A $250K Donation Just Made This 12-Mile Tahoe Bike Loop a Reality

James Moore · 2026-08-13

Two of Lake Tahoe's most beloved West Shore destinations — Meeks Bay and Lost Lake — have been separated by rugged terrain for decades. That's about to change. The Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA) is putting the finishing touches on roughly five miles of new singletrack that will finally reconnect these classic spots. When complete, riders will have access to an iconic 12-mile loop that's been years in the making. Building trails isn't cheap. Fortunately for the mountain biking community, a generous $250,000 donation from Kyle and Jessica Aster is funding the 2026 build season, pushing this ambitious project across the finish line. ### What Makes Meeks Ridge Special Meeks Ridge is the centerpiece of this project. Executive Director Drew Bray described it to Singletracks as "a flowy and fun trail that offers a steady climb toward the top of the ridge." The switchbacks tackling the steep pitch will lead riders to jaw-dropping panoramic views of Desolation Wilderness, Meeks Bay, and Meeks Meadow. This trail pulls double duty. It serves as a climbing route for those tackling the loop clockwise, and it offers an easier descent alternative to the black and double-black trails nearby. Keep in mind, though — "easier" is relative. The surrounding terrain features granite slabs and large boulders, so this is really "Tahoe intermediate." Expect roughly 1,400 feet of elevation gain or loss over about five miles. Class 1 e-bikes are welcome. ### The Full 12-Mile Loop Breakdown The loop combines three distinct trails, two of which are already rideable: - **General Creek** — Starts with a dirt-road climb before hitting singletrack. The first two miles (Sugar Pine section) are intermediate. After that, it gets punchier for about a mile (black diamond), then drops into a quarter-mile double-black stretch. - **Lost Lake Trail** — A two-mile black diamond offering that connects seamlessly from General Creek. - **Meeks Ridge** — The new five-mile connector that closes the loop. Riding the loop clockwise gives you a solid 1,600-foot descent. The double-black section of General Creek flows directly into Lost Lake Trail, rewarding those who put in the climbing work. ### From Dream to Reality The idea of connecting Meeks Bay to Lost Lake via singletrack has floated around for years. It finally gained traction in 2022 when volunteer crews broke ground. In 2023, the Tahoe Fund stepped in and brought professional trail builders on board. Together, they've completed the first four miles of Meeks Ridge. Right now, the project sits at 75% complete. TAMBA expects to wrap things up by fall 2027. That timeline feels close, especially considering how much work has already gone into this. ### The Generosity Behind the Build Kyle Aster summed up why this project matters to him: "Over the years, I've seen first-hand how trails provide refuge to so many. Turn your phone off, go for a short hike, bike, or ski, and come back grounded in a better reality." That $250,000 gift isn't just about dirt and switchbacks. It's about creating a place where everyone is out trying to have a good time — a rare thing these days. For riders who've waited years to connect these two iconic spots, the payoff is almost here. The loop will open up a new way to experience Tahoe's West Shore, and honestly, it can't come soon enough.