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Tag: short hike

Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)

August 16, 2022
| 7 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Hiking Emerald Point affords you views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island

The hike to Emerald Point is an absolute dream. The trail contours the north side of picturesque Emerald Bay. It’s a relatively short hike at 5-6 miles (out-and-back). There’s only about 500 feet of total elevation gain to negotiate. Lastly, access to the trailhead is simple. The drawbacks to hiking the trail to Emerald Point…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged day hike, emerald bay, short hike, south tahoe 7 Comments

Considerations for Spring Hiking and Backpacking at Lake Tahoe

April 19, 2022
| 7 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 7 Comments

Tips for Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe

April 16, 2022
| 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

Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe

April 10, 2022
| 19 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 19 Comments

Hiking Lam Watah Historic Trail (via Rabe Meadows at Stateline, NV)

July 13, 2021
| 8 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Hikers on the Lam Watah Historic Trail with a grove of Aspen trees and Jeffrey Pines

The Lam Watah Historic Trail is just east of the casinos of Stateline, NV. The trail is akin to a self-guided city park trail with its meticulous maintained trail and informative placards discussing historic aspects of the area. However, it provides a welcome respite from the insanity of the casino corridor. You can hike it…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails Tagged beginner, short hike, south tahoe 8 Comments

Hiking Fallen Leaf Lake (on its East Side via SR 89)

May 19, 2021
| 2 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Snow covered mountains behind an alpine lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is one of the most popular summer play locations on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. And for good reason! There are tons of access points to the lake, and the water is always refreshing. But, because Fallen Leaf Lake is so popular, it can become crowded. I find this to be…

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

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

May 4, 2021
| 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

Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA

April 30, 2021
| 13 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 13 Comments

Hiking Cathedral Meadow (via SR 89 near Fallen Leaf Lake in South Tahoe)

March 2, 2021
| 3 Comments
| Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails
Cathedral Meadow and Aspen trees

Cathedral Meadow is accessible year-round. Hike there during the warmer months, and then snowshoe and cross-country ski in the snowy ones. The area is often wet early in the summer since Cathedral Meadow is located near Taylor Creek and Fallen Leaf Lake. This is particularly evident after a big winter at Lake Tahoe. But because…

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Posted in Blog, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, Winter Trails Tagged beginner, short hike, south tahoe 3 Comments

Hiking Logan Shoals Vista Point (via HWY 50 in East Tahoe)

December 4, 2020
| 1 Comment
| Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails
Sunset at Lake Tahoe seen from the Logan Shoals Vista Point

From the Logan Shoals Vista Point on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, you’re afforded unobstructed, panoramic views looking west across the lake. Therefore, Logan Shoals makes for a perfect place in which to view sunsets at Lake Tahoe. Also, parking for the Logan Shoals Vista Point is free and located directly off of HWY…

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Posted in Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails Tagged east tahoe, short hike 1 Comment
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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
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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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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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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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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)
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