After years of review and public input, federal land managers have approved a wide-ranging plan that will change how people move around Lake Tahoe on trails.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service issued a final decision Friday for the Basin-Wide Trails Analysis Project, a plan that expands e-bike use and increases access and connectivity across the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
“This is a highly anticipated project," said Forest Supervisor Erick Walker. “During the planning process, interested community members submitted feedback that was instrumental in shaping the final decision.”
The planning effort examined the existing road and trail system, potential environmental impacts, and where e-bike access could be added while maintaining public safety, according to the Forest Service.
Work on the project is expected to begin in June 2026. The plan calls for building new e-bike trails, including a new branch of the Pope Baldwin Bike Path that will be open to e-bikes, along with new motorcycle trails and new non-motorized trails.
The decision also designates additional routes open to e-bikes and motorcycles, adds three new trailheads, and includes upgrades to existing trailheads, parking areas, and access points.
Paved parking and restrooms are planned at Pine Drop, Brockway Summit, and Elks Point.
Crews will also upgrade road and trail crossings to improve aquatic organism passage and install new wayfinding and interpretive signs.
E-bike use is already allowed on national forest roads and trails designated for motor vehicle use under the Forest Service Travel Management Rule and Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Those maps will be updated to reflect the new e-bike and motorcycle routes approved in the decision.
The final Decision Notice and supporting documents are available on the project webpage and on Pinyon Public.
Questions about the project can be directed to Environmental Coordinator Ashley Sibr at ashley.sibr@usda.gov.
For more information or updates on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, visit the website by clicking here.
