High Sierras & Sequoias Bike Tour
Our Reno/Redwoods Road tour draws figurative inspiration from the poet laureate of the High Sierra, John Muir. Inhaling endless High-Country horizon from a fast and nimble road bike or one of our ebikes, we steadily climb some of the loftiest, if lightly traveled passes in the Sierra Nevada; riding in the long-ago slipstream of Jedediah Smith, the aforementioned Muir, John Fremont, Mark Twain, not to overlook the countless 19th century immigrants. From an immersion in the rich Western lore of California’s gold country and the Comstock Lode, we literally hug some of the oldest and grandest trees on Earth, the giant Sequoia: the biggest and best of the last.
Highlights
- Reno
- Sierra Mountains
- Giant Sequoias
- Murphys a gold mining settlement
- Ebbetts Pass
- Grover State Park
Details
| Type | Road bike, hybrid bike, E-bike |
| Duration | 5 days |
| Level | Easy, moderate, challenging |
| Support | Guided |
| Daily distance | 20 – 33 mi |
| Total distance | 198 mi |
| Group size | min. 6 max. 13 |
| Lodging | Casual Inns |
| Bicycle | Rental |
| Month | June, July, August, September |
| Start | Reno |
| Finish | Reno |
| States or country | Nevada |
| Airport start | Int. airport Reno-Tahoe |
| Airport finish | Int. airport Reno-Tahoe |
Starting from $ 3,409.00
*Please note the prices are subject to change depending availability *
Itinerary
Day 1: Markleville to Coleville
Meet-up in “The Biggest Little City in The World”: Reno. Shuttle to/lunch in the lush grass valleys around Markleville, California. Climb to Monitor Pass. Southeast of Lake Tahoe, this 13-mile ascent overlooks the Western side of the Great Basin. Wend toward Walker; and ultimately, a layover in Coleville, all postcard perfect Midcentury Modern charm and open road romance.
Total Easy Miles 20 | 1450 Feet Gain
Total Moderate Mileage | 29 Miles | 3123 Feet Gain |
Casual Inn: Meadowcliff Lodge
Day 2: Coleville to Pinecrest
Next, ride from Walker to Pinecrest with a climb to the Sonora summit – the second highest pass in The Sierra then descend for miles along one of the original immigrant routes during the 1840s and 50sFinish the day at Pinecrest, on the banks of the Pinecrest Lake.
Total Easy miles 20 | 872 Feet Gain
Total Moderate Miles 36 | 1967 Miles Feet Gain
Total Seasoned Miles 69 | 7098 Miles Feet Gain | Casual Inn | Casual Inn: Pinecrest Lake Resort
Day 3: Pinecrest to Murphy
On this fine day we Ride to Murphy, the “Queen of The Sierras”. A gold mining settlement turned haute wine destination—no less than 25 different tasting rooms. Sweep into the town of Sonora. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Sonora—named for the Sonoran miners who settled the City in 1848—has held fast to its historic charm. Vestiges of the town’s mining and logging legacy, many of Sonora’s buildings date back to the 1800s. Overnight in historic Murphy’s in the Stanislaus National Forest, one of our oldest (established in 1897).
Total Easy Miles 20 | 848 Feet Gain
Total Moderate Miles | 3097 Feet Gain |
Casual Inn: Murphys Inn
Day 4: Murphy to Bear Valley
Today we Ride to Avery, gateway to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This 390-acre preserve, the smallest within the US Forest Service nonetheless packs enormous visual impact, if not great spiritual lift by virtue of its two giant Sequoias groves – The world’s largest tree. Our day culminates in the high alpine town of Bear Valley – midway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.
Total Easy Miles 6 | 694 Feet Gain
Total Moderate Miles 23 | 3351 Miles Feet Gain
Total Seasoned Miles 38 | 6136 Miles Feet Gain
Casual Inn: Tamarack Lodge at Bear Valley
Day 5: Bear Valley to Markleville
Climb to the top of the 8751-ft Ebbetts Pass. Then, a beautiful epic descent along the 131-mile long Carson River—where Grizzly Adams trapped beaver and fished for cutthroat trout in 1860—resolves into Grover State Park. A series of natural hot springs gives way to a swimming complex. After lunch in Markleeville, we shuttle back to Reno.
