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 Frog Lake (via Carson Pass in South Tahoe)

January 13, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking
Mountains with patches of snow and a small lake

Hiking to Frog Lake is an ideal adventure for all ages and fitness levels because the trail to Frog Lake is relatively short and easy. In addition, once you reach Frog Lake you’ll be treated to exceptional views around the Carson Pass area. From Frog Lake, you can see: Freel Peak Hope Valley Markleeville Peak…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking Tagged carson pass, south tahoe 2 Comments

Tahoe Rim Trail Thru-Hike (Trail Overview and Photo Album)

January 12, 2020
| 3 Comments
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking
Copyright © 2014 Jared Manninen

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a 165+ mile trail that travels continuously around the mountainous rim of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Hiking the TRT was my first “thru-hike” since completing the Appalachian Trail (AT) back in 1999. I’ve backpacked plenty since the AT, but not for a continuous end-to-end journey of a specific trail….

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Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking Tagged multi-day hike, tahoe rim trail, trail journal, trip documenting, trip planning 3 Comments

Hiking Washoe Meadows State Park (via Lake Tahoe BLVD in South Tahoe)

November 12, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
View of snowy Freel Peak from Washoe Meadows State Park

Washoe Meadows State Park is open year-round. Hike through the park during the warmer months and snowshoe and cross-country ski in the snowy ones. Angora Creek and the Upper Truckee River run through Washoe Meadows State Park. Therefore, much of the park’s terrain is moist and home to many varieties of wildflowers throughout the spring…

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

Vikingsholm: A Brief History (Nordic Castle at Emerald Bay)

November 12, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, Local History, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2013 Jared Manninen

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…

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Posted in Blog, Local History, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged emerald bay, short hike Leave a comment

Hiking Cowboy Hat Hill (via HWY 50 in Meyers near South Tahoe)

November 11, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Hiking Cowboy Hat Hill affords you views of Mount Tallac

Cowboy Hat Hill is found on few maps. It’s a short, but relatively steep climb that offers amazing views of the east face of Desolation Wilderness, Mount Tallac, Angora Peak and Ridge, Twin Peaks, and a glimpse of Lake Tahoe. At the viewpoint there are granite boulders on which to climb, as well as beautiful…

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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, intermediate, meyers, short hike, south tahoe Leave a comment

Hiking Warr Trail (via SR 89 in Christmas Valley near South Tahoe)

November 11, 2019
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

The Warr Trail is short and stout, featuring just over 1,800 feet of elevation gain in just under three miles of hiking (one-way). Although the Warr Trail is shown on three of the more popular Lake Tahoe recreation maps, not many people (Tahoe locals included) actually know it exists. This is interesting because the trailhead…

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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, christmas valley, day hike, south tahoe 2 Comments

Hiking Eagle Point Scenic Overlook (via South Side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)

November 11, 2019
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

The hike to Eagle Point is an out-and-back route approximately 8 miles long and features between 1,200-1,400 feet of total elevation gain. The views are incredible the entire hike as you will pass Vikingsholm and then contour the southern side of Emerald Bay. During this traverse along the bay you will be treated to multiple…

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

Unexpected Refuge: A Lesson in Humor and Humility (8-Page Zine about Backpacking)

November 11, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2015 Jared Manninen

A humorous lesson in humility presented to you in a comic book format. I created this zine based on a backpacking trip I took in October of 2015 along the Tahoe Yosemite Trail. Needless to say, the trip was cut short due to heavy rains (and me not being prepared to deal with it!). A full…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged trail journal, trip documenting Leave a comment

Hiking Cold Creek Trail (via Pioneer Trail in South Tahoe)

November 11, 2019
| 6 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Bridge at Cold Creek Trail

Cold Creek Trail is a multi-use trail that accommodates hikers and mountain bikers and connects with other trails further up the draw. The Cold Creek Trail doesn’t offer spectacular views but it’s flanked on either side by mountainous walls creating one of the best things about this trail, which is that within a minute of…

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

Hiking Scotts Lake (via Big Meadow Trailhead on SR 89 near Luther Pass in South Tahoe)

November 11, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Copyright © 2016 Jared Manninen

Scotts Lake is a fun Tahoe day hike that features a walk through groves of Aspen and Juniper trees, a great selection of wildflowers (when in season), some elevation gain to get your heart pumping, and free and convenient trailhead parking. Bring a swimsuit and towel to take advantage of the fact you’re hiking to…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged big meadow trailhead, christmas valley, day hike, intermediate, luther pass, short hike, 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
Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
Overview of Off-Track and Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Gear
Donner Party History: Series Introduction
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction
XC Skiing Explained (Part 2): Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis
XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
Cross-Country Skiing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used

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  • All Tahoe Trail Guide Articles (published chronologically)

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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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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

  • 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.