By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
Lake Tahoe’s East Shore backcountry is facing a major shift this summer — and beyond. As of March 31, 2025, the Nevada Division of State Parks has closed large portions of the trail network around Marlette Lake for critical dam repairs, a project expected to last into 2026. The announcement has wide-reaching implications for hikers, mountain bikers, bike rental and shuttle businesses, and summer visitors who flock to one of the Sierra’s most beloved scenic rides: the route from Spooner Summit to Incline Village via the Flume Trail.
🚨 What’s Closed?
The following trails and areas are now off-limits to the public:
- North Canyon Road
- Marlette Lake Trail
- Marlette Creek Trail
- Hobart Road (from Laxalt Junction to Marlette Lake)
- Marlette Dam Trail
- Marlette Flume Trail South from the Rock Slide
- Marlette Lake Road
- Snow Valley Peak Road
- North Canyon Campground
- Hobbie Leonard Cabin
Additionally, due to ongoing gas line repairs, closures also remain in effect on:
- Franktown Creek Road
- Snapdragon Trail
- Hanna’s Cabin Trail
- Pipeline Road
- Red House Flume Road
- Lakeview Road
🚴♂️ What’s Still Open?
The Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail remain accessible for users looking to navigate around the area. Hobart Reservoir and Ash Canyon Road are also still open — though visitors should expect limited access and avoid all posted construction zones.
Notably, the Flume Trail remains open north of the rockslide area. Riders and hikers who normally begin at Spooner Lake and travel through Marlette Lake will need to adjust their entry points and route plans accordingly.
💬 Why This Matters
This closure touches the heart of the East Shore’s summer recreation. Every season, mountain bikers ride shuttles to Spooner Lake State Park for the classic downhill cruise past Marlette Lake, through aspen groves and alpine meadows, and onto the Flume Trail, one of the most photographed rides in the country. With North Canyon Road and Marlette Lake Trail offline, that experience — as it’s traditionally known — is no longer an option until 2026.
For local businesses offering shuttle rides and bike rentals in Incline Village, this may mean reduced demand or the need to pivot to alternative routes. The closures will also impact visitors seeking backcountry solitude and lakeside picnics near Marlette — an area long revered for its stillness and beauty.
🛑 A Word of Caution
While it may be tempting to sneak into closed areas or find backdoor routes, the Nevada Division of State Parks is clear: Accessing closed trails and entering construction zones is prohibited. These are active worksites with drained reservoirs, construction equipment, and unstable conditions. Don’t risk your safety — or the chance to explore responsibly in the future.
📍 Know Before You Go
For updates, route alternatives, or trail status:
- Call Spooner Lake State Park at 775-749-5980
- Contact Jonathan Lesperance (Lumos Inc.) – jlesperance@LumosInc.com
- Or reach Jason Crosby (Public Works) – 775-720-0473
We’ll continue to track this story throughout the season, offering updates and new trail alternatives for riders and hikers. If you’ve got local knowledge to share or want to suggest alternate routes for mountain bikers and hikers in the area, reach out to us — we’d love to feature your tips.
