by Jon Gubman, Outpost contributor
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Watson Loop |
The Western States trail is at the base of Mt. Watson. This section of the ride climbs about two miles of tightly switchbacked singletrack, meaning a narrow trail that makes sharp S-turns. At 0.2 miles, you'll go straight across a fire road. Along the way, you'll cross several wood-bridges and one narrow creek. Unfortunately, the frequent logging activity on this part of the Western States can sometimes cause delays.
At 1.5 miles, the singletrack ends and the most grueling part of the climb begins. Take a left on the fire road and follow that road until it forks at 2 miles. Bear right at the fork and continue your ride up a thankfully short but steep exposed
The Wall. This is the gruelling uphill you'll encounter about 2 miles into the climb. Photo by Jon Gubman |
Once you get up the Wall, take your first left onto a narrow singletrack trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail. This trail starts just before two metal posts that used to hold a forest service gate.
This section of the Rim Trail is a singletrack trail traversing forests of red firs and pine-mat manzanitas. It is one of the few sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail open to mountain biking. The trail crests at 3.2 miles, a great place to take a rest and soak in the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
When you're rested, hop back on your bike and continue on the Tahoe Rim Trail. This section is the first downhill on the ride and is one of the best downhills on the Loop, with plenty of jumps, berms and twists in the trail. At 4.2 miles, the downhill ends, and you'll have to cross the Truckee-North Tahoe (TNT) fire road and get back on the Tahoe Rim Trail singletrack. At 5.3 miles, the singletrack ends and the TNT fire road intersects the Rim Trail.
The fork, turn right here to get to the summit. Photo by Jon Gubman |
If you don't want to go all the way to the top of Mt. Watson, you can go straight at the fork mentioned above. At 6.1 miles bear right at the fork and then make a hard right at the next fork (about 6.4 miles). Continue on this fire road for 0.6 miles where it dead ends at Watson Lake.
Watson Lake is the perfect place to relax and eat a lunch if you've packed one. This little lake has a primitive campsite with a fire-pit and lots of places to get some shade, relax, watch the trout jump off the lake and reflect on the climb you've just completed.
The lake sits where Northstar Ski Resort's property line ends and the forest service's property begins. It is a central part of this area and is pretty crowded at times. The lake is accessible by fire road, so many times you'll meet up with those who've made the trek in four wheel drive vehicles. Usually this overcrowding is only a problem on weekends. If the lake is too crowded, you can always catch a rest at the less traveled Mt. Watson summit, which is only accessible by hiking or biking.
Watson Lake. Kick back and watch the fish jump off the lake. Photo by Jon Gubman |
Go up the fire road leading away from the lake. The fire road ends at the Truckee-North Tahoe fire road 0.5 miles from the lake. Take a left on the TNT and continue down the fire road, looking for a single-track trail off to the right, just past the fork that goes to the top of Mt. Watson. This single-track trail is know by locals as OTB (Over the Bars), and that name is well-deserved.
OTB is a wild downhill through loose, rocky singletrack that brutally switches back-and-forth. Unless there has been a rain recently, expect this trail to be loose and a little rutted, great for those of you who love powder-runs. The dirt here is very loose, and large ruts have been left in the trail by the rain. If you like going down trails with loose dirt, this is perfect for you. Try not to add to the damage by dragging your brakes. If you can make it down the 1.4-mile downhill without putting your foot down, consider yourself a god.
OTB ends at a narrow fire road. Go straight and at about 0.2 miles, look to your left and you'll see a wooden sign nailed to a tree that says " <-- Trail." Follow this sign and you'll find yourself on the Deer Creek Trail. Mellower than OTB, Deer Creek is a long, fast downhill through loose, rocky terrain. The first part is all loose switchbacks and is a lot like Over the Bars.
Deer Creek is about 2 miles and ends at a fire road just before the Truckee River. A gated bridge that is usually unlocked will take you across the river and back to Route 89. Be respectful of the landowners around here, and be sure to close the gate behind you. If this gate is locked, take a right on the fire road and go for about 0.8 miles, where you'll find a wooden bridge crossing the Truckee. Take a left onto Route 89 and follow it back to your car.
Congratulations, you've just finished one of the best rides in Tahoe!
Watson Loop:
Difficulty: Advanced to ExpertDistance: 16.5 miles (about 20 miles if you go to the summit)
Starting elevation: 6,178 feet
Highest elevation: 8,424
Trails that make the loop: Western States, Tevis, Tahoe Rim, Truckee-North Tahoe, OTB (Over the Bars), Deer Creek
Posted Nov. 15, 1997
Copyright 1997 Nevada Outpost
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