Touring *

From Interstate 80, exit south on State Highway 89 and proceed to Tahoe City 12 miles south. North Lake Boulevard starts at the stoplight. Drive through town and park in the Safeway shopping center at the east end of the lot. The dedicated bike path starts on the south side of Highway 89.

Map: Recreation Map of Lake Tahoe, Tom Harrison Cartography,

2 Falmouth Cove, San Rafael, CA 94901-4465; (415) 456-7940.

The North Lake Boulevard Bike Path runs right next to the main road of north Lake Tahoe, connecting the east end of Tahoe City to Dollar Hill. The trail makes a great commute route while also serving as a recreational trail for bicyclists, joggers, equestrians, folks going fishing and, of course, in-line skaters. Unfortunately, for most of its length it doesn't offer much of a view of the lake.

If you're looking to expand your tour to include a picnic or some serious lounging on the beach, though, the trail does offer access to Tahoe State Park, Burton Creek State Park, Skylandia Park, Pomin Park, and Lake Forest Beach. Be prepared to stop for cars when crossing the streets that lead to the lake shore from the boulevard.

At the beginning of the dedicated asphalt trail, the pavement runs west from the Safeway parking lot, on the south side of North Lake Boulevard. A detour onto the frontage road (with no dedicated path) lasts about a quarter mile; watch out for rough asphalt and patches of gravel here. Back on the dedicated path a mile from the Safeway, you reach the Star Harbor housing development, with Lake Tahoe visible across the meadow in front. Half a mile farther on, skate next to the grassy area locals have dubbed "Ghetto Meadow" (home to ski area employees on a budget), a name that belies the pretty scenery you see from the trail. A quarter mile up from here, the path begins its steep

.7-mile climb up Dollar Point. At the top, the dedicated bike path ends.

• Truckee River Bike Trail
• West Shore Bike Path