TAMBA is supporing the efforts of Friends of Incline Trails (FIT) on the following project. For more information and to donatate much-needed time and money, visit their website HERE. The private parcel that the trail used to cross had been donated to the Nevada Land Trust. We’ll be working with FIT this summer to re-route that section of trail around the historic bullwheel so that the Land Trust can transfer the parcel to the U.S. Forest Service and the trail can be adopted into the system.
View a map and photos of a typical Trail Experience on the Incline Flume.
The Incline Flume trail is located above Incline Village and is primarily accessed from Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy. 431). It has also become popular as a loop from Diamond Peak up the Tyrolean Trail and back down Diamond Peak. This is a relatively flat trail, remaining at approximately the same elevation throughout (7,600 ft). There are beautiful spring wildflowers and some spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It is popular with trail runners, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers of all ability levels and used by locals, visitors, families, and individuals.
The route runs along what used to be a “v-flume” for commercial logging in the Lake Tahoe basin during the late 1800’s. There are still some remnants of the original flume structure. Unfortunately, no part of the trail is “authorized” by the primary landowner – the U.S. Forest Service. It starts on Forest Service land, crosses the Diamond Peak ski area (IVGID land), back onto Forest Service land, and then becomes less distinct and usable as it goes through a small section of private property before connecting to the Tunnel Creek trail/road in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.
Because of the trail’s prior routing taking it to/through private property, the Forest Service has not sanctioned or maintained any part of the trail. It is not depicted on USGS maps, commercial maps, or tourist maps. There are no informational or directional signs, even at confusing intersections with other trails.