Gravel Bikepacking Routes

Truckee to Mt Lassen Gravel Routes
Camping or motel tours
Routes & itineraries vetted by locals


Gravel Bikepacking Routes


TruLassen Shorty – 4 Days | Camping

Get access for $25

What’s a Guide Pack?

Overview

As the name suggests, this route is a shorter alternative to the full TruLassen Tour. You’ll ride the southern part of the route, cutting the loop by heading back after Susanville. You’ll miss the ride over Mt Lassen, but, instead, you’ll do a fun traverse along a mountain range that offers eye-popping views.

The 4-day itinerary is only a suggestion. It’s appropriate for relatively-fit riders who have some experience doing long, back-to-back days on a bike.

Your Guide Pack will provide all the information you need to tailor your trip. There are plenty of camping and motel options along the route. Take your time and ride at a “party pace” or take on the challenge of cranking out bigger days.

Route

Stats

Total Miles = 273, Total Ascent = 17,800 feet

Terrain:

  • 60% gravel
  • 35% pavement
  • 5% singletrack

Recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1: 70 miles | 3,500 feet
  • Day 2: 61 miles | 4,300 feet
  • Day 3: 76 miles | 6,900 feet
  • Day 4: 66 miles | 3,300 feet

Two alternative tracks are included for making the route shorter.

  1. Cut out the climb over to Susanville (and the Bizz Johnson Trial). With this alternative, Total Miles =238, Total Ascent = 15,700ft
  2. Cut out both Susanville and Greenville and head straight to Taylorsville. With this alternative, Total Miles =213, Total Ascent = 12,500ft

The TruLassen Tour – 6 Days | Camping

Get access for $25

What’s a Guide Pack?

Overview

This is the premier gravel tour through the northern Sierras. Enjoy a mix of big climbs with epic views, cruises across bucolic valleys, and the stunning Mt Lassen National Park. It’s about as close to riding in Switzerland as you can get. You can stay in campgrounds each night, but also enjoy hot meals or beverages in Loyalton, Susanville, Old Station, Chester, Greenville, and Portola (optional stop in Taylorsville).

The 6-day itinerary is only a suggestion. It’s appropriate for very-fit riders who have some experience doing long, back-to-back days on a bike.

Your Guide Pack will provide all the information you need to tailor your trip. There are plenty of camping and motel options along the route. Take your time and ride at a “party pace” or take on the challenge of cranking out bigger days.

**If you are participating in the TruLasssen bikepacking event, you are not required to purchase this Guide Pack. A free, basic version of the route is provided to participants. The Guide Pack is ideal for people touring the route or event participants who want to save time researching the route.

Route

Stats

Total Miles = 452, Total Ascent = 30,000 feet

Terrain:

  • 60% gravel
  • 35% pavement
  • 5% singletrack

Recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1: 87 miles | 5,300 feet
  • Day 2: 61 miles | 4,300 feet
  • Day 3: 86 miles | 6,100 feet
  • Day 4: 69 miles | 6,100 feet
  • Day 5: 90 miles | 5,500 feet
  • Day 6: 60 miles | 3,200 feet

Sierra Sampler – 2 Days | Motel

Get access for $25

What’s a Guide Pack?

Overview

Enjoy supreme gravel roads, flowy singletrack, and views from (optional) fire lookouts. Choose the terrain and experience you’re in the mood for. Your motel or inn awaits in Loyalton, on the edge of the beautiful Sierra Valley. Food options include burgers/beers and omelettes for breakfast.

Route

Stats

  • Total Miles = 88-100, Total Ascent = varies
  • Terrain:
    • 80% gravel
    • 10% pavement
    • 10% singletrack
  • Day 1 Options:
    • Verdi Lookout: 49 miles | 4,500ft
    • Tahoe Pyramid Trail: 51 miles | 3,400ft
  • Day 2 Options:
    • Chill Return: 38 miles | 2,900ft
    • Independence Lake: 42 miles | 3,700ft
    • Sardine Lookout: 49 miles | 4,800ft

ACA Sierra Cascades Mixie Alternative – 2 Days

Get access for $15

What’s a Guide Pack?

Overview

If you are touring Adventure Cycling Association’s Sierra Cascades route with tires that are 35mm or wider, take this beautiful alternative to avoid a bad stretch of HWY 89 between Truckee and Greenville. The Adventure Cycling Association actually recommends taking a bus for part of that stretch to avoid the narrow roads and logging trucks going 55+ mph.

This 106-mile alternative is scenic and includes plenty of options for resupplies, camping, and motels. You’ll ride on quiet, paved and gravel roads past beautiful lakes and meadows. And you’ll pass through small, quaint towns nestled on the edges of valleys. The gravel roads are generally high quality, but wider tires will give you more confidence on the descents.

Compared to the ACA route, you’ll add about 15 more miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Well worth it to avoid the stress of riding on HWY 89.

Your Guide Pack will provide all the information you need to tailor your trip. The 2-day motel itinerary is only a suggestion. There are plenty of options for motels and campgrounds to break this ride into 3 days. And you can ride this route from either direction (Truckee to Greenville or vice versa).

Route

Stats

Total Miles = 106, Total Ascent = 4,500 feet

Terrain:

  • 40% gravel
  • 60% pavement

Recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1: 56 miles | 1,700 feet
  • Day 2: 50 miles | 2,800 feet

Grizzly Rambler – 2 Days | Camping (Coming Soon)


TruLassen Northern – 4 Days | Camping (Coming Soon)


2 Lookouts, 1 Brewery – 4 Days | Motels (Coming Soon)

Overview

If you want spectacular days of riding gravel, but still get into town early enough to enjoy a meal and a bed to sleep in….this is your route. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views after climbing to (optional) fire lookouts and have time to dip your toes in pristine lakes. At the end of Day 3, celebrate with drinks at the famous Brewing Lair. Don’t overdue it though, the last day packs in a lot of climbing and views as you make your way back to Truckee.

Route

Stats

  • Total Miles = 228, Total Ascent = 20,500ft
  • Terrain:
    • 70% gravel
    • 25% pavement
    • 5% singletrack
  • Day 1: 49 miles | 4,500ft
  • Day 2: 69 miles | 3,700ft
  • Day 3: 45 miles | 5,200ft
  • Day 4: 65 miles | 7,000ft

TruLassen Motel Tour – ? Days | Motels – (Coming Soon)


Purchase TruLassen Shorty Guide Pack 2022

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USD 25.00

Purchase The Trulassen Tour Guide Pack 2022

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USD 25.00

Purchase Sierra Sampler Guide Pack 2022

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USD 25.00

Purchase ACA Sierra Cascades Mixie Alternative Guide Pack 2022

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USD 15.00