ActivitiesHikingMartis Valley Trail System

Martis Valley Trail System

North Shore, hiking, moderate

35+ miles of flow trails, XC, and technical singletrack in the Martis Valley between Tahoe City and Truckee. Adjacent to Northstar's lift-accessed bike park. Best variety of MTB terrain on the north shore.

In short: Martis Valley Trail System is a moderate hike on Lake Tahoe's North Shore: 35 mi round trip, 1,500 ft of elevation gain, a high point of 7,100 ft. The season is Jun – Oct, no permit is needed, dogs are allowed.

Distance, round trip
35 mi
Elevation gain
1,500 ft
High point
7,100 ft
Difficulty
Moderate

Where it is

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Trail details

  • 35+ miles of trail
  • Flow trails & XC
  • Northstar bike park adjacent
  • Beginner to expert
Trail
Martis Valley / Northstar Trails
Season
Jun – Oct
Permit
None needed
Parking
Free, Multiple access points off Hwy 267
Dogs
Allowed

Go with a guide. Walk the basin with a local guide, on a trail matched to your group and the season.

Guided hike

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Campfires
Metal rings only
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Know before you go

Permits
Desolation Wilderness needs a permit for both day hikes and overnight trips. Most other trails in the basin need none.
Parking
Lots at Eagle Falls, D.L. Bliss and other popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends. Start early or go midweek.
Altitude
Trailheads start around 6,300 feet and the highest summits top 10,000. Carry more water than you would at sea level and take the first day easy.
Weather
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off exposed ridges and summits by early afternoon.

Read the hiking guide

More hiking within 5 miles

Nearest campgrounds

See its pin on the mapAll hiking placesMore on northstarcalifornia.com (opens in a new tab)