Tahoe Trail Guide

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

Menu
  • Summer
    • Trails Overview
    • • Best Day Hikes of Tahoe
    • North Tahoe Hiking
    • South Tahoe Hiking
    • • Short South Tahoe Hikes
    • East Tahoe Hiking
    • West Tahoe Hiking
  • Winter
    • Trails Overview
    • Jared Manninen’s Cross-Country Skiing VLOG
    • North Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • South Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • East Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • West Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
  • Skills
    • Trip Planning
    • • Backcountry Travel Considerations
    • Trip Documenting
    • XC Skiing Explained
    • • Buying XC Skis
    • • Classic XC Skiing
    • • Backcountry XC Skiing
    • • Waxing Waxless XC Skis
    • Snowshoeing Basics
  • History
    • Natural History
    • Local History
  • Store

Category: South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing Basics: Overview of Modern Snowshoes

December 4, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2019 Jared Manninen

Snowshoes, or some version of them, have been around for thousands of years. For most people today, however, their use is less about survival and more for recreation. Although the technology used to make contemporary snowshoes is superior to those of antiquity, the goal is the same. They are designed to enable a person to…

Read More »

Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged gear maintenance, snowshoeing basics 2 Comments

Cross-Country Skiing in Challenging Conditions

November 15, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

The mountaineering adage of “there’s no bad weather, only bad gear” holds true in many ways in cross-country skiing. But you could take that statement even further. Not only does choosing the correct cross country gear to run in challenging conditions help. But, modifying your attitude and technique will surely contribute toward having a quality…

Read More »

Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Tagged advanced, backcountry travel considerations, backcountry xc skiing, beginner, cross-country skiing explained, intermediate, ski tour, trip planning 4 Comments

Considerations for Winter Adventure in Lake Tahoe’s Backcountry

October 23, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2016 Jared Manninen

Traveling through Lake Tahoe’s backcountry is always rewarding. The experience never fails to offer stunning views and plenty of character building opportunities. However, winter adventuring in the Lake Tahoe region presents additional obstacles you must overcome in order to return home safely. And, these obstacles come in the literal and figurative variety. The following considerations…

Read More »

Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, backcountry travel considerations, backcountry xc skiing, beginner, cross-country skiing explained, intermediate, ski tour, snowshoeing basics, trip planning 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,…

Read More »

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

An Ode to Cross-Country Skiing or My First Overnight Cross-Country Ski Tour

February 4, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2016 Jared Manninen

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…

Read More »

Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, backcountry xc skiing, cross-country skiing explained, luther pass, ski tour, south tahoe, trail journal, trip documenting 4 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…

Read More »

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

Overnight Cross-Country Ski Tour to Little Round Top Mountain (Carson Pass)

November 17, 2019
| 4 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

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…

Read More »

Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, backcountry xc skiing, carson pass, ski tour, trail journal, trip documenting 4 Comments

Beginner’s Mind: Becoming a Student of Sport

November 15, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Snow banks along a river running through a snowy forest

“Beginner’s mind” is a phrase that was used often during my dozen years of active training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. The phrase originated with Zen Buddhism and denotes an approach to learning or, in a broad sense, experiencing life with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the new, unknown, and…

Read More »

Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged trail journal, trip documenting Leave a comment

Backcountry Skiing on the Pacific Crest Trail

November 15, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Cross-country skiers traveling along the Pacific Crest Trail past trees

My grin morphed into a grimace the moment I saw the tips of my skis torpedo beneath a three-inch layer of wind-scoured crust and disappear. A split second later, the inevitable happened. My lower body came to a halt while my upper body continued to move. I pitched forward, landing face first in the snow….

Read More »

Posted in Blog, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged backcountry xc skiing, trail journal, trip documenting Leave a comment

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing to Winnemucca Lake

November 12, 2019
| No Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

Traveling to Winnemucca Lake, accessible from Carson Pass, is a favorite activity year-round for locals and visitors to South Tahoe. In the summer, people hike the trail to Winnemucca Lake in order to find Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, to go swimming, and to fish. During the winter, people backcountry ski, cross-country ski, and snowshoe to Winnemucca…

Read More »

Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, carson pass, intermediate, snowplay, south tahoe Leave a comment
  • 2 of 3
  • « Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next »

Support Tahoe Trail Guide with a Financial Contribution via PayPal (once) or Patreon (reoccurring)

Support Tahoe Trail Guide
Become a Patron!

Subscribe to Tahoe Trail Guide

The mission of Tahoe Trail Guide is to provide information, education, and inspiration to all people seeking to recreate outdoors.

  • All Summer Tahoe Trails
    • Trails Overview
    • North Lake Tahoe Hiking
    • South Lake Tahoe Hiking
      • Short South Tahoe Hikes
    • East Lake Tahoe Hiking
    • West Lake Tahoe Hiking

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!

