Snowshoeing in Reno Tahoe
Extend your hiking season into the winter.
Reno Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring views in the west, so don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors. For those of you who enjoy exploring the alpine on foot, snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe is one of the best winter activies to keep you active in the colder months! You can follow an established trail, or opt to forge your own path through the fresh snow.
Snowshoeing Lake Tahoe
When snowshoeing around Lake Tahoe, you won't want to forget your camera to capture all the action, scenic landscapes, and for Chickadee Ridge, where you can hang out with our friendly birds. You'll have your very own fairy tale moment in Reno Tahoe!
To get you started, many Lake Tahoe area ski resorts and local outdoor retailers have snowshoe rentals, repairs and guided snowshoe tours. For those who are new to snowshoeing or are looking for a new adventure, check out Snowshoeing Reno, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Tahoe Snowshoe Tours, Snowshoe Tahoe or Tahoe Adventure Company. If you're looking for a guided experience, Sierra State Parks Foundation offers full moon snowshoe tours, so be sure to check out their calendar for dates throughout the winter.
Snowshoeing in Reno
If making the trek to the Lake Tahoe area isn’t on the agenda for your adventure, snowshoeing in Reno is a blast! A 20-minute drive from downtown Reno, Galena Creek Park offers several easy to moderate trails and is pet-friendly year-round. The views are beautiful in any season, but they are especially striking when the pine trees are blanketed in snow.
Check out our suggestions of snowshoeing trails in Reno Tahoe!
Winter Hiking in Reno Tahoe
Winter hiking in Reno Tahoe is a great way to experience outstanding snowy views of the Sierras. The beauty of the winter months in the Reno Tahoe area is that while we often have thick blankets of powder in the mountains, the valley and foothills typically see far less snowfall. This contrast means that sometimes winter hikes do not require snowshoes. Marked trails can sometimes be challenging to find or may be covered in snow, so look to our guide of hiking trails for maps and more information.
Hiking in the Reno Tahoe area is always a treat, but making sure you have the correct gear and knowledge for trail conditions is essential in all seasons. Whether you are taking part in a guided winter snowshoe hike or exploring on your own, make sure you take the necessary precautions to assess risks and hazards. This includes packing the proper equipment like trekking poles and wearing winter hiking clothing.
If you prefer a little less snow on the trail but still want wintry views, Hidden Valley County Park Trail and Huffaker Park Lookout Trail are great options for winter hiking that usually don't require snowshoes.
There are many other snow activities in the Reno Tahoe area. Check out more Lake Tahoe winter activities and get started on planning your winter adventure.
Don’t forget your camera to capture all of those #NoLimits moments!
FAQS
Lake Tahoe seems to have an endless list of places to snowshoe. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Chickadee Ridge
- Spooner Lake
- Tahoe Meadows
- Palisades Tahoe
- For guided snowshoeing excursions in Lake Tahoe, check out our Guide to Snowshoeing Trails
In addition to great snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, Truckee offers several snowshoeing destinations that are hard to beat:
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Northstar California Resort
- Coldstream Canyon
- Castle Peak at Donner Summit
- Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
- Donner Summit Train Tunnels
If you are snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, it’s best to dress in breathable layers of clothing that will keep you comfortable but will also allow you to shed layers if you start to get too warm. A water-resistant jacket, a warm beanie or earmuffs, snow pants and waterproof gloves are also strongly recommended. Of course, snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe also requires a set of snowshoes, and poles are a good idea for balance on uneven terrain. There are several places available to rent snowshoes around Reno and Lake Tahoe.
Here are some great places in North Lake Tahoe to rent snowshoes, no matter what part of the lake you are visiting:
- Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Snowboards (Kings Beach, Truckee and Tahoe City)
- Tahoe Cross Country Ski Center
- Village Ski Loft
- Epic Mountain Rentals
Wondering if snowshoeing is difficult, or how it compares to hiking? The beauty of snowshoeing is that you don’t need a lot of specialized equipment and you can start out on mellow terrain. Snowshoeing is extremely similar to hiking, but it might take a few strides to get used to the wide nets on your feet. In some circumstances, it can be a bit more challenging than hiking, especially if you are in deep snow or navigating hilly terrain. Snowshoeing is a very rewarding experience and a fun way to harness the beauty of Reno Tahoe winters!
Looking for a more challenging adventure? Check out our guide to backpacking the Sierras.