I will preface this trail description by explaining that while Christmas Valley is a “downhill” singletrack - and a technical one at that - the first stint of it involves a seriously graded climb, and the downhill payoff is littered with so many rocks that one’s descending momentum is significantly dampened. Expect to power pedal throughout the entirety of this gradual downhill, weighting and un-weighting your front tire, as you precariously steer from side to side through uneven rock section after relentless, rutted rock section. It’s as if you were engaged in an enthralling game of bumper-bikes with a rock-splattered Jackson Pollock painting.

From Stateline, ascend Kingsbury Grade (Route 207) until you intersect with North Benjamin Drive. Turn left onto North Benjamin Drive and continue on pavement, as North Benjamin turns into Andria Drive and finally, Genoa Peak Road. At the road’s end, look for Castle Rock Trailhead on your left, marked by a green entrance gate, and shortly after on the same side, the Tahoe Rim Trailhead. Park here, and take either trailhead (although the Tahoe Rim Trail is shorter, only 0.6 miles compared to 1.4 miles of Castle Rock) to link up with Chinese Downhill.

This highly-trafficked loop is reminiscent of a small-operation ski resort - there is something for all levels of downhill riders. One could easily spend the whole day shuttling this route, warming up on greens, careening down blues, and bombing blacks. Situated at a lower elevation than most South Lake Tahoe singletracks, Corral loop is one of the first mountain biking trails to open after snowmelt, creating a long riding season for this Meyers gem.

When considering mountain biking in Oregon, one conjures up images of lush loam, towering trees, and steep, speedy single-tracks. Yet, after whizzing down South Lake Tahoe’s Hawley Grade, I no longer find any reason to road trip to Oregon, for this breathtaking trail covers all the aforementioned bases!