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Snowshoe through History at Sugar Pine Point State Park March 17

February 3, 2018
    Outside

What would it be like to be the only permanent resident of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore during the winter of 1904?

Find out during a snowshoe hike around the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion on the lake shore March 17 starting at 11:00 AM. You’ll learn about the natural environment that attracted Tahoe’s earliest settlers and explore the fascinating history of a Tahoe landmark. […]

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ehrman mansion at sugar pine park

 

Meet near the restrooms in the day use side of Sugar Pine Point State Park (lake side entrance off Highway 89). Wear warm layered clothing, waterproof hiking boots, and bring snowshoes. If there is minimal snow, the hike will proceed without snowshoes.

While event is free, the $5 parking fee still applies. The event is from 11am-12:30pm.

Join a California State Park interpreter for an easy and fun Snowshoe through History hike along Lake Tahoe’s magical west shore at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.

The Snowshoe through History hikes start at 11am and begin near the restrooms in the Day Use side of the park (lake side entrance off Highway 89). The programs last approximately 1½ hours. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle, and no charge for the program. Wear warm clothing and waterproof winter shoes, bring water and snowshoes. Snowshoes can be rented at a local sporting goods shop such as West Shore Sports in Homewood. Weather conditions may cancel.

Sugar Pine Point is a magical spot, and perfect for skiing through one of Tahoe’s quintessential historic estates and one of the finest remaining natural areas in Tahoe.

11 miles (20km) of cross country ski trails guide you through huge old growth pines and open meadows, along General Creek and the 1960 Olympic Biathlon site, and next to the shores of west shore and the historic estate of Ehrman Mansion.

Click here to download the 1960 Cross Country Ski Trail Map.

About Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park

Sugar Pine Point was the summer home for generations of Washoe Indians who came to these peaceful shores to hunt and fish. Evidence of their occupation can still be seen today in the form of bedrock mortars or grinding rocks just offshore from the Ehrman Mansion.

In 1860, the first permanent settler of record on Lake Tahoe’s west shore built a cabin at the mouth of General Creek. This was the trapper and fisherman William “General” Phipps, and his cabin can still be seen today just north of the State Park pier. In 1884, a resort called Bellevue Hotel was constructed just north of what is now the South Boathouse, and remained a popular summer destination for Lake Tahoe visitors for nine years.

The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), is a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now the State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman. The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe.

The Nature Center located in the day use area by the Ehrman Mansion (open in the summer) has a display of several species of birds, mammals and the four major game fish that occupy the Tahoe Basin. Other exhibits include Biology, Lake Ecology, Wildflowers, Trees, and a “Touchy-feely” table for the kids of all ages.