Run Martis Creek Trail Loop

Take in panoramic mountain views as you run on dirt trails around the Martis Creek Wildlife Area just south of the Truckee-Tahoe Airport. A 3.75-mile-loop meanders through and around this gorgeous meadow, with numerous bridges crossing Martis Creek.

Best for:

• Mostly flat dirt trail
• Beautiful meadow and panoramic mountain views

But watch out for:

• Full sun in the summer
• Popular area – time your run accordingly

Getting there:

Take Highway 267 / Brockway Rd. south-southeast from Truckee. The trailhead parking is 1 mile south of the traffic signal at Truckee-Tahoe Airport Rd. You will first notice Martis Dam Rd. on the left (east) side of Highway 267. The dirt trailhead is on the right (west) side of Highway 267, at the brown sign for “Martis Creek Wildlife Area.” Drive down the dirt/gravel road through the open gate to the dirt parking area.

At the trailhead you will find a map kiosk, picnic table, and porta-potty. Additional maps are posted at almost every trail intersection.

Route:

Click here for an interactive map and GPS data for the Martis Creek Trail Loop.

To run the loop in a clockwise direction, start out on the wider dirt trail that goes south beyond the kiosk, roughly parallel to Highway 267. The trail is generally easy to follow as it takes you over a number of bridges and raised boardwalks. Go right at every intersection and you will find yourself back at the trailhead 3.75 miles later. Keep a close eye for the final single track just before mile 3 – this trail takes you along Martis Creek back to the trailhead. If you happen to miss it, you will simply return back to the trailhead on the dirt road.

Alternately, you can run the loop counter-clockwise, starting from the singletrack the heads straight out, perpendicular to Highway 267. Keep left at all intersections.