There’s nothing like the ride or hike where you get into the zone and the miles fly by, timelessly. Sensing everything: the temperature, shade and sun, warm comfortable muscles and the spectacular sights as everything passes by. On this “slightly” snowy morning in late April, I’m contemplating the upcoming summer and the grandeur of my next ride along the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail.

For me, riding from Truckee to Reno started as an adventure long before the trail was established. Around 2005, when I was working in downtown Reno and living in Glenshire/Truckee, I started riding my mountain bike on my morning commute from home to work in Reno. There were many wrong turns as I found my way.  For the first few times, I took Iceland Road towards the log cabin, then switched to the tracks and bridges east of Hirschdale. I found old sections of Highway 40 and eventually put together the best and fastest route which involved crossing the tracks twice, and riding across two train trestles - many days the ride was a new adventure.

The establishment of the TPT meant I could experience this place on beautiful groomed trails. Over time, I’ve seen more and more people, certainly bikers and hikers, but also fishermen, rock climbers, kayakers and rafters, and families who access the river, all experiencing the TPT and the wonderful access it provides.

Even though it is a bit cool in the mornings, our perfect weather has arrived. Please help us spread the word, invite a friend to join you, feel the rush of water at the Fleisch Bridge, or just enjoy the peace and beauty of hundreds of amazing locations along the trail. This is our trail, our place to experience. Welcome to summer!

~ Chris Asking,TPT Board Chair

Last month, when my friends and I did our annual bikepacking trip, we rode between Rio Vista, California and Sacramento on one of our days. We passed an intriguing stone monument which read “Tug on anything at all and you’ll find it connected to everything else in the universe”. This apparently is taken with liberties from a John Muir quote but it reminds me of how valuable our rivers are. 

Our trip took us on a tour of Rancho Cordova on day one, to Winters for day two and then to Rio Vista for day 3 which included an Uber ride – always be flexible! We then rode back to Rancho Cordova catching a ferry and a train, all part of the adventure! We cycled on roads or paths following the American and Sacramento Rivers through urban areas, farmland, and the delta, known for its fishing. While riding back to Sacramento on our return, we passed the stone monument shown above and it captured my attention. I think the rivers are the “tug” that connects everything. Rivers are one of our life lines that allows for cities to thrive, farms to provide food, wildlife and other ecosystems to exist, and the recreation that our bodies need. But to maintain our rivers so all of that can happen, we need a healthy river. 

One non-profit organization in the Reno area is One Truckee River, which has a mission “to ensure a healthy and thriving river connected to its community”. There are others too that share the need to take care of our rivers. Please check out the link below. It talks about being a good steward by staying on the trail, picking up after yourself and your dog, along with many other things you can do while on the TPT and at home or in your neighborhoods. It only takes a minute and it’s a good reminder that we are a part of that “tug” that affects whatever is downstream!

May is Truckee River Month so go out and enjoy our rivers responsibly, whether you are walking alongside or floating downstream.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is more than just a path—it's a place where adventures happen, memories are made, and the beauty of the region between Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake shines. Now we want to see it through your eyes.

We're inviting you to share what makes the trail special to you. Whether it's a sunrise ride, a peaceful riverside walk, a family outing, or that perfect moment in the wild—we're looking for photos that showcase people enjoying the trail in all its forms.

Submit your photos on our website. This is an ongoing opportunity to contribute to our trail community, and we're always looking for fresh perspectives. Photos selected for use on our website or in our communications will be credited to you as the photographer—because great shots deserve recognition.

Here's what we're looking for:

You don't need to be a professional—just bring your love for the trail and a good eye for the moment.

Submit your photos and help us showcase the spirit of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail—one image at a time.

From conversations I have had with people at our events or on the trail, so many have hiked or biked sections of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT), but they still have one or two sections that they have not traveled. How about making a goal this year to complete the cycle, no pun intended?

The TPT traverses such a diverse landscape, from the mountainous, forested Lake Tahoe to the desert oasis of Pyramid Lake. The history alone is worth the adventure. We appreciate and welcome the five TPT adventurers above that have joined the club! 

When you hear the trains, think back to 1868 when the first train from Truckee to Reno came through. When you hear the highway noise, go back to the 1920’s when the Victory Highway (Highway 40) was built; you actually hike or bike on sections while on the TPT. Some people think the noises from these vehicles are distracting, but you can focus on the trail as an alternative transportation opportunity! I would guess many of the people in their cars would rather be walking on the TPT than driving I-80. So much more relaxing and no traffic jams. 

As you then come out of the canyon, there are many parks along the way to enjoy. Crystal Peak Park in Verdi was previously the site of the old Verdi Lumber Company in the early 1900’s, which supplied materials to developing communities and mines. Idlewild and Wingfield Parks are over 100 years old, with Idlewild Park hosting the Victory Highway celebration in 1927, marking the construction of the California Building in honor of the celebration.

As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, a favored section is the Nature Conservancy land between Mustang Ranch Road and USA Park, where wildlife abounds! Historically, it has gone through so many changes and has been restored to its natural flow, as a much healthier ecosystem to Pyramid Lake.

Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake is a special and sacred area. The Paiute Tribe has inhabited the lands for thousands of years. The Lake has unique white tufa formations coming from the waters, and this section has a stunning desert landscape, not to be missed. 

Every section of the TPT is unique, whether it be in the ecosystem, the history or both. Take the time this year to get out and bike or hike the sections that may be new to you. Enjoy the accomplishment in such a feat – 93 miles! Once you do, send us a picture of you on the trail and a few sentences of your experience. You then will receive some goodies that are unique to the 93 Mile Club. I would love to do an article on people's adventures while attaining this goal. Show your love of the TPT and enjoy! For you birders, I would love to see a list of the birds found along the way! That would be amazing. 

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Come join us for the 21st Annual Cookie Ride at Crystal Peak Park on Sunday, May 17th. This event is in celebration of the Mogul to Verdi path, the first section that the TPT constructed so that mainly cyclists could ride to Verdi safely, without having to ride on I-80. 

Ride or hike from any location and meet at Crystal Peak Park in Verdi between 10 and 11:30 am for some tasty treats. We’ll serve homemade cookies, so we need bakers too!

In the past, we have had cyclists coming from Reno or Sparks to join us, mountain bikers coming from Quilici Ranch Road, and hikers coming from any which way! For our local runners, make it a training run for those participating in the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. The trail is a great place to train. Have fun with whatever your route is and we hope to see you on May 17th. 

If you could help provide a few dozen cookies, please contact Marie Norell at 775 233-1211. We would greatly appreciate it.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

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