The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering free guided snowshoe treks along the famous trail that winds 165 miles around Lake Tahoe. From enchanting forests to mesmerizing vistas and towering peaks, it’s no wonder everyone loves this trail. These snowshoe hikes are great for all abilities (shorter hikes are appropriate for kids). Discover this fun and easy way to exercise and socialize during the winter months in Lake Tahoe.
NOTE: Some of the hikes listed are for members only. So please contact the TRT if you’re interested in joining, or just go hike on your own in Tahoe because that’s free. More info, click here.
Jan. 14 -Snowshoe Trek with Sugar Pine Foundation
February 11 – Sweetheart Sunset Snowshoe – TRTA Members Only
(2 miles; Moderate) This short and scenic hike will take you to viewpoints within Tahoe Meadows and along the Tahoe Basin ridgeline at Chickadee Ridge. Please be sure to bring a camera! There will be plenty of great photo opportunities to capture Lake Tahoe and the distant mountains of Mt. Rose Wilderness along the way and at the top. We will enjoy some wine and other goodies before ending a memorable Valentine’s Day back at the trailhead.
February 18 – Alpenglow Fest Snowshoe Trek- Mt. Rose
In honor of the annual Alpenglow Mountain Festival- Winter Edition, this challenging snowshoe trek begins at the Mt. Rose Trailhead at an elevation of approximately 8,900’. Snowshoers will be treated to impressive scenery throughout this trek with the first westerly mile skirting ~600’ above Tahoe Meadows offering expansive views of Lake Tahoe and the open meadow below through this wide open slope. The trail then turns north and continues to climb through the peaceful stillness of a snow covered forest full of aspens, and ponderosa, sugar, Jeffrey, white, and lodge pole pines. After a little over mile 3, your destination awaits at 9,380′. Frog Pond, also known as Snow Pond, ices over and becomes strong enough to stand on its beauty. The first part of the hike is a steady ascent and not for beginners or participants effected by altitude. Physical fitness is a must. This hike is recommended for participants with prior snowshoe experience hiking at least 5 miles and for Adults Only.
March 11- Snowshoe Trek to Martis Peak Lookout
This challenging snowshoe climbs for the first 4 miles, gaining over 1700 feet in elevation before topping out at the Martis Peak Lookout. The rewards are spectacular views of Truckee and Donner Pass, the Sierra Buttes and Lake Tahoe to the south. We will enjoy lunch at the top, so don’t forget to bring one. Before signing up for this snowshoe be certain that you can hike 8 miles in snowshoes at altitude keeping in mind that there is a significant elevation gain. Please have a level of self-awareness. If you hiked all summer but have been hibernating all winter, this is not the event for you as it may be a safety hazard for you and is not fair to the other participants.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the world’s premier trails. It passes through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas. This spectacular trail is 165 miles of single-track multiuse trail, winding peak to peak around Lake Tahoe. It is a trail that offers something for everyone! Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on all portions of the trail, while mountain biking is allowed on the trail with the exception of the wilderness areas, the section that is in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and on the sections of trail that overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail.
Gear to Bring
1. Snowshoes
2. Snow Boots (recommend gators to keep snow out of boots)
3. Trekking poles with snow basket (ski poles are fine)
4. Water – 2 quarts minimum per person
5. Lunch and snacks
6. Warm clothes (synthetics blends, such as fleece, polypropylene, & wool. Cotton and jeans are not acceptable clothes for the backcountry in winter, this includes cotton socks!) Water and wind resistant pants and jacket are essential.
7. Gloves
8. Ski hat
9. Lip balm
10. Sunscreen, SPF 30 or greater
11. Sunglasses and/or goggles for blowing snow
12. Map and compass (if you have them)