The Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe

Snowshoeing Lake Tahoe is one of the best activities in the winter. Although Tahoe is usually known for skiing, the snowshoe trails are absolutely beautiful and great for both beginners and more advanced hikers.

Winter in Lake Tahoe

Starting in November when the snow comes down on Lake Tahoe, California residents and visitors will flock to the area as the winter season begins. There is so much to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter. From skiing to snowmobiling to snowshoeing, there is something for every adventurous spirit.

Growing up in California, my family used to come to Lake Tahoe in the winter to go skiing. We would frequent Heavenly, Squaw, and the other ski resorts. I’ve only recently discovered that there are so many other fun winter activities that are worth checking out. Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe is one of my favorites because the trails are so beautiful and take you to amazing views of the lake.

The restaurant scene is also pretty vibrant in the winter, with many cafes and bars offering a place to warm up and drink hot chocolate (or something stronger).

North or South Lake Tahoe?

Most people who visit Lake Tahoe in the winter will stick to either North or South Lake Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is much quieter. On the pros side, it means you can get a bigger house for the same cost as South Lake Tahoe, there is less traffic, and it’s more peaceful. On the cons side, it means the restaurant and grocery store selection will be more lacking. If it is your first time in Tahoe, you will also need to do more driving to visit popular spots like Emerald Bay.

I would recommend North Lake Tahoe if you are visiting with a group of 6+ and intend to have most of your meals at home cooking. It also has the quieter and more remote snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is the busier side with more of a vibrant downtown feel and the better casinos. On the pros side, there are much more restaurants to choose from (although it is recommended to get a reservation ahead of time) and there is a lot more people watching. It is also closer to some of the bigger attractions/hikes on the South Side. On the cons side, it is much more expensive for housing – most of the options arbe smaller hotel rooms. You can get a bigger condo on the Nevada side.

I would recommend South Lake Tahoe if it is your first time visiting. Although your accommodations will be a little more cramped, it’s hard to go wrong!

To read more about the North vs. South Lake Tahoe debate, go here.

Why Should You Go Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe?

With all the winter activities available, why should you go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe? Skiing and snowboarding are indisputably the most popular activities here in the winter. But if you are like a weekend warrior like I am, it can get so, so crowded. I used to come to Tahoe 10 years ago to ski at Heavenly but for the past 5 years, I really haven’t enjoyed it. It’s truly become way too crowded now for how much you pay for lift tickets.

One year, I decided to take the day off skiing and go snowshoeing instead. The trail was so enjoyable and beautiful. We only saw a handful of people while snowshoeing.

There are many reasons to go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe!

• Scenic beauty: Lake Tahoe is known for its stunning natural beauty, and snowshoeing is a great way to take it all in. You’ll be able to see the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the snow-covered forest, all while getting a good workout.
• Winter exercise: Snowshoeing is a great way to stay active during the winter months. It’s a low-impact form of exercise that works your legs and core, and it’s a great way to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
• Peace and tranquility: Snowshoeing allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. The quiet of the woods, the crunching of snow underfoot, and the crisp mountain air all contribute to a feeling of peace and tranquility.
• Adventure and exploration: Snowshoeing gives you the opportunity to explore places you might not be able to access during the summer months. With snowshoes on your feet, you can wander through the woods, climb small hills, and discover hidden trails.
• Accessibility: Snowshoeing is a relatively easy activity to learn, and it doesn’t require a lot of special equipment. All you really need are snowshoes and warm clothing, and you’re ready to go!
• Family-friendly: Snowshoeing is a fun and engaging activity for people of all ages. It’s a great way for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the winter weather.
• Affordable: Snowshoeing is a very affordable activity, especially when compared to activities like skiing or snowboarding. You can often rent equipment from local outfitters or bring your own.

As an added bonus – most of the snowshoeing trails in Lake Tahoe are dog friendly! Unlike downhill skiing or snowboarding, you can bring your dogs snowshoeing with you so they won’t miss out on the adventures.

Snowshoeing Affordability

Snowshoeing is much cheaper than skiing or snowboarding. Depending on where you go, it can be almost equally as fun. A pair of snowshoes can be as cheap as $70 and they will last for years. I bought my MSR Snowshoes in 2012 and they are still working today.

Here are a few snowshoe options to get you started. If you are not ready to buy snowshoes yet, there are a few stores in Lake Tahoe that will rent snowshoes.

What Should I Pack For a Good Trip?