ORDER JARED MANNINEN’S “COLOR THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL” COLORING BOOK

  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • Trails Overview
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • South Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • East Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • 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
Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek (via SR 89 in South Tahoe)
Overview of Off-Track and Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Gear
Hiking Mount Tallac (via Mount Tallac Trailhead at SR 89 in South Tahoe)
Best Day Hikes of Lake Tahoe
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used
Hiking Emerald Point (north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
Hiking Cathedral Meadow (via SR 89 near Fallen Leaf Lake in South Tahoe)
Hiking Winnemucca Lake (via Carson Pass 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)

Order a “Hike Lake Tahoe” Sticker ($3.00+$.99 shipping, 5×3.3 inches)

Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • Deepen Your Outdoor Experience By Documenting Your Nature-Related Observations
  • Best Day Hikes of Lake Tahoe
  • Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe
  • Hiking Steven’s Peak (via Big Meadow Trailhead in South Tahoe)
  • Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe
A lovely Great Horned Owl 🤗 . . #birdsoflaketah A lovely Great Horned Owl 🤗
.
.
#birdsoflaketahoe
.
.
TahoeTrailGuide.com
.
YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
.
Patreon.com/JaredManninen
.
PayPal.me/JaredManninen
.
Venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide
.
.
#tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #naturephotography #tahoesnaturalists #wildlifephotography #greathornedowl #mountainliving #mountainlifestyle #mountainculture #sierranevadawildlife #birdsofinstagram #exploretahoe #dailyadventure #livelifeoutside #birding #birder #discovertahoe #birdphotography #mountainculture #getoutside #birdnerd
It almost feels as if summer is finishing just lik It almost feels as if summer is finishing just like it started ... with daily afternoon rain storms 🤗
.
.
YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
.
TahoeTrailGuide.com
.
Patreon.com/JaredManninen
.
PayPal.me/JaredManninen
.
Venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide
.
#tahoe #tahoelife #tahome #visitlaketahoe #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #mybackyard #mountainliving #playoutside #optoutside #adventurelife #outdoorculture #outdooradventure #mountainculture #findmeoutside #southlaketahoe #laketahoe #exploretahoe #lovewhereyoulive #adventurelifestyle #livelifeoutside
A dreamy day out there today 🤗 . . YouTube.com/ A dreamy day out there today 🤗
.
.
YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
.
TahoeTrailGuide.com
.
Patreon.com/JaredManninen
.
PayPal.me/JaredManninen
.
Venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide
.
#tahoe #tahoelife #tahome #visitlaketahoe #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #mybackyard #mountainliving #playoutside #optoutside #adventurelife #outdoorculture #outdooradventure #mountainculture #findmeoutside #southlaketahoe #laketahoe #exploretahoe #lovewhereyoulive #adventurelifestyle #livelifeoutside
It's a cool thing when you don't have to make a pr It's a cool thing when you don't have to make a production out of stopping by some birding hot spots while running errands around town.
.
.
Cedar Waxwing 🤗
.
.
#birdsoflaketahoe
.
.
TahoeTrailGuide.com
.
YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
.
Patreon.com/JaredManninen
.
PayPal.me/JaredManninen
.
Venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide
.
.
#tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #naturephotography #tahoesnaturalists #wildlifephotography #cedarwaxwing #mountainliving #mountainlifestyle #mountainculture #sierranevadawildlife #birdsofinstagram #exploretahoe #dailyadventure #livelifeoutside #birding #birder #discovertahoe #birdphotography #mountainculture #getoutside #birdnerd
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Order Prints of Jared Manninen’s “Faux Vintage Map of Lake Tahoe”

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

  • Deepen Your Outdoor Experience By Documenting Your Nature-Related Observations
  • Best Day Hikes of Lake Tahoe
  • Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe
  • Hiking Steven’s Peak (via Big Meadow Trailhead in South Tahoe)
  • Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe
  • Tips for Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe
  • 10 Tips for Spring Cross-Country Skiing in the Backcountry

Lake Tahoe Trails

  • Tahoe Trails Overview
  • All Summer Tahoe Trails
    • North Lake Tahoe Hiking
    • South Lake Tahoe Hiking
      • Short South Tahoe Hikes
    • East Lake Tahoe Hiking
    • West Lake Tahoe Hiking
  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • South Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • East Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • West Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

Tahoe Trail Guide Info

  • Home
  • Backcountry Skills
  • History
    • Natural History
    • Local History
  • Store
    • Tahoe Swag (external link)
  • Randomly Asked Questions
  • About Jared Manninen
  • JaredManninen.com (external link)
  • Contact Tahoe Trail Guide

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.