Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
Winter at Lake Tahoe is great for choose-your-own type adventures in the backcountry. There are additional considerations to take into account during winter travel. However, your options are plentiful if the snowpack is stable, you know your gear and its capabilities, and you are willing to embrace your inner pioneer spirit. For this article I…
During my first summer living at Lake Tahoe I enrolled in a course offered through Lake Tahoe Community College’s Wilderness Education program. The class was a fantastic way to learn more about the new outdoor playground I found myself living in. I also learned some new skills and met a few good friends along the…
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 back in 1999. I’ve backpacked plenty since the AT, but not for a continuous end-to-end journey of a specific trail. People…