Elevation Gain
100.00 ft (30.48 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.30 mi (5.31 km)
Warming hut
No
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Halfway through the Blue Trail at Sugar Pine Point State Park is where the Red Trail starts a 3.3-mile loop. Essentially following the General Creek Trail, this groomed path will take you to the 1960 Winter Olympic biathlon competition site. Red Trail is recommended for intermediate skill level as there are a series of gradual elevation changes. 

As with the other trails in the park, this one is marked with diamonds (red) to keep you on the correct path. About a mile into this hike the trail splits to form a loop. Heading left is the quickest way to the Green Trail. Just after crossing the bridge over General Creek, look for the green diamond where the trailhead starts. Going right at the fork leads you through some fantastic scenery of snowcapped pine trees. 

Midway through the loop and just after another bridge you'll find an infographic sign about the Winter Olympics that denotes one of the competition sites of the biathlon. Continue past this for another mile to where the trail crosses the bridge near the Green Trail to return to the starting point of the loop.

All winter trails at Sugar Pine Point are available for cross-country skiing, as well, and the park asks that snowshoers give skiers right-of-way and avoid walking in the established ski tracks. If you plan on exploring more of Sugar Pine, check out the Yellow, Blue, and Orange trails as well.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Winter Olympic site. Beautiful scenery.

Cons

None.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

6,325.00 ft (1,927.86 m)

Features

Cross-country skiing

Groomed trail

Yes

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California

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