Total Easy Miles 22 | 783 Feet Gain
Total Moderate Miles 29 | 2504 Feet Gain
Total Seasoned Miles 40 | 3954 Feet Gain
* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.
Bicycle
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. We provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Specialized Roubaix Disc $352.00
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid $270.60
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
Specialized Turbo Hybrid Ebike $379.00
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Specialized Road E-bike $ 541.25
Specialized Turbo Creo E-bike. Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Electric Road Bike. The new road eBike now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
All of our road bike trips include a Garmin GPS device to help you navigate through each day safely and smoothly. You’ll know how far, fast, and high you’ve ridden on the flats or climbs or on your way through each day. Simply turn it on and start riding. No paper maps needed!
Lodging
Night 1: Meadowcliff Lodge
Meadowcliff Lodge is located just south of Topaz Lake Nevada surrounded by the beautiful Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, centrally located between Yosemite National Park (to the south) and Reno Nevada (to the north). Guests enjoy activities such as: world-class trout fishing along the Walker River, hiking, off-roading, ATVing, horseback riding, beautiful spring and fall colors. The lodge motel has 20 large and comfortable rooms. an on-site restaurant serves up the best country breakfast in Mono County Wednesday through Sunday and offers a full cook-to-order menu.
Nights 2: Pinecrest Lake Resort
Pinecrest Lake Resort is the closest lodging to Pinecrest Lake and the closest AAA approved lodging facility to Dodge Ridge Ski Area. Motel Rooms at Pinecrest Lake Resort are new and updated, featuring two queen sized beds, bathroom with shower and tub combination, cable television and daily maid service.
Night 3: Murphys Inn Hotel
Murphys Inn is conveniently located on Main Street at the North end of Murphys, California. While walking the streets of Murphys you may enjoy many wine tasting rooms, eateries, apparel, gift and antique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. Guest rooms include a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, individual climate control, 40 inch flat panel TV with satellite and 4 free HBO channels, radio alarm clock, iron with board, hairdryer, tub/shower combination, and a separate bath and vanity.
Night 4: Tamarack Lodge at Bear Valley
The Tamarack Lodge at Bear Valley is a Family owned, Family run, Family Friendly Lodge, located on scenic Highway 4 near Bear Valley and 22 miles east of Arnold, 3 miles west of Bear Valley Village.
Included:
- 4 nights in casual Inns
- Guides
- All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, Snacks.
- Support Vehicle
- First Aid
- Bike Maintenance
- Park fees
Not included:
- Airfare to and from our departure point
- Lodging before or after the tour.
- rental bikes
- Gratuities guides
Pricing / Tour dates
Tour price 2024: $3409.- pp. Ask for single fee
Rental Bike:
Specialized Roubaix Disc $352.00
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid $270.60
Specialized Turbo Hybrid Ebike $379.00
Specialized Road E-bike $ 541.25
DEPARTURE TIME 8:00 AM on the first day of the tour.
RETURN TIME Around 5:00 PM on the last day of the tour.
MEETING LOCATION Reno Best Western Airport Plaza Hotel 1981 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502 (775) 348-6370
Tour dates 2024:
03 Jun – 07 Jun
10 Jun – 14 Jun
17 Jun – 21 Jun
24 Jun – 28 Jun
01 Jul – 05 Jul
08 Jul – 12 Jul
15 Jul – 19 Jul
22 Jul – 26 Jul
29 Jul – 02 Aug
05 Aug – 09 Aug
12 Aug – 16 Aug
19 Aug – 23 Aug
26 Aug – 30 Aug
02 Sep – 06 Sep
09 Sep – 13 Sep
16 Sep – 20 Sep
23 Sep – 27 Sep
Conditions
Deposit $500.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price
Information
How to prepare:
For optimal physical preparation, we recommend that you ride at least several hours per week during the month preceding the tour. During the tour you will be on your bike every day, and we can assure you that an unprepared bottom is a sore one! If you can’t ride your bike, or don’t own one, take a spin class at your local gym a few times a week.
Weather
You will be riding and sleeping at elevations over 4,000 ft. for this trip. Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: South Lake Tahoe, Calistoga, Guerneville, Markleeville
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food is a big part of the experience. Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. On inns tours our Trip Leaders prepare all of your picnic style lunches and breakfasts and dinners are served in the best local restaurants If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.
