Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
When I was introduced to cross-country skiing as an adult (what child from the upper Midwest hasn’t tried it at least once in middle school?), I had already forsaken snow sports. The reasons weren’t because I didn’t love winter or I had an aversion to carving turns in fresh powder. Forgive my condescending attitude, but…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
The hike up Mount Tallac is one of the iconic hikes in the Lake Tahoe Basin and should be on your list of places in which to travel at Lake Tahoe. The hike is not for the faint of heart, however, as it features approximately 3,500 feet of elevation gain and high exposure. But the…
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. For months you’ve weathered fierce winter storms and now you’re ready to hit those famed Tahoe hiking trails to visit your favorite peaks, find unique and vibrant wildflowers, and…
Winter at Lake Tahoe is great for choose-your-own adventures in the backcountry. There are additional considerations to take into account during winter travel. However, your options are plentiful when the snowpack is stable, you know your gear and its capabilities, and you’re willing to embrace your inner pioneer spirit. For this article, I outline one…
Although I have tons of experience backpacking throughout the year, I’ve only winter camped a handful of times. In March of 2016, I completed my first cross-country ski overnight tour. The route I skied was only 13 total miles (split up over two days), but I had such a blast that I planned to complete…
People have been cross-country skiing at Lake Tahoe since the mid-1850s. The incredible Snowshoe Thompson is one of the most notable people to ever ski in the Lake Tahoe region. For 20 years, Snowshoe Thompson transported mail across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. His 180-mile, 5-day round trip journeys extended from Genoa, NV, to Placerville, CA….
Traveling through Lake Tahoe’s backcountry is always rewarding because the experience never fails to offer stunning views and plenty of character building opportunities. However, adventuring in the Lake Tahoe region during the winter presents additional obstacles (literally and figuratively) that you must overcome in order to return home safely. The following considerations may seem excessive…
Snowshoeing is an enjoyable way to experience Lake Tahoe’s backcountry. There aren’t many techniques involved with snowshoeing beyond walking slightly wider and picking up your knees a little higher (depending on snow levels). So, the activity is accessible to many people who don’t have the time and money to invest in more involved methods of…