Tahoe Trail Guide

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

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Category: South Lake Tahoe Hiking

Hiking Round Lake (via Big Meadow Trailhead near Luther Pass in South Tahoe)

March 1, 2021
| 4 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Sunset at Round Lake

The hike to Round Lake is not a secret Tahoe hike by any means. However, it’s definitely a Tahoe local’s favorite (especially for quick overnight backpacking trips). Why? Because it’s so close to town. And, yet, it’s out of the way just enough that you feel as though you were hiking a remote backcountry trail….

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged big meadow trailhead, christmas valley, day hike, south tahoe 4 Comments

Hiking Dardanelles Lake (via South Upper Truckee RD at Christmas Valley in South Tahoe)

February 28, 2021
| 4 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

The hike to Dardanelles Lake along the Christmas Valley Trail is a lesser known hike in South Tahoe. This is due to the fact that its trailhead is off-the-beaten-path. Unless you’ve read about it in a guidebook or randomly stumbled upon the trailhead, you’d probably never know it existed. Therefore, you don’t need to travel…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, south tahoe 4 Comments

Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek (via SR 89 in South Tahoe)

October 1, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Blog, Local History, Natural History, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2014 Jared Manninen

Don’t get me wrong. I have absolutely no problem with Lake Tahoe’s scenery during the fall. The views are as idyllic as any mountainous locale in the world. Really, I’m not complaining. It’s just that I have this one minor, teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy gripe. And this is coming from an artist, mind you, so take it…

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

Hiking Maggies South Peak (via Bayview Trailhead near Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)

August 20, 2020
| 6 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

The day hike to the south peak of Maggie’s Peaks is an incredibly worthwhile challenge. One that rewards you with countless panoramic views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition to long views along Lake Tahoe’s east and south shores, you’ll also see … Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Freel Peak, Mount Tallac,…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged advanced, day hike, emerald bay, south tahoe 6 Comments

Hiking Winnemucca Lake (via Carson Pass in South Tahoe)

July 19, 2020
| 6 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Alpine lake with mountains and snow in the background

The hike to Winnemucca Lake is one of the quintessential hikes of South Tahoe, especially when it comes to searching for summer wildflowers. Not only is the hiking trail to Winnemucca Lake a favorite by long-time Tahoe locals, it’s a mecca for wildflower enthusiasts from Sacramento to the Bay Area. Hiking to Winnemucca Lake is…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged carson pass, day hike, short hike, south tahoe 6 Comments

Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness: Echo Lakes to Emerald Bay (Trail Journal & Data)

July 7, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails

During my first summer of living at Lake Tahoe I took a mountaineering course offered through Lake Tahoe Community College’s wilderness education program. The course was a fantastic way in which to learn more about the new outdoor playground that I found myself living in. I moved to Lake Tahoe in the fall of 2005,…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged desolation wilderness, emerald bay, multi-day hike, south tahoe, trail journal, trip documenting 2 Comments

Hiking Freel Peak, Jobs Sister, and Jobs Peak (via Forest Service Road 051 near Luther Pass in South Tahoe)

February 4, 2020
| 10 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Mountain peak of decomposing granite

Hiking Freel Peak, Jobs Sister, and Jobs Peak in one shot is a goal shared by many Tahoe locals and weekend visitors. It’s an arduous but relatively safe route that is mostly above treeline and offers 360 degree views for miles in all directions. Each of the three peaks featured in this hike sit above…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, luther pass, multi-day hike, south tahoe, tahoe rim trail 10 Comments

Hiking Freel Peak (via Forest Service RD 051 near Luther Pass in South Tahoe)

February 4, 2020
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Snow-covered mountains at sunrise

Freel Peak is the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin, standing at 10,881 feet. Freel Peak basically sits on the border between the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and offers unparalleled 360 degree views of the entire region. In addition to the panoramic views, you’ll find a variety of Sierra Nevada…

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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, luther pass, multi-day hike, ski tour, south tahoe, tahoe rim trail Leave a comment

Hiking Red Lake Peak (via Carson Pass in South Tahoe)

January 13, 2020
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Whitebark Pine and volcanic rock with blue skies and lake

Red Lake Peak is an exceptional hike that includes on and off-trail travel. Although half of the route to Red Lake Peak is off-trail, those few miles are easy to navigate because they’re across open terrain allowing you to see for miles in all directions. And, those views are incredible! You’ll be treated to glimpses…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged carson pass, day hike, south tahoe Leave a comment

Hiking Stevens Peak (via Big Meadow Trailhead near Luther Pass in South Tahoe)

January 13, 2020
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Autumn mountains with blue skies and clouds and lake

Stevens Peak is an exceptional hike for adventurous people looking to challenge their physical stamina, weather forecasting, and land navigation skills. Throughout the journey you’ll be treated to stunning views of the south end of the Lake Tahoe Basin (and beyond in all directions). Since you’ll be trekking through Meiss Country, you’ll bear witness to…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged advanced, big meadow trailhead, christmas valley, day hike, multi-day hike, ski tour, south tahoe Leave a comment
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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

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Top Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis
XC Skiing Explained (Part 2): Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction
Overview of Off-Track and Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Gear
Donner Party History: Series Introduction
Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
Cross-Country Skiing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
XC Skiing Explained (Part 3): Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis

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Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • The Cross-Country Skiing Experience: Immersing Yourself in Winter
  • Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
  • Considerations for Cross-Country Skiing During the Fall and Early Winter
  • Donner Party History: Series Introduction
  • Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
Wind blown in some areas and glazed in others, but Wind blown in some areas and glazed in others, but this was a super nice surprise! Thanks to whoever recently laid the classic tracks in the burn area 🤗
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#tahoe #tahoelife #tahome #visitlaketahoe #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #mybackyard #mountainliving #playoutside #optoutside #adventurelife #outdoorculture #outdooradventure #mountainculture #findmeoutside #southlaketahoe #laketahoe #exploretahoe #lovewhereyoulive #adventurelifestyle #livelifeoutside #backcountryskiing #dailyadventure #earnyourturns #xcskiing #xcski #nordicskier #nordicskiing #crosscountryskiing
Morning xc ski session in rain soaked snow, but it Morning xc ski session in rain soaked snow, but it was lovely just the same 🤗
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Bluebird skies yesterday, and then this today 😆 Bluebird skies yesterday, and then this today 😆
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Read my latest newsletter (March, 2023) about embracing agency in our lives at JaredManninen.com 🤗
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At this point, things have become a bit ridiculous At this point, things have become a bit ridiculous. I've received between 4-5 feet of new snow at my house in the past 48 hours 😆
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And there's still a couple of feet of snow forecasted for Tahoe beginning Saturday night (3/4/23) and lasting beyond the following Thursday (3/9/23) 😬
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If you wanna see some blizzardy conditions, check out my last few cross-country ski videos on YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
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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

  • The Cross-Country Skiing Experience: Immersing Yourself in Winter
  • Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
  • Considerations for Cross-Country Skiing During the Fall and Early Winter
  • Donner Party History: Series Introduction
  • Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
  • Considerations and Reasons for Doing a Big Year
  • Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe

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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 © 2016-2023 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.