On the ride around Tahoe, you’re most likely going up or going down, but with the sparkling waters of Tahoe on one side and lush forests and vast mountain peaks on the other, this route will not disappoint. The ride’s two centerpiece climbs will leave you panting and so will the altitude (6,000-plus feet).

This route can be started anywhere along the lake, but South Lake Tahoe is perhaps the most convenient starting location (with plenty of parking options at public parks, shopping centers, and even casinos). On the west side of the lake, the road is one lane in either direction with no shoulder. Keep your ears open and exercise caution as gawking drivers and huge RVs are commonplace. The first major climb up to Emerald Bay (approximately 4 miles long) is gentle with the exception of a few steep switchbacks (which only add to the epic mythos of the ride). On the east side of the lake, the Spooner Junction climb (about 7 miles) is a bit more difficult and represents the last big challenge before the finish. On the back end of the climb, the road goes down a bit faster than it goes up and cyclists can generally take an entire lane.

Two major supported rides around Lake Tahoe worth looking into are America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride (early June, with a century option in addition to the 72-miler) and The Tour de Tahoe (a 72-miler in early September). But with pit-stop options on the north and south ends of the lake (and points in between), this is a great ride to do on your own whenever the weather cooperates.

-Mapped by Shelly Ross