Lake Tahoe Beaches: West Shore
Small but vibrant communities dot State Route 89... Read Article
In just a short time, the Tahoe-Truckee region will be transformed into a winter wonderland. For many, that signifies the start of the skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking season. For some, these outdoor adventures can be intimidating as colder temperatures and snow adds more challenging elements to travel plans.
Fortunately, snowshoeing is an activity that everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy! From families with little kids to a beginner on their first winter hike to the experienced adventure-seeker, there’s truly something for everyone here. In this blog, I highlight five trails and destinations that are perfect for beginners, families and newcomers to the region. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Photo: Northstar has a network of fun family-friendly trails. Credit: Northstar California
Chickadee Ridge
Nestled in the Mount Rose Wilderness near Incline Village, Chickadee Ridge is a family-friendly, beginner hike that takes you through sprawling snow-covered meadows and forested areas leading to an incredible overlook of Lake Tahoe. And, true to its name, there are plenty of opportunities to view and interact with the friendly local chickadees. Make sure to bring birdseed (there are specific brands just for chickadees) to feed them straight from your hands!
Chickadee Ridge is easily accessible from the Mount Rose Highway, and you can park on the designated areas on the side of the road. As at times there can be a lot of snow, I always tell people to look out for the children sledding at the small snow park. The trail will begin on the opposite side of the freeway from there.
Tip: Chickadee Ridge is very popular with local families and tourists, so if you're looking for a more tranquil and less crowded experience, aim to go on a weekday or early in the morning. Sunset can also be a great time to go, but make sure to bring a headlamp to navigate your way back to the car.
Snowshoeing is a family favorite for locals and tourists at Tahoe Donner. Credit: Tahoