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Sawtooth Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Running trail in Truckee, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sawtooth Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Outdoor recreation spot featuring mountain biking and hiking trails, with some suitable for beginners.
What runners say about Sawtooth Trailhead
“The lovely path thru the park provides beautiful views of the forest.”
“This zone is well marked and is perfect for riders of all abilities.”
“Otherwise, this is a serene and gorgeous park.”
“Big Chief is a wonderful trail but lots of beginner friendly trails at the bottom with great views.”
Quiet and peaceful for offroading. I will be back soon. My pup was so happy on this trail
Great trail head with easy to access mountain bike trails. The sawtooth loop is 10 miles but there are a series of shorter loops that are more bike park terrain.
Nice area for both hiking and mountain biking. Trails are marked pretty well. Multiple parking areas.
Great flowy single track for onewheeling or biking in places, technical and rocky in other places. Confused on the oneway arrows that were pointing up in spots while riders flying down said it was opposite. It is visible enough to jump out of the way and let them fly by, but it should be a bit more clear is all.
Trail conditions & character
“Half way through there is a picnic table with a great canyon view, which includes highway 80.”
“Me and some friends did a 10 mile MTB loop which was rocky at first but slowly got better with a great ending.”
“The Sawtooth Trail and the vast network of trails that this trailhead provides access to is fantastic.”
“Me and some friends did a 10 mile MTB loop which was rocky at first but slowly got better with a great ending.”
“Otherwise, this is a serene and gorgeous park.”
“It has a bathroom and even some picnic tables, which we've put to good use a few times in between laps.”
“This zone is well marked and is perfect for riders of all abilities.”
Plan your run at Sawtooth Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Running trails near Truckee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Truckee River Regional Park
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Riverview Sports Park
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Donner Memorial State Park
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This park offers hiking, camping, fishing, boating, the Emigrant Trail Museum & a historic monument.