In October 2024, Nevada was awarded a $10 million grant to improve the safety and functionality of Marlette Lake Dam. At the time, the implications for mountain bikers on the east shore of Lake Tahoe weren’t immediately clear. However, with the release of the trail closure list by the Nevada Division of Public Works, it became evident that shuttle access to the Flume Trail and a few of the other major east shore MTB trails would be affected. Here’s an overview of the situation.
The Work Is Needed
Marlette Lake has been in existence since 1873, when a small earthen dam was constructed to provide water for the Comstock Lode. An engineering marvel of its time, this water system is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In response to the growing needs of Carson City, the dam was raised to its current height of 45 feet in 1959.
Today, the dam serves multiple purposes, including acting as a brood lake for trout. It also supplies water to both Carson City and Virginia City. According to Jason Crosby, project manager for the Nevada Division of Public Works, the dam has not undergone significant maintenance since 1956. As a result, it’s in urgent need of repair and upgrades began in the summer of 2025. The water has been lowered by 20 feet, and both the dam and outlet pipes are being replaced.
What Trails Around Spooner Lake Remain Closed in 2026?
To accommodate the necessary dam repairs, the Nevada Division of State Parks announced extensive trail closures effective March 31, 2025, within Spooner Lake State Park and the surrounding backcountry. Many of these closures will remain in effect through summer 2026. However, there is some good news for mountain bikers: the iconic Flume Trail has reopened earlier than expected on weekends throughout June 2026, with the possibility of expanding to seven-day-a-week access in July if construction progress continues as planned. For a complete list of current closures, refer to Carson City Now’s article. And if you’re wondering what this means for riding one of Tahoe’s most famous trails, check out our latest update: “Flume Trail is Back, Baby! June 2026 Reopening.”
Mountain Bikers Lose Crucial Connectors
The closure of the Flume Trail segment from the dam to Rock Slide may not seem like a major disruption. However, a closer look reveals its broader impact on Lake Tahoe mountain biking. Many riders typically take a shuttle from Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park and then ride downhill. Good news is both Marlette Lake Trail and Marlette Road are now open on weekends in June 2026, so bikers have a way to reach the trailhead.
What about the Tahoe Rim Trail?
Another potential connector to these trails is the Tahoe Rim Trail. Many sections of the trail are open to mountain bikers. However, the portion that would provide easy access from Spooner State Park to eastern trails, such as Capital to Tahoe, is closed to bikes. While the Capital to Tahoe singletrack will remain open, riders will no longer be able to start from Spooner. Instead, they’ll need to start from Highway 431, increasing the ride distance from 25 miles to 31 miles. Additionally, the segment from Highway 431 of the Tahoe Rim Trail can only be accessed by mountain bikers on even days.
Rose to Toads 2026 is a Monster!
Then there’s the legendary Rose to Toads ride. It’s a tough 62-mile route with over 8,000 feet of climbing and 10,000 feet of descent, linking up some of the best trails on both sides of the lake. With a key segment currently closed, the route has had to get creative. TAMBA and the Forest Service teamed up to build something pretty special instead of just cutting it short. For 2025, they didn’t stick to the usual 8,000 feet of climbing. The reroute added a section that bikes had never touched before, plus another 1,000 feet of climbing, bringing the total to around 9,000 feet. And for 2026, they made it happen again. USFS is giving a one-day-only green light to ride a unique stretch of the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Since the closure was announced in March 2025, the situation has remained fluid and subject to change. As work progresses, updates can happen quickly.
Be sure to stay in the loop by checking in with us at Local Freshies® as the story continues to evolve.
