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Upper Truckee River Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Upper Truckee River Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Upper Truckee River Trail
“The Upper Truckee River Trail was an beautiful easy (less strenuous) walk/trail 🥾🥾 that my family and I decided to take on our morning walk.”
An amazing place to go hiking in South Lake Tahoe. The trail is flat and follows the Upper Truckee River and also cuts through a large spacious and beautiful meadow. Best in Spring or Summer, can make an easy 1.5 mile loop or hike or bike further into the expansive larger meadow with amazing open flat views.
Beautiful meadow and great for pictures against mountains and river, plus old downed trees that are like skeletons. Be prepared to get wet feet as it is still (June) very wet on the trail.
The Upper Truckee River Trail was an beautiful easy (less strenuous) walk/trail 🥾🥾 that my family and I decided to take on our morning walk. This is a great location for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
This is our favorite hiking trail in tahoe We owned a cabin right at the start of the trail! youtube Super star Austin Ca$h caught a massive brown trout near tahoe keys with a spoon lure! Look at tthis thing!
Trail conditions & character
“The Upper Truckee River Trail was an beautiful easy (less strenuous) walk/trail 🥾🥾 that my family and I decided to take on our morning walk.”
“This is essentially our back yard, and an amazing place with endless trails to hike, walk and stroll along the river with our dog.”
“The trail is flat and follows the Upper Truckee River and also cuts through a large spacious and beautiful meadow.”
Plan your run at Upper Truckee River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near South Lake Tahoe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Washoe Meadows State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Undeveloped valley woodland & meadows offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing & river fishing.
High Meadow Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
Popular park with a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, plus scenic views.
Bijou Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 952 reviews
Meadow park with basketball, volleyball & skateboard areas, disc golf, a dog run & railroad exhibit.
