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3.3 miles
Distance
6 ft
Climb
-1,326 ft
Descent
00:25:52
Avg time
-1,320 ft
Altitude change
6,452 ft
Altitude min
7,772 ft
Altitude max
7,772 ft
Altitude start
6,453 ft
Altitude end
-7.6%
Grade
-36.1%
Grade max
3.4%
Grade min
272 ft
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
66 ft
Distance flat
00:25:52
Avg time
Van Sickle Trail Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaVan Sickle
Stateline, Nevada -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlack Diamond (2 votes)
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT2 Mountain Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionBoth DirectionsPopular Direction Shown
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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SeasonSummer, Fall
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailRock Garden
This trail connects the casino core of South Lake Tahoe/Stateline to the Rim Trail and is one of the latest additions to the South Shore trail system. Beginning at the top of the Van Sickle Bi-State Park, the trail goes through a Sugar Pine forest, then through an area denuded by the 2002 Gondola Fire, past a delightful waterfall/cascade, then through willows and mature pine forests to the TRT at an elevation of 7,777 ft. The trail is built to be ridden both up and down incorporating rest areas and overlooks along the way. It’s a great ride providing some of the best lake views.
An important note about this trail is its sensitivity to bike traffic. As the only trail near the epicenter of South Lake hotel accommodations, many tourists challenge themselves to hike the trail. As they enjoy the views, wildlife, and altitude, they are often not aware of incoming mountain bikes. Compound that with the difficulty in finding a safe place to get off the trail results in challenges passing hikers. These issues are most prevalent on the lower half of the trail. Be overtly courteous when passing hikers.
Access Info
The lower trailhead departs from the end of the paved road in Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The Van Sickle Trail can also be accessed from a spur that departs north from the very top of Saddle Rd (Adams Way).
The upper trailhead is on the TRT and is 3.5 miles south of the TRT/SR-207 (Kingsbury Grade) intersection or by accessing the TRT 1 mile south near the Stagecoach ski lift in Heavenly Village.
Disclaimer
Be sensitive to numerous hikers that frequent this trail.
Trail Supporters
USFSLand Manager
Tahoe Rim Trail AssociationBuilder- Maintainer
- NV State ParksLand Manager
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 6 rides
- 13 miles average
6 Months
- 23 rides
- 10 miles avg distance
All
- 380 rides
- Last: Jun 18, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Van Sickle Trail Trail Reports
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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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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
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- bi-directional trail
- no data
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- > 6 months
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- Both Directions
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- Uphill Only
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Directions to van-sickle-trail trailhead
(38.958790, -119.895340)
Photos
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Frequently Asked Questions About Van Sickle Trail
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Where is Van Sickle Trail located?
Van Sickle Trail is located in Van Sickle, Stateline, Nevada, United States. It is part of the Van Sickle trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.95879, -119.89534.
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How hard is Van Sickle Trail?
Van Sickle Trail is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 7.6%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
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What is the elevation gain for Van Sickle Trail?
Van Sickle Trail has 6 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,326 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 6,452 ft to 7,772 ft.
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Is Van Sickle Trail a point to point trail?
Van Sickle Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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