With the winter season comes winter gear. In general, that means you will have to remember your principles to stay warm and safe. You will only have fun snowshoeing in the winter if you are warm:

• Layer with a 3 part system: Base Layer, Mid-Layer, and a Shell to keep wind out
• Remember your head, hands and feet: Your head, hands and feet will need a bit extra warmth in the winter. Beanies, gloves, and thicker socks will go a long way
• No cotton! I say this a lot in general but this is even more important in the winter. Cotton doesn’t dry easily and will keep you damp and shivering
• Think about thicker pants: In the summer, yoga pants are generally ok. But in the winter, they provide very little insulation and warmth. If there is wind, you will feel it.
• Gaiters may be nice: When there is deeper snow, I will often opt for gaiters which are kind of like calf/ankle rain jackets. They wrap around your shoe and ankles to keep the snow out of your pants and shoe.
• Watch your phone and batteries: Your phone battery will drain easily in the cold. I usually keep my phone close to the chest so it stays warm, and always try to bring external battery packs.
• Don’t overheat: Finally. Don’t overheat. It’s easy to dress too warm and then forget to shed layers as your body builds up more heat. Regulating your internal body temperature is super important to keep you hydrated and energized

Winter Gear for Your Feet

Do you need new hiking boots for the winter? Yes and no. I definitely would not wear running shoes like Hokas or Nikes while snowshoeing. You need some more protection against the snow and cold. If you do have more durable hiking boots though, they will be fine as long as you layer them with gaiters and good socks. When snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, you can sometimes run into deep snow and that is when you will want thicker boots.

Winter Pants

You can wear snow pants but I often feel like I am overheating in them. If you do choose to wear them, make sure they have zippers to let out air so you don’t overheat. Otherwise, I usually like insulated leggings.

Layers to Keep Your Warm

When looking at base layers, the higher the number, the thicker / warmer it will be. E.g., 250 is warmer than 150. I usually go with a 150 for my base layer if I’m snowshoeing in temperatures above 20 degrees (with sun). Any lower or windier, I’ll go with 250. Smartwool is my favorite although I sometimes also opt for Icebreaker base layers. Warm layers are a must when snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe.

For a mid-layer, I will usually go for a down jacket to provide that warmth. If it’s a warmer day, I will opt for a fleece.

Finally, for your outer layer, you will want wind and rain protection. This shell is usually very lightweight.

All the Accessories

Best Trails for Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe

Here are the best trails for snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe from shortest to longest hikes.

1. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail (SLT)

3.6 miles | 100 ft elevation gain | Dog-friendly

Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is the perfect beginner snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe because it is pretty flat the entire way through. It’s a great trail for beginners to break in their snowshoes and get comfortable with the fitting. The first time snowshoeing can be a little tricky because your balance and your footing will feel different!

The trailhead for Fallen Leaf Lake is really close to the center of South Lake Tahoe. This makes for an easy half-day trip if you’re looking for something nice that won’t take all day. Plus – you get beautiful views!

2. Granite Lake & Maggie’s Peak (SLT)

4 miles | 1800 ft elevation gain | Dog-friendly

Granite Lake & Maggie’s Peak is an all-time favorite snowshoe trail in South Lake Tahoe for me. The trailhead is close to the downtown area of South Lake Tahoe, the trail is pretty easy to navigate in the snow, and you get two different lake views during the hike.

Maggie’s Peak is rated as a hard trail because it is fairly steep in a short amount of elevation. In the snow, this can get a little trickier if you are not used to hiking in snowshoes. I would only recommend this trail if you have snowshoed before and feel comfortable! If the sun is bright, conditions could be a little slippery and wet.

The views on Maggie’s Peak are unbeaten though. It was an absolutely gorgeous hike and the dogs had a great time. This is my #1 recommend trail if you want to go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe.

3. Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector (SLT)

8 miles | 1300 ft elevation gain | Dog-friendly

When snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, you will inevitably hear about the Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector. It is one of the most popular trails in South Lake Tahoe – and for good reason! At 8 miles, it is a longer trail where it may take anywhere from 4-5 hours of your day. It is a very gentle trail that climbs through the trees behind some of your favorite ski reasons (Heavenly).

As a there-and-back trail, the Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector is a very flexible trail. You can turn back whenever you want if you are sick of snowshoeing! And with most snowshoeing trails in Lake Tahoe, yes you will get a view of the lake.

4. Donner Peak Trail (NLT)

3.8 miles | 880 ft elevation gain | Dog-friendly

Donner Peak Trail is one of the best snowshoeing trails in North Lake Tahoe. For a short distance, you get incredible views of Donner Lake. It’s also dog-friendly so you can bring your pup!

The trailhead is right next to Donni Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl on the North-West side of Lake Tahoe. This is a great, short snowshoeing option if you are staying in Truckee. Also, if you are driving back to the Bay Area – it’s on your way home!

The bonus of snowshoeing in North Lake Tahoe is that it is much quieter than South Lake Tahoe. Generally, winter hiking trails are pretty empty, but when we went on Donner Peak Trail we didn’t see a single soul!

5. Mount Rose Trail (NLT)

10.7 miles | 2400 ft elevation gain | Dog-friendly

For a harder snowshoeing trail in North Lake Tahoe, head to the Mount Rose Trail on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This 10.7-mile snowshoeing trail will take up a good amount of your day, but it will be well worth the effort!

Mount Rose is the third tallest peak in the Tahoe basin and you will be rewarded with sweeping 360 views at the top. Although this is a long hike, the elevation gain is fairly gradual. That makes this a great snowshoeing trail because neither the ascent nor descent will be too difficult.

What are your favorite winter hikes in Lake Tahoe?

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