About us
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
The Lake Tahoe Nevada Backcountry Patrol operates out of the Spooner Lake entrance, one of a number of unique settings for visitors to enjoy within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The Park system includes six management areas: Sand Harbor, the Lake Tahoe 3 mile shoreline area, Cave Rock, Spooner Lake, and the 12,242 acre Marlette-Hobart Backcountry. Visitors to Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park are welcomed by the lush meadows and shimmering aspen that surround the picturesque Spooner Lake. The easy and well-maintained Spooner Lake Trail provides pleasant views of the alpine lake and its waterfowl, evergreens, wildflowers, and in the fall, blazing red aspen groves. Our year round concessionaire at Spooner Lake has both summer and winter operations. In the summer, for bike rentals and trail conditions, contact Flume Trail Mountain Bikes. In the winter, Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area offers various opportunities for adventure, including easy to moderate trails, daylong treks into the backcountry, or even an overnight stay in a wilderness cabin. In the summer and fall, enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking and biking. The Spooner Lake trailhead is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers as routes to Marlette Lake, the world-famous Marlette Flume Trail, and the Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed from the entrance.
The Spooner Lake entrance to the park is located at the intersection of State Route 28 and U.S. 50. The park is nine miles South of Sand Harbor and 1/2 mile North of Highway 50. For a map to Spooner Lake Park and directions click here.
The Backcountry Patrol
"Promoting the safe, responsible, and enjoyable use of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park backcountry"
The Backcountry Patrol consists of dedicated volunteers who have partnered with land managers, landowners, and emergency personnel to assist, educate, and inform all trail users in order to enhance their recreational experience. The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Backcountry Patrol has been on the trails since 2001 and achieved 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2009. We currently have approximately 25 members patrolling over 75 miles of roads and trails in the park and surrounding areas. Our patrol area includes Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Marlette/Hobart backcountry, and the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Mt. Rose Meadows to Kingsbury Grade. Currently, bikes are not allowed on the Hobart Road to Spooner Summit segment, so patrol here must be done on foot or horseback. Last year alone, we assisted over 2400 visitors by providing services such as trip recommendations, first aid, mechanical assistance (bikes), safety tips and park information on various topics. We cary extra food, water, and park maps to further assist visitors. We are also an IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol affiliate.
The Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is one of the world's premier trails. It passes through two states, six counties, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas. This spectacular trail offers 165 miles of trail that winds peak to peak around stunning Lake Tahoe. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on all portions of the trails, whereas mountain biking is allowed on specified sections of the trail. Please refer to the Tahoe Rim Trail's official site here for additional information. The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Backcountry Patrol operates on the TRT from the Mt. Rose Meadows to Tunnel Creek Road (open to bikes on even days), Tunnel Creek to Hobart Road, and from Spooner Summit to Kingsbury Grade. The middle section, Hobart Road to Spooner summit, is currently off limits to bike travel and must be patrolled by foot or horseback.