Sky Tavern Bike Park MTB Guide | Reno, Nevada
Sitting at around 8,000 feet above Reno on Mt. Rose Highway, Sky Tavern Bike Park is a community-powered mountain bike park offering an impressive mix of flow trails, jumps, technical terrain, and progressive features.
Unlike a traditional lift-served resort, Sky Tavern is designed around accessibility and progression, with trails for a wide range of abilities. From the approachable flow of High Fives and Rick Sutherland to the bigger features of Toaster Boy, there's plenty to explore whether you're building confidence or looking for more advanced terrain.
The park is also easy to lap under your own power, especially on an eMTB, while a community-funded shuttle provides another way to get back to the top during scheduled operating hours.
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Location: Reno, Nevada
Address: 21130 Sky Tavern Rd, Reno, NV 89511
Elevation: Around 8,000 ft
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Season: Late May – Early October
Bike Type: MTB & Class 1 eMTB
Access: Pedal / eMTB / Shuttle
Parking: Free
Restrooms: Available during normal operations
Food: Snacks available during shuttle operations
Trailforks: Sky Tavern Bike Park
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Parking is available at the Sky Tavern base area directly off Mt. Rose Highway.
From the base, riders can pedal to the top using the designated climbing route and access the trail network from Top of Sky.
The bike park is generally open for pedal access during daylight hours from late May through early October, unless trails are closed due to weather, events, or other conditions.
All riders must complete the Sky Tavern waiver before riding.
eMTB Access
Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs are permitted at Sky Tavern.
An eMTB is also a great way to experience the park without relying on the shuttle. Pedal to the top, pick a descent, and repeat.
Class 1 eMTBs are permitted on the shuttle as well, but riders need to be able to load and unload their own bike.
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High Fives
A long, approachable flow trail featuring wide turns and progressive features. A great option for newer riders or anyone looking for a fun, flowing lap.
Rick Sutherland
Sky Tavern's flagship intermediate flow trail, combining sweeping berms, tabletops, rock gardens, and plenty of speed.
Toaster Boy
One of the park's standout advanced trails, with bigger jumps and features that reward confident riders. Short, fast, and one of the most fun lines at Sky Tavern.
Skyline
A scenic option higher on the mountain that provides access to more of Sky Tavern's trail network and terrain.
College Boy
A fun addition to the network that adds more variety when linking together laps around the mountain.
Rollin' Coal
Another trail worth adding to a day of exploring, expanding the variety of descending options across the mountain.
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Sky Tavern sits at approximately 8,000 feet, so conditions can be very different from Reno below.
One of the advantages during summer is the cooler mountain temperature. On hot Reno days, Sky Tavern can be significantly cooler than downtown.
Mountain weather can also change quickly, so bring:
Plenty of water
Snacks
Sunscreen
An extra layer
Basic repair supplies
Always check current conditions before making the drive up Mt. Rose Highway.
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One of Sky Tavern's biggest strengths is progression.
The park has been deliberately designed to give riders opportunities to develop their skills rather than immediately throwing them onto intimidating bike-park terrain.
There's also a dedicated Progression Skills Zone where riders can practice fundamentals before taking those skills onto the mountain.
Sky Tavern offers professional mountain bike clinics covering everything from basic bike handling and cornering to rocks, loose terrain, jumps, drops, and more advanced gravity riding.
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A full-suspension trail or enduro bike is the best choice for Sky Tavern. The park has everything from smooth flow trails to jumps, drops, rocks, and more technical terrain, so a capable full-suspension bike will let you make the most of the entire trail network.
A shorter-travel trail bike is perfectly suitable for the easier and intermediate trails, while an enduro bike is a better choice if you plan on riding the bigger jumps and more advanced terrain.
Class 1 eMTBs are also allowed and are a great option at Sky Tavern. Since the trails can be pedaled without using the shuttle, an eMTB makes it easy to get back to the top and keep the laps going.
A downhill bike will handle the descents, but unless you're using the shuttle, it's probably more bike than you need and considerably harder to pedal back up.
Best choice: Full-suspension trail or enduro bike
Great option: Class 1 eMTB
Beginner trails: Hardtail or shorter-travel MTB
Shuttle laps: Enduro or downhill bike -
Sky Tavern is a nonprofit, community-funded bike park.
Rather than relying on traditional daily trail-access tickets, trail construction and maintenance are supported through memberships, donations, fundraising, and the riding community.
Sky Tavern says 100% of its trail-building costs are covered through fundraising, so if you enjoy riding here, consider making a donation or purchasing a membership to help fund maintenance and future trail development.
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Sky Tavern does not currently offer bike rentals onsite.
The park recommends several nearby options for riders needing bikes or equipment, including shops in Reno and Incline Village.
If you're bringing your own bike, make sure everything is ready before heading up the mountain, particularly your brakes, tires, and suspension.
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Sky Tavern isn't a full-service resort, so don't expect the same food options you'd find somewhere like Northstar.
Bathrooms and snacks are available during normal shuttle operations, but there is no full-service restaurant onsite or immediately nearby.
Bandit Tip: Bring your own food, water, and snacks so you have everything you need for a full day of riding.
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A helmet is mandatory.
Full-face helmets and additional protection are recommended.
Class 1 eMTBs are permitted.
Complete the waiver before riding.
Pedal access is available during the normal operating season.
Shuttle access requires an eligible membership.
There are no individual shuttle day passes.
Bring plenty of water and food.
Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
Children should ride with an adult.
Pets are not permitted, except trained service animals.
Pre-ride unfamiliar trails and features before sending them.
Respect trail closures and all posted signage.
Consider donating to help fund future trail development.
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Is Sky Tavern Bike Park free to ride?
There is no traditional daily trail-access ticket required to pedal the bike park. Sky Tavern encourages day visitors to donate to help fund the trails.
Is there a lift?
No. Sky Tavern isn't a traditional lift-served bike park. Riders can pedal to the top or use the mountain bike shuttle during scheduled operating hours with an eligible membership.
Are eMTBs allowed?
Yes. Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs without a throttle are permitted.
Can I buy a day pass for the shuttle?
No. Sky Tavern currently reserves shuttle access for riders with eligible bike memberships.
Is Sky Tavern beginner friendly?
Yes. Progression is a major focus of the bike park, with beginner-friendly terrain, flow trails, skills areas, and professional coaching available.
Can I rent a bike?
No. Sky Tavern does not currently offer bike rentals onsite.
When is the best time to ride?
The bike park generally operates from late May through early October. Summer is particularly appealing because Sky Tavern's 8,000-foot elevation provides cooler temperatures than Reno.
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Website: Sky Tavern Bike Park
Waiver: Sign Here
Donations: Donate here
Trailforks: Sky Tavern Bike Park
Instagram: skytavernbikepark
