While you can’t take your dog to most cross-country ski areas in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, you can take them on a few developed trails and almost anywhere else.
Here are some key spots where you can safely cross-country ski with your dog. Don’t forget the poop bag!
North Lake Tahoe:
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in Tahoe City [All level skiers]
Dogs are welcome at Tahoe XC Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00, and weekends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Two dog-friendly trails offer over 8 kilometers of diverse beginner and intermediate level terrain. Daily dog passes or season passes are available. Woof!
South Lake Tahoe:
Grass Lake Meadow [ Beginner to intermediate level skiers ]
This is a great spot for beginners. There are about 3 miles of flat, open meadow for you and your dogs. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south for 4.5 miles on Hwy 50 to the stop light. Turn left on Hwy 89 and drive to Luther Pass and park on the side of the road.
Hope Valley Outdoor Center [ Beginner to intermediate level skiers ]
Pickett’s Junction, Highway 88
(530) 694-2266
There are 60 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails in Hope Valley near the yurt that serves as the outdoor center’s headquarters. The outdoor center doesn’t charge trail fees, but does accept donations. You can rent equipment, get a lesson, sign up for a tour and bring your dog.
Kirkwood Cross County & Snowshoe Center [ All level skiers ]
( 209)-258-7248
Kirkwood has a base elevation of 7,800 feet, and 60% of its trails are intermediate. You can bring your dog (a trail pass for the pooch is required) on the inside loop trail in Kirkwood Meadow. Dogs are also allowed on the High Trail behind the Kirkwood Inn.
Angora Road [ Intermediate level skiers ]
This trail is 8 miles round trip. You will ski through woods and past several small lakes. Be cautious of snowmobilers. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south for 2.5 miles on Highway 50 turn right on Tahoe Mountain Road. Turn right on Glenmore Way and left on Dundee Circle. Turn left and follow to the end of the road where the trail begins down a fire road on your left.
Echo Lakes [ Intermediate level skiers ]
This trail is for intermediate cross country skiers and their dogs. There are many trails in this area, most which lead to Upper and lower Echo Lakes. A map of the trails can be picked up at the Forest Service Office. A sno-park permit is needed to park here. From the South Lake tahoe Y, drive south on Highway 50 for 9.6 miles and turn right on Echo Lake road. Park in the Echo Lakes Sno-Park area.
Taylor Creek Sno-Park [All level skiers ]
No Dogs Anywhere Near the Eagle Habitat. There are trails for all level of cross country skier in this sno-park. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Highway 89 for 3.5 miles to the sno-park. A sno-park permit is required to park here.
Fountain Place [ More advanced skier ]
There are six miles of trails (one way) for the more advanced cross country skier. Be cautious of snowmobilers. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Highway 50 for 4 miles and turn left on Pioneer Road. Turn right on Oneidas Street and drive to the end, where it becomes a Forest Service Road. Continue on this road until the pavement ends, approximately 4 miles. The trail starts at the end of the road.
Some of the information provided by The Dog Lover’s Guide to Lake Tahoe by Susie Denison
You can find Susie’s book at the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City.