our future trail projects are environmentally sound, regulatory-compliant, and built to last.

Beyond his consulting work, Dale spent over 19 years as an adjunct geology professor, sharing his passion for earth sciences through hands-on field instruction. His contributions earned him formal recognition from the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists for 35 years of service to the profession.

Today, Dale remains deeply committed to community service in Nevada, volunteering with the Nevada Veterans Coalition, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office VIP program, the American Legion, local Boy Scouts, and the Nevada State Museum. We are immensely fortunate to have Dale’s technical vision and community spirit on the TPT board as we forge new paths forward!

“My interest in the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail comes in part from my many decades of working as an environmental scientist. With an educational background in biology and geology, and many years of teaching, I recognize the importance of providing the public with safe access to explore the wonders of nature. The existing portions of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail provide this but the planned expansion to Pyramid Lake will only further enhance this experience and fulfill a dream that was started over two decades ago. I am excited to use my experience to help fulfill my dream.”

Welcome to the TPT board, Dale. We are thrilled to have you join our team!

~ Mark Cameron, President & CEO

* The Trail Closure from Quilici Ranch Road to Fleish Bridge goes through May 2027. 

* We will have a booth at REI on September 19th. Drop by and say hi. 

* Our annual Ride the Rez is on October 4th. Register and make sure to purchase your parking permit.

* Submit your photos for the TPT photo contest of people and landscape.

https://tahoepyramidtrail.org/2026-people-pictures/

* Bike jerseys are for purchase at College Cyclery, Paco’s in Truckee, and Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

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