Recommended Articles
The Cross-Country Skiing Experience: Immersing Yourself in Winter
Without question, there are many ways in which to enjoy winter. There’s an entire snowsports industry dedicated to playing in the snow, after all. You could go downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, or sledding. Although that’s an abridged… Read More
Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
November of 2022 marked the beginning of my ninth cross-country ski season. Now, when I talk about a season I don’t just mean skiing on the weekends. Or, only during the best possible snow conditions. I’m talking about consistently logging upwards of… Read More
Considerations for Cross-Country Skiing During the Fall and Early Winter
Whenever the first snowfall of the season hits, my excitement for the upcoming cross-country ski season usually goes through the roof. In fact, once the snow accumulates to a depth of at least 2-3 inches, I’ll often grab a set of xc… Read More
Donner Party History: Series Introduction
Lake Tahoe is a relatively small and finite location. However, it’s a nexus for so many large events and personalities. This is why I’ve been so fascinated by its history ever since moving to Tahoe in 2005. So in addition to exploring… Read More
Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
The hike to Emerald Point is an absolute dream. The trail contours the north side of picturesque Emerald Bay. It’s a relatively short hike at 5-6 miles (out-and-back). There’s only about 500 feet of total elevation gain to negotiate. Lastly, access to… Read More
Considerations and Reasons for Doing a Big Year
Take what I’m about to recommend in this article with a grain of salt. Don’t get me wrong. I totally recommend that you participate in at least one Big Year during your lifetime. Just know that this recommendation comes from someone who’s… Read More
Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe
One unique aspect of Tahoe’s local history is that Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains have provided the backdrop or centerpiece for countless Hollywood movies.
In fact, during December of 2018, mega-star Tom Cruise was filming a… Read More
Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Big Yellow Wildflowers with Big Green Leaves called Woolly Mule’s Ears and Arrowleaf Balsamroot
I first met Lake Tahoe’s ubiquitous Woolly Mule’s Ears in 2006. Since that was my first summer living at Lake Tahoe, I was eager to learn about this new home of mine. So I enrolled in a basic mountaineering course at Lake… Read More
Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe
People would have you believe that Tahoe in the spring is paradise. The days are becoming longer and the sun is seems to be a little warmer. You’ve weathered fierce winter storms and now you’re ready to hit those famed Tahoe hiking trails…. Read More
Update: Coronavirus
Please note that in the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic environment, traveling into the backcountry is risky. Backcountry travel has the potential to place great and unnecessary strains on emergency medical services. Thru-hikers and other backcountry travelers who happen to be carriers of COVID-19 could pass along the virus to smaller, trail towns that have limited medical services. Also note that most Lake Tahoe businesses and recreation locations are operating under modified conditions (mask wearing requirements, social distancing, take-out only restaurants…). Know before you go (i.e. search online or call) to determine whether or not your intended destination is closed or operating under alternative procedures.
About
Tahoe Trail Guide’s mission is to provide information, education, and inspiration for all people seeking to recreate outdoors
Tahoe Trail Guide is an information hub that’ll inspire and assist you when planning hikes, backpacking trips, cross-country ski tours, and snowshoe excursions at Lake Tahoe and in the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Unique aspects of Tahoe Trail Guide include:
• Detailed trail data for the Lake Tahoe Region
• Trip planning recommendations and tips on documenting your adventure
• Universal lessons, knowledge, and etiquette about backcountry travel
• Articles about the natural and local history of the Lake Tahoe Region
• Stories from the backcountry and tales from the trail
• Inspiring and unique imagery of the Lake Tahoe Region
Click the Tahoe Trails Overview link to see a map of how I organize the Lake Tahoe region (north, south, east, west), as well as how I’ve categorized and tagged the trails featured on Tahoe Trail Guide.
Tahoe Trail Guide launched in 2017, and was created by Tahoe local and avid outdoorsman, Jared “Schoolboy” Manninen. In addition to being an artist and author, I’m an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (1999) and Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hiker (2014). I’m also a Wilderness First Responder (2019), PSIA Cross Country Ski Instructor (2020), Leave No Trace Trainer (2020), and CA Naturalist (2020).
