This spring, flooding did a lot of damage to some of the local trails along the Truckee River. For a while, every trail that I visited was in rough shape. I’m going to use that as my excuse for not posting anything on this blog since February!
One trail that I’ve been looking forward to visiting for some time is the Truckee River Legacy Trail in Glenshire. This trail, which is part of the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway, connects from Glenshire to downtown Truckee, a distance of 4.7 miles (9.4 miles out-and-back). On a recent Friday, I packed up my baby and dogs and headed out to explore. We didn’t do the whole trail, but really enjoyed the section that we did.
The details: Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire to Truckee Regional Park
- Distance: 4.7 miles point-to-point (9.4 miles out-and-back)
- Trail surface: Paved
- Shade: Very little
- Map: Below, or see this detailed map from the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway.
- Trailhead: Parking-lot off Glenshire Drive in Truckee.
Truckee River Legacy Trail: Glenshire
The trail begins near a parking-lot on Glenshire Drive. This trail was finished in 2014. It is still in very good condition, and seemed to be popular with bikers, walkers and runners.
The beginning of the Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire, CA
Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire
Scenic overlook. June 30, 2017.
A short distance from the parking area, the trail forks. The left fork leads to a scenic overlook, and the right fork is the main route. On this sunny morning in late June, there was still snow along the Sierra crest. Common Yarrow, Blue Flax and Stinging nettle were blooming along the side of the trail.
Common Yarrow, Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire. June 30, 2017.
Blue Flax, Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire. June 30, 2017.
Stinging Nettle, Truckee River Legacy Trail, Glenshire. June 30, 2017.
As you travel along the trail, it descends a steep hill from the Glenshire neighborhood to the Truckee River. At the bottom of the hill, the trail crosses Martis Creek. Here you can see the stone remains of a historic ice dam:
A steep descent to the Truckee River.
Historic Ice Dam along Martis Creek. Glenshire, CA.
Crossing Martis Creek, CA. Remains of historic ice dam are visible on either side of the creek. Truckee River Legacy Trail, June 30, 2017.
From here, the trail levels out and continues alongside the Truckee River until it reaches the Truckee River Regional Park. You can turn back any time, or continue to the end for a 9.4 mile round trip. Happy trails!
~Kelsey
Comments
Love learning the names of blooming plants in the West. Very similar in the East!
Great info for future historical reference.
What happened over the last 4 years? All activity trailed off in 2017….