Winter Adventures in Reno Tahoe

• Chickadee Ridge
• Skunk Harbor
• Bonsai Rock beach at Lake Tahoe
• Mt. Rose Summit
• Echo Lake

One of my favorite spots in the Reno Tahoe area is Chickadee Ridge. This convenient little gem sits just 30 minutes outside of Reno, yet stepping into it feels like wandering straight into Narnia. From the roadside parking area off Mt. Rose Highway, you’ll find a network of well-trodden paths weaving through the trees, and you can even access a groomed cross-country track maintained by Nevada Nordic, which all lead to a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. Whether you come with snowshoes, Nordic skis or even sleds for a day of play in the meadow, Chickadee Ridge is truly a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination — one that captures the magic of winter every single time.

Want to feel like a Disney character for the day? Bring along a bag of birdseed, and you’ll quickly earn the friendship of the sweet chickadees that call the ridge home. Head into the treeline, listen for their chirps — some say they sound like “cheese-bur-ger!” — and hold out your hand. Whether you linger near the meadow or take the short, one-mile trek to the top, you’ll find plenty of feathered friends eager to say hello. A handful (or even a sprinkle on your hat) is all it takes to gain their trust — no singing required. If you have a furry friend in tow, they might need a little convincing. From experience, a cleverly disguised pup in a hooman jacket usually keeps the birds at ease. With that said, this place is also a winter wonderland for our pups where they can get their snow romps in and make friends with the forest locals, too. But please remember, always pick up after them, and practice Leave No Trace.

Looking for an easy hike with views that will have you stopping every few minutes? Skunk Harbor delivers. This short, three-mile round-trip trail has minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for a leisurely winter adventure. Unless recent snow has blanketed the trail, you can usually make it down to the lake without snowshoes — but as with all things Tahoe, come prepared.

You’ll start by parking along Highway 28 on the east side of Lake Tahoe, then wind your way down a scenic trail with viewpoints of the lake. When you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by a charming, weathered stone cottage at the shoreline — a little piece of Tahoe history frozen in time.

Depending on the water level, the beach can be narrow, but the reward is still the same: that signature Tahoe Blue stretching endlessly before you. My favorite move? Pack a hammock and some snacks, and stay awhile. There’s nothing quite like relaxing by the lake, bundled up, watching the light shift over the water as the mountains hold their snowy crowns in the distance.

Just around the corner from Chickadee Ridge sits Mt. Rose, a favorite summer hike that turns into an entirely new adventure come winter. At about 10.5 miles round trip and 2,500 feet of elevation gain, it’s already a beast. Add snow, ice and wind that could quite literally knock you sideways, and you’ve got yourself a challenge worthy of bragging rights.

I’ll admit, I haven’t tackled this in peak winter, but after the first few snowfalls, it’s an adventure of its own. If you’re lucky, someone’s already blazed a path, but expect ice where sun-warmed days meet frozen nights. Snowshoes or crampons with trekking poles are must-haves and if you’re chasing sunrise or sunset, bring a very bright headlamp. Some of those edges don’t have guardrails, if you catch my drift.

Start early or late — the midday winds are no joke. Take it from me: I once reached the summit in 85-mph gusts, and many hikers called it quits half a mile from the top. The first few miles are mellow and lead to Galena Falls — a small but mighty waterfall tucked in a meadow just before the summit climb and perfect for a quick out-and-back. But if you keep climbing, the payoff is huge: sweeping views of the Tahoe Basin, Reno and Washoe Valley.

About half a mile from the top, you’ll break through the treeline where the winds really start to show off. Push through and the summit will greet you with a 360° view that makes every frozen toe worth it. Side effects may include shouting your victory into the wind, tears, dancing, or sitting in silent awe. Whether you make it to the top or call it a day at the falls, you’ve earned your adventure badge.

Alright, tread lightly with this one — pun only slightly intended. Danger is its middle name. If you’re lucky and time it just right (and I mean just right), you can catch a magical two-week window when Echo Lake, off Highway 50 near South Lake Tahoe, transforms into nature’s most breathtaking skating rink.

For a short stretch each winter, parts of the lake freeze so perfectly smooth it feels unreal. It’s the kind of scene that’ll make you forget to breathe and then remember you probably should, because this adventure is not without risk.

Before I tempt you further, let’s talk safety. Wild ice skating is no joke. Always bring the right gear: ice picks, a rope and a PFD belt. I never go without them and never without friends who know how to test ice thickness. Even then, we don’t step out unless we see other groups already on the ice. Once, we didn’t wait and the sound of cracking ice is something that sticks with you. Literally chills you.

If you’re still game (and honestly, kudos to you), aim to skate before noon to avoid afternoon warming. The smoothest ice typically forms at the lake’s north end, which you can reach by walking or snowshoeing in. When you find it, you’ll understand why people risk the cold for it. It’s pure magic: blue glass underfoot speckled with millions of bubbles, the echo of your blades and maybe even a glimpse of fish darting beneath. Bring some sticks and a puck if you dare — it’s the most scenic pickup game you’ll ever play.

No matter your pace — snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, skating on wild ice or paddling across Tahoe — this region offers a winter adventure for everyone. Just remember: plan ahead, check conditions, prioritize safety, and leave no trace. Let’s all do our part to keep the magic alive!