SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) announced a transformational $250,000 gift from local philanthropists Kyle and Jessica Aster that will fully fund the 2026 work season on the Meeks Ridge Trail, one of the organization’s most ambitious trail projects to date. The generous donation will enable TAMBA to push toward its ultimate goal of completing the final two miles of trail, reconnecting Meeks Bay to Lost Lake on Tahoe’s West Shore for the first time in decades and bringing a once-lost historic route back to life.

The gift marks a defining milestone not only for the Meeks Ridge Trail, but for the future of trail development across the Lake Tahoe Basin. As one of the first major trail construction projects to move forward following approval of the U.S. Forest Service’s Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, Meeks Ridge represents the beginning of a new chapter in expanding and improving Tahoe’s world-renowned trail network.

“This extraordinary act of generosity is about so much more than funding a trail,” said Drew Bray, executive director of TAMBA. “It’s an investment in the future of recreation and community in Tahoe. Thanks to Kyle and Jessica’s incredible generosity, we’re not only completing one of the most exciting trail projects in the Basin—we’re demonstrating what’s possible as we begin bringing the vision of the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project to life.”

Once complete, the Meeks Ridge Trail will create a spectacular 12-mile loop by connecting with the General Creek and Lost Lake trail systems. The sustainably designed trail will provide hikers and mountain bikers with access to breathtaking granite landscapes, expansive views of Desolation Wilderness, and rare old-growth forests while restoring a route that has been inaccessible for generations.

Since construction began, TAMBA volunteers and professional trail crews have built four miles of trail through rugged backcountry terrain. This summer, crews are tackling the final two-mile section—the most technically challenging portion of the project. The work requires the expertise of professional trail building crews, extensive logistics, and hundreds of volunteer hours to safely construct a sustainable trail through steep, remote terrain.

The timing of the gift is especially significant as Tahoe enters a new era of trail planning. Earlier this year, the U.S. Forest Service approved the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, establishing a roadmap for up to 45 miles of future trail opportunities while expanding Class 1 e-bike access across more than 100 miles of existing trails. The approval followed years of environmental review, public engagement, and collaboration among land managers and community partners.

While each future trail project will require its own design, environmental review, fundraising, and construction, the completion of Meeks Ridge demonstrates how that vision can become reality through strong community involvement and local investment.

“Much of Tahoe’s world-class trail network is what it is thanks to the hard work of TAMBA’s dedicated staff, volunteers, and trail builders,” said Kyle Aster. “They’ve become one of my favorite organizations to work with, and it’s deeply meaningful to be able to support their efforts to complete the Meeks Ridge Trail.”

The project also reflects TAMBA’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and other public agencies to build sustainable, environmentally responsible trails that improve recreation while protecting the landscapes that make Tahoe unique.

As work continues on Meeks Ridge, TAMBA hopes the project will inspire others to support the next generation of trail investments throughout the Basin.

“The Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project gives our community an unprecedented opportunity to thoughtfully expand Tahoe’s trail network,” continued Bray. “Completing Meeks Ridge is the first step on that journey. We hope this incredible gift inspires others to join us in building the next generation of trails that will connect communities, improve access, protect natural resources, and create unforgettable outdoor experiences for decades to come.”

Construction on the Meeks Ridge Trail is entering its final phases, with work expected to be completed in 2027. Community contributions help support the work still ahead and will help bring this landmark trail closer to completion. Learn more at www.tamba.org.