The Truckee Donner Land Trust purchased Lower Carpenter Valley in 2017. This year they have opened it up to the public and created a few trails. I have been wanting to tour the valley for awhile. We took a docent tour last year.
There is a gravel road that leads into the valley from Alder Creek Road (back entrance or exit from Tahoe Donner depending on which way you are going). If you enter Alder Creek Road from Hwy. 89, north of Truckee, then continue up past the Schussing Rd. intersection and you will find the entrance to Carpenter Valley on your right a little further up the road.
I parked just off Alder Creek Road and hopped onto my bike. It is easy riding, with some downhill which turns into uphill on the way back, on the gravel road. After a mile or so I arrived at a closed gate. There is another gate to your right. I continued on a dirt road past a private home, enjoying total quiet and privacy. I was the only one riding at the time.
I rode to the end of the valley where the dirt road turns right and crosses a bridge over Prosser Creek. The dirt road continues where I turned right but there are signs indicating private property beyond. Just before and just after crossing the bridge I found trail signs. The one past the bridge is a mile loop with views of the valley and a bench parked in a spot with beautiful views. The trail before the bridge runs nearly level along the valley floor. It basically extends back to the closed gate.
This is a wonderful, easy single track that is in good condition. There are really no technical obstacles along the way. Riding back up the gravel road was easier than I thought it might have been when I was racing down. It so nice to out in the forest with views and quiet when many areas are cluttered with people.
This is not a place to prove how good a rider you are or how fast your can ride. It is a place to enjoy a lazy ride in a very special valley.
Last week we hiked up to Velma Lake from Eagle Falls (Emerald Bay). The hike was about 10 miles out and back. It was beautiful and not overcrowded once you passed Eagle Lake. The hike is not easy as there are many granite steps to climb along the way, but once you have arrived at the highest point in the trail, you are greeted with view of surrounding mountains, granite boulders, and wildflowers.
Of course a lake is there as well. We were going to continue on for awhile, but thunder clouds appeared overhead and we did not want to get caught in a hail or rain storm with lightning possible as well. We enjoyed lunch along side the lake and then headed back down. This is a classic hike and best done overnight if you have prearranged for a permit. No permit is required for a day hike.
Enjoy Your Day
Andy
