Home > California > Twin Peaks And Sand Pit |
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Other Names | Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Sand Pit, Sawmill Pond, Twin Peaks, South Tahoe, Southlake Pits MX |
Last Known Status | Open |
This is a very small but scenic offroad area located in the outskirts of South Lake Tahoe. There are just a handful of ATV trails, a short 4x4 rock crawl and a sand pit with a decent motocross track. The short trails lead to two peaks with some large rocks and panoramic views. Overall, this place makes for a great afternoon ride to unwind, but is not a large enough area warrant any special travel plans.
Since this location consists of two separate areas, there are two designated closure dates. The sand pit/motocross track closes for the season around mid November while the trails usually remain open until November 20. The dates are subject to change and may close early due to inclement weather. For current conditions contact the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit before heading out.
Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
Dates Open | May - November | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
Whip Flags | Not Required | |
Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
Camping | Prohibited | |
Campfires | Prohibited | |
Night Riding | No | day use only - 9am to 7pm |
Trail Blazing | Some Areas | permitted at the sand pit |
Alcohol | No Restriction | |
Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
Approx Size | 1,280 acres (2 sq mi) | |
Miles Of Trail | 2 | |
Climate Type | Forest | |
Elevation | 6300 to 6900 ft. | |
Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
Loose Dirt | Little | |
Hard Pack | Mostly | |
Sand | Little | sand pit |
Mud | None | |
Dust | Little | |
Rocks | Little | |
Trees | All | |
Steep Hills | None | |
Water Crossings | None | |
Small Jumps | Few | |
Large Jumps | Some | sand pit |
Berms | Few | |
Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
Single Track | None | some narrow connecting trails (very short) |
Roads | Some | |
Intersections | Some | |
Rider Traffic | Few | |
Shade | Many | |
Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) Beware of cliffs. drop-offs near peak |
Novice | Mostly | |
Amateur | Little | |
Expert | None |
Area | Motorized Trails |
Land | National Forest |
Features | Public |
Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
Comment | hard packed, large table tops, big berms |
Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Chevron (530) 541-7141 |
Diesel | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Chevron (530) 541-7141 |
Water | 1-5 Miles (N) | Fallen Leaf Campground (530) 543-2600 |
RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (N) | Tahoe Valley Campground (530) 541-2222 |
RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (N) | Tahoe Valley Campground (530) 541-2222 |
Campground | 1-5 Miles (W) | Fallen Leaf Campground (530) 543-2600 |
Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (N) | 7-11 (530) 541-0302 |
Parking | (None) |
Entry | (None) |
Riding | (None) |
Camping | (None) |
Pros | great scenery, free, cooler temperatures |
Cons | very few trails, very short, day use only (9am-7pm) |
Our Rating | Good |
Recommended Stay | Half Day this area is very small |
Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
Nearest City | South Lake Tahoe, CA | ||
Address | Twin Peaks Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 | ||
| From: South Lake Tahoe, CA
1) Take US-50 South about 3 miles 2) Turn right (west) on Sawmill Road, continue 1.8 miles (if you go past the stop sign you've gone too far) 3) Turn right onto paved road, proceed toward the Sawmill Pond/Twin Peaks Staging Area. For Sand Pit Staging Area (better parking for trailers): 4) Continue on Sawmill Road to the stop sign 5) Turn right (north) at the stop sign onto Lake Tahoe Blvd, continue 1 mile 6) Turn right (east) and proceed through gate (look for signs). |
Contact Info | Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-4500 (530) 543-2600 sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov www.fs.usda.gov |
Contact Info | Lake Tahoe Hi - Lo's 4WD Club P.O. Box 8248 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158 gary@laketahoehilos.com talltara@aol.com www.laketahoehilos.com |
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