Tahoe Trail Guide

Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe

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Category: Blog

XC Skiing Explained (Part 1): Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis

October 10, 2021
| 5 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

Skis were created, as you might expect, to be a mode of transportation over snowy terrain. For example, people used them to travel from one place to another and to chase down wild game during the winter. So, skis were (and still are!) designed to provide the fastest and most efficient means of travel across…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged classic xc skiing, cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance 5 Comments

FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis

October 8, 2021
| 8 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Snow-flocked trees along a groomed cross-country ski trail

This article about waxing your waxless cross-country skis is, as you might imagine, the result of me being frequently asked the same questions about waxing waxless cross-country skis! Technique and gear form an integrated whole when it comes to cross-country skiing. So, although I provide relatively short answers to common questions here, I do encourage…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance, waxing waxless xc skis 8 Comments

Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis: Step-By-Step Tutorial

October 4, 2021
| 4 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

Presented to you in this article and collection of videos are some basic lessons on waxing your waxless cross-country skis. I prefer to use the term “functional” when describing my style of waxing. This is because I aim for function rather than high-performance results. I cross-country ski for enjoyment, exploration, and exercise (not racing), so…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance, waxing waxless xc skis 4 Comments

Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction

October 1, 2021
| 15 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

Recreational cross-country skiers rejoiced many years ago thanks to the introduction of “waxless” cross-country skis. No more sticky kick wax to deal with, particularly of the klister variety! And, no more trial and error to achieve the ideal grip for diagonal striding! These waxless cross-country skis featured a fish scale-looking pattern in the grip zone/wax…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance, waxing waxless xc skis 15 Comments

Hiking Lam Watah Historic Trail (via Rabe Meadows at Stateline, NV)

July 13, 2021
| 8 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Hikers on the Lam Watah Historic Trail with a grove of Aspen trees and Jeffrey Pines

The Lam Watah Historic Trail is just east of the casinos of Stateline, NV. The trail is akin to a self-guided city park trail with its meticulous maintained trail and informative placards discussing historic aspects of the area. However, it provides a welcome respite from the insanity of the casino corridor. You can hike it…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails Tagged beginner, short hike, south tahoe 8 Comments

Hiking Fallen Leaf Lake (on its East Side via SR 89)

May 19, 2021
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Snow covered mountains behind an alpine lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is one of the most popular summer play locations on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. And for good reason! There are tons of access points to the lake, and the water is always refreshing. But, because Fallen Leaf Lake is so popular, it can become crowded. I find this to be…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged short hike, south tahoe 2 Comments

Hiking Castle Rock (via Kingsbury Grade/SR 207 near Stateline, NV)

May 4, 2021
| 4 Comments
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
View of South Tahoe from Castle Rock

The trail to Castle Rock is short, but highly rewarding. It offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Additionally, you can see the south and west shores of Lake Tahoe. In the far distance off to the west you’ll see Desolation Wilderness, while off to the east you’ll catch some glimpses into the Carson Valley. Many…

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Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, east tahoe, short hike 4 Comments

Hiking Mount Tallac (via Mount Tallac Trailhead at SR 89 in South Tahoe)

May 3, 2021
| 14 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Man with camera and brimmed hat on mountain summit overlooking Lake Tahoe

The hike up Mount Tallac is one of the most iconic hikes of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Therfore, in my opinon, Tallac should be on your short list of mountains to hike when you’re at Lake Tahoe. That said, the hike is not for the faint of heart. The Mount Tallac trail features roughly 3,500…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, day hike, desolation wilderness, multi-day hike, ski tour, south tahoe 14 Comments

FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Ski Gear

May 1, 2021
| 19 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Snow covered mountains with evergreen trees

This article featuring frequently asked questions about classic cross-country ski gear is a “greatest hits” list I’ve compiled about classic xc ski gear. I’ve been asked these questions (and more) frequently enough to warrant collecting them in one convenient article. Please note, however, that the answers I provide are succinct and abridged. Like any art,…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged backcountry xc skiing, buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance 19 Comments

Wildfires and Smoke at Lake Tahoe (Considerations for Traveling in the Tahoe Backcountry during Summer)

May 1, 2021
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Local History, Natural History, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

Living at Lake Tahoe and being surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains is like living in a dream. There’s plenty of sunshine in the summer and powdery snow in the winter. The finest outdoor recreation is literally outside your front door. And, despite the massive influx of visitors that come to Lake Tahoe during the…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Local History, Natural History, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking Tagged backcountry travel considerations, east tahoe, north tahoe, south tahoe, west tahoe
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The mission of Tahoe Trail Guide is to provide information, education, and inspiration to all people seeking to recreate outdoors.

