Plan the hard Ellis Peak from Blackwood ride with California 89 notes on the long climb, rugged terrain, West Shore views, and backcountry prep.
Plan the hard Ellis Peak from Blackwood ride with California 89 notes on the long climb, rugged terrain, West Shore views, and backcountry prep.
Blackwood Canyon sits on Tahoe's West Shore near Homewood, where Highway 89, the lake, and the mountains are all close together. Barker Pass Road climbs from the shoreline side into higher forest and ridge country, which is why this ride feels bigger than the start suggests.
Ellis Peak rises above the lake-facing side of the West Shore. The route moves from paved climbing to rougher dirt and more remote terrain, so it is best treated like a real mountain day, not a quick spin from the beach.
Ellis Peak from Blackwood is a full West Shore day. The paved climb gets you warmed up, the upper dirt gets rougher, and the view makes the work feel clear.
This is not a ride to squeeze in without planning. The ground gets remote, the weather can move fast, and the climb asks for patience.
Park near the bottom of Blackwood Canyon Road. Climb Barker Pass Road to the green gate.
From there, push through the rocky upper climb and head for Ellis Peak. Descend on Ellis/Homewood doubletrack, then connect to Quail Peak Road, Sunrise Trail, and North Pine Marten.
Save the map before you start and make sure the whole group understands the route.
Ride this only when your group is ready for hard climbing, remote terrain, and a long day on the bike.
Bring a partner, food, water, a repair kit, and layers. Snow and weather can change the plan quickly up high.
Use the California 89 Bike Card as a starting point, then pack for the full mountain day. Ellis Peak needs more than a quick glance at the route.
California 89 is built around days like this: practical pieces for the climb, the lake stop, and the drive back along the West Shore.
You’re now on the list for new drops, exclusive offers, and mountain inspiration.
No registries yet
Create your first registry below
CREATE A NEW REGISTRY
Item Added Successfully
Your item has been added to the registry.
Start typing to search
Search across products, journal articles, and events
No results
Try a different search term