Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
Cross-country skiing at Big Meadow is totally rewarding when the conditions are right. The loop around Big Meadow is approximately 1.5 miles (depending on how far into the woods you want to ski), the terrain is flat, and the area is far less traveled than nearby Grass Lake. And, although Big Meadow essentially sits in…
When most people cross-country ski or snowshoe from the Echo Lake Sno-Park, they’ll automatically head toward Echo Lakes. There’s another option, however, if you’re in the mood to change things up and willing to travel off the beaten path. Although this alternative option doesn’t reward you with views looking into Desolation Wilderness like you would…
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on the backcountry trip you’ve been planning for months or possibly years. Keep in mind that, for better or worse, you’re about to go on a roller coaster ride. Getting off of that ride can be very challenging depending on the circumstances, so it’s usually best just to see the…
When visiting Emerald Bay, or driving around it, the island sitting in the middle of the bay is what tends to draw the eyes of both first-time visitors and long-time Lake Tahoe locals. Fannette Island, as it’s called, is the most recognizable feature of Emerald Bay and happens to be the only island located in…
Washoe Meadows State Park is a fantastic location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when Lake Tahoe experiences a big snow winter. The park is only a couple of miles from the “Y” (HWY 50/SR 89 intersection) in South Lake Tahoe, and features a great mix between meadow and forest. Also, the majority of terrain in…
In this final installment of my 8-part series of articles about planning your next backcountry trip, I’ll share with you my thoughts on returning home from a backcountry adventure. Undoubtedly, the first thing you’ll want to do is jump in the shower to wash off that trail grime. Then, you’ll probably want to eat a…
You’ll be hard-pressed to find the trail to Captain Pomin Rock on any maps of Lake Tahoe. It’s not that the location is inaccessible or covers difficult terrain, it’s simply not that popular of a hiking trail. That said, hiking to Captain Pomin Rock is totally worth the relatively minimal effort required to reach it….
On the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Grass Lake at Luther Pass is a great location for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just some fun snow play. Since Grass Lake and the immediately surrounding terrain is flat, this location is perfect for beginner cross-country skiers. Although the terrain is technically “off-track,” there’s usually opportunities to practice…
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to Echo Lakes (and further into Desolation Wilderness via this route) is a favorite winter tour for Tahoe locals and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin. There is dedicated parking (unlike many Tahoe backcountry locations) at Echo Lake Sno-Park, the route is easy to navigate, and there is little elevation to…
Cross-country skiing to Woods Lake, Winnemucca Lake, and Frog Lake in a loop is one of my favorite cross-country ski tours at Carson Pass. Although the route is only 6-7 miles, it features over 1,000 feet of elevation gain and it’s all in backcountry terrain above 8,000 feet. The higher elevation also makes Carson Pass…