  • All Summer Tahoe Trails
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    • North Lake Tahoe Hiking
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      • Short South Tahoe Hikes
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Jared Manninen (Tahoe Trail Guide) Wins Sierra Nevada Alliance’s 2020 Frank Wells Last Best Place Award

2020 Frank Wells Last Best Place Award - Jared Manninen

In Recognition For Your Exhibited Stewardship As An Individual On Behalf Of The Sierra!

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  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • Trails Overview
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
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    • West Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

Top Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe
Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe
Hiking Rubicon Trail (via Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
Hiking Mount Rose (via Mount Rose HWY/SR 431 near Incline Village, NV)
Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Big Yellow Wildflowers with Big Green Leaves called Woolly Mule’s Ears and Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Hiking Tahoe Meadows (via Mount Rose HWY/SR 431 near Incline Village, NV)
Hiking Winnemucca Lake (via Carson Pass in South Tahoe)
Hiking Meeks Creek Falls (via SR 89 at Meeks Creek in West Tahoe)
Hiking Washoe Meadows State Park (via Lake Tahoe BLVD in South Tahoe)

Backcountry Skills Articles

  • All Backcountry Skills Articles
    • Trip Planninng
    • Trip Documenting
    • XC Skiing Explained
    • Snowshoeing Basics
    • Gear Maintenance
  • History
    • Natural History
    • Local History
  • All Tahoe Trail Guide Articles (published chronologically)

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Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe
  • Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Big Yellow Wildflowers with Big Green Leaves called Woolly Mule’s Ears and Arrowleaf Balsamroot
  • Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe
  • Tips for Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe
  • Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Tips for Finding Wildflowers at Tahoe
View from last night's wildflower hunt excursion 🤗
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #dailyadventure #outdooradventure #getoutside #mountainliving #optoutside #tahoesnaturalists #naturephotography #sierranevada #hiking #hike #mountainlife #lifeofadventure #lovewhereyoulive #livelifeoutside #wildernessadventure #outdoorphotography #adventurelife #mountainculture #wildernessculture #sierranevadamountains
Another nice spot to search for wildflowers, just Another nice spot to search for wildflowers, just at a much lower elevation than my previous night's location 🤗
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TahoeTrailGuide.com
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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Patreon.com/JaredManninen
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PayPal.me/JaredManninen
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #dailyadventure #outdooradventure #getoutside #mountainliving #optoutside #tahoesnaturalists #naturephotography #sierranevada #hiking #hike #mountainlife #lifeofadventure #lovewhereyoulive #livelifeoutside #wildernessadventure #outdoorphotography #adventurelife #mountainculture #wildernessculture #sierranevadamountains
View from last night's post-work workout aka anoth View from last night's post-work workout aka another wildflower hunt 😆
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TahoeTrailGuide.com
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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Patreon.com/JaredManninen
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PayPal.me/JaredManninen
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #dailyadventure #outdooradventure #getoutside #mountainliving #optoutside #tahoesnaturalists #naturephotography #sierranevada #hiking #hike #mountainlife #lifeofadventure #lovewhereyoulive #livelifeoutside #wildernessadventure #outdoorphotography #adventurelife #mountainculture #wildernessculture #sierranevadamountains
Whether you're doing a Big Year for birds or wildf Whether you're doing a Big Year for birds or wildflowers, the experience becomes all-consuming 😆
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Prairie Smoke aka Old Man's Whiskers 🤗
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2022 is a Tahoe Wildflower Big Year (hosted by @tahoesnaturalists). Submit your observations to https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/tahoe-wildflower-big-year-2022
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TahoeTrailGuide.com
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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Patreon.com/JaredManninen
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PayPal.me/JaredManninen
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #dailyadventure #outdooradventure #getoutside #mountainliving #optoutside #prairiesmoke #tahoesnaturalists #naturephotography #sierranevada #hiking #hike #wildflowerphotography #mountainlife #lifeofadventure #lovewhereyoulive #livelifeoutside #wildernessadventure #outdoorphotography #adventurelife #sierranevadawildflowers #mountainculture #wildernessculture #wildflower
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Fun Vintage Lake Tahoe Map
Self-portrait of Jared Manninen
Jared Manninen has been a Tahoe local since 2005. He began building Tahoe Trail Guide (c. 2017) in order to inspire people to embrace the outdoors as a place in which to learn and play.

Popular Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe
  • Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Big Yellow Wildflowers with Big Green Leaves called Woolly Mule’s Ears and Arrowleaf Balsamroot
  • Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe
  • Tips for Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe
  • Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Tips for Finding Wildflowers at Tahoe
  • Lake Tahoe Wildflowers: Two Major Factors that Determine Peak Bloom Times for Wildflowers at Tahoe
  • Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Trails

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  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
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    • West Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

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Although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility. Tahoe Trail Guide copyright © 2016-2021 by Jared Manninen. All rights reserved.  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Per the Associates Program Operating Agreement I must disclose the following statement: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” when you buy something via an Amazon.com advertisement.