more stats
3.8 miles
Distance
254 ft
Climb
-1,272 ft
Descent
00:35:26
Avg time
-1,018 ft
Altitude change
7,669 ft
Altitude min
8,720 ft
Altitude max
8,720 ft
Altitude start
7,702 ft
Altitude end
-5.031%
Grade
-39.041%
Grade max
24.13%
Grade min
4,540 ft
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
3,155 ft
Distance flat
00:35:26
Avg time

Armstrong Pass Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Freel High Country
    South Lake Tahoe, California
  • Ref Number
    #18E09
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Global Ranking
    #103100 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #127168 in Trail Running
    • #120386 in Hiking
    • #894 in Horseback
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    May-November
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm, Jump, Rock Face
  • Land Owner
    USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Armstrong Trail is 4 miles of sustained moderate climbing to the Tahoe Rim Trail. The lower section features moderately banked turns, but overall the trail is narrow with good traction and the occasional moderately technical section. From Armstrong Pass, ride south on the TRT to access Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Access Info

The lower trailhead is at the end of Fountain Place Rd on the south side. The upper trailhead is off the Tahoe Rim Trail at Armstrong Pass.

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 12 rides
  • 18 miles average
6 Months
  • 54 rides
  • 20 miles avg distance
All
  • 729 rides
  • Last: Jul 10, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Armstrong Pass Trail Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 10, 2026 @ 1:19pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jun 10, 2026
Riding great, no dust yet.
Jun 4, 2026 @ 11:32pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jun 4, 2026
No snow, no trees down. Riding great!
May 24, 2026 @ 1:14pm (America/Los_Angeles)
May 24, 2026
I’m going with a green rating , because this trail was great , had a few very small snow patches at the top of the trail
Nov 10, 2025 @ 4:13pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Nov 10, 2025
A couple really big trees down, together in same place. A few snow patches, but you can still ride pretty clear right thru them.
Sep 30, 2025 @ 11:41am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 30, 2025
Great trail nothing in the way beautiful scenery not to dusty
more »
Status:
on Jun 10, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.53 (26 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • Both Directions
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to armstrong-pass-trail trailhead (38.832090, -119.912140)

        Photos

        40 more »
        111 |
        Aug 22, 2024 @ 7:12am
        Aug 22, 2024
        106 |
        Aug 22, 2024 @ 7:12am
        Aug 22, 2024
        104 |
        Aug 22, 2024 @ 7:12am
        Aug 22, 2024
        114 |
        Aug 22, 2024 @ 7:11am
        Aug 22, 2024

        Videos

        8 more »
        youtuber Ride Day w RGMTB & B1KER 2018 (South Lake ...
        16:41 | 591 | Jun 19, 2018 , South Lake Tahoe
        youtuber Corral Trail, Armstrong Trail (South Lake...
        905 | Sep 16, 2017 , South Lake Tahoe
        youtuber Armstrong Pass Trail / Lake Tahoe / MTB
        15:50 | 319 | Sep 11, 2022 , South Lake Tahoe
        youtuber Armstrong / South Lake Tahoe, CA / MTB
        11:40 | 130 | Aug 25, 2025 , South Lake Tahoe

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        7 Reviews & Comments


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        • By TheAngryTomatoTF Pro TRAILFORKS & contributors
        • #23960 - 13,203 views

        Frequently Asked Questions About Armstrong Pass Trail

        Where is Armstrong Pass Trail located?
        Armstrong Pass Trail is located in Freel High Country, South Lake Tahoe, California, United States. It is part of the Freel High Country trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.83209, -119.91214.
        How hard is Armstrong Pass Trail?
        Armstrong Pass Trail is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 5.031%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        What is the elevation gain for Armstrong Pass Trail?
        Armstrong Pass Trail has 254 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,272 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 7,669 ft to 8,720 ft.
        Is Armstrong Pass Trail a point to point trail?
        Armstrong Pass Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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