Tahoe Trail Guide

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

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Tag: short hike

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

October 1, 2020
| No 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 Leave a comment

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

Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA

July 6, 2020
| 8 Comments
| Blog, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Hiker walking through old train tunnels with graffiti on the walls

The railroad tunnels on Donner Pass provide, unquestionably, one of the most unique hiking experiences at Lake Tahoe. The Donner Pass train tunnels are fun for the whole family, particularly younger kids who find playing in the dark thrilling. But with that darkness comes the inherent risk of tripping and falling. So, bring with you…

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Posted in Blog, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, short hike 8 Comments

Hiking Spooner Lake (via SR 28/HWY 50 in East Tahoe)

June 11, 2020
| 3 Comments
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
The sun setting on Spooner Lake during summer

Hiking the loop around Spooner Lake is entertaining and educational. The views are mostly restricted to Spooner Lake and the neighboring forest. However, the lake is host to an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers. Additionally, there are multiple infographics along the trail to provide for an educational experience. They include information and imagery about the…

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Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails Tagged beginner, east tahoe, short hike, spooner summit 3 Comments

Hiking Meeks Creek Falls (via SR 89 at Meeks Creek in West Tahoe)

June 5, 2020
| 6 Comments
| Blog, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Hiking, Winter Trails
Two women hiking along the Meek's Creek Trail

The hike to Meeks Creek Falls and around Meeks Creek is easy and provides plenty of solitude. There’s no elevation gain, so it’s perfect for the young and old. Hiking the Meeks Creek Trail as a loop takes you through a couple of micro-ecosystems. You’ll travel along a dirt road, in and out of the…

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Posted in Blog, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Hiking, Winter Trails Tagged beginner, day hike, short hike, west tahoe 6 Comments

Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe

June 5, 2020
| 15 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Lupine lines the hiking trail through Washoe Meadows State Park

Many people who come to Lake Tahoe plan on hiking bigger and more iconic trails such as Mount Tallac, Freel Peak, or Mount Rose. However, those hikes are all-day affairs. And sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to tackle the longer hikes of Lake Tahoe. Or, there’s too much snow in the…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged short hike, snowshoeing basics, south tahoe 15 Comments

Hiking Tahoe Meadows (via Mount Rose HWY/SR 431 near Incline Village, NV)

June 1, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Blog, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Hiking trail between a forest and meadow

For hikers in North Tahoe seeking a short and easy trail with quick access and free parking, choose to hike at Tahoe Meadows. Additionally, you’ll find an exceptional selection of Sierra Nevada wildflowers and birds at Tahoe Meadows. Obviously, nature is unpredictable and flowers bloom and birds migrate based on the weather and season. However,…

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Posted in Blog, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged north tahoe, short hike 4 Comments

Tips for Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe

May 3, 2020
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking
Snowy mountains and a verdant meadow

Lake Tahoe locals and visitors alike tend to drop their guard during the spring. We’ve made it through the punishing winter. Now we’re looking forward to the long days and warm sunshine of summer. The roads are bare. The trailheads are free of snow. So, that first hike of the season is going to be…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking Tagged backcountry travel considerations, beginner, day hike, east tahoe, intermediate, multi-day hike, north tahoe, short hike, ski tour, south tahoe, trip planning, west tahoe Leave a comment

Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe

March 6, 2020
| 3 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Hiking, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2016 Jared Manninen

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. You’ve weathered fierce winter storms and now you’re ready to hit those famed Tahoe hiking trails. You’re looking forward to visit your favorite peaks, find unique and vibrant wildflowers,…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Hiking, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, backcountry travel considerations, beginner, day hike, east tahoe, intermediate, multi-day hike, north tahoe, short hike, ski tour, south tahoe, trip planning, west tahoe 3 Comments

Hiking Castle Rock (via Kingsbury Grade/SR 207 near Stateline, NV)

February 12, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
View of South Tahoe from Castle Rock

The trail to Castle Rock is short, but highly rewarding. It offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Additionally, you can see the south and west shores of Lake Tahoe. In the far distance off to the west you’ll see Desolation Wilderness, while off to the east you’ll catch some glimpses into the Carson Valley. Many…

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Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, east tahoe, short hike 4 Comments
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Top Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used
Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
XC Skiing Explained (Part 3): Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis
XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
XC Skiing Explained (Part 5): Classic Cross-Country Ski Boots
Cross-Country Skiing Technique: Using the Side-Step and Herringbone Techniques in the Backcountry
Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2): How Much Gear to Acquire, Evaluating Your Commitment, and the Value of Taking XC Ski Lessons
FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis

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Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used
  • Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2): How Much Gear to Acquire, Evaluating Your Commitment, and the Value of Taking XC Ski Lessons
  • XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
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  • 5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing

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A little floofy bird for you 🤗 . Downy Woodpeck A little floofy bird for you 🤗
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Downy Woodpecker (male).
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One of my favorite little itty bitty birds ... the One of my favorite little itty bitty birds ... the Brown Creeper ... And one that I seldom catch in good light 😍
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Check out my latest xc ski vlog (14) at YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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Today was a good day to work on becoming a better Today was a good day to work on becoming a better skier ❄😊❄
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Not a bad way to start the day ❄😊❄ . . Patr Not a bad way to start the day ❄😊❄
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Popular Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used
  • Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2): How Much Gear to Acquire, Evaluating Your Commitment, and the Value of Taking XC Ski Lessons
  • XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
  • Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • 5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • Snowshoeing Basics: Overview of Modern Snowshoes

Lake Tahoe Trails

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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 © 2016-2020 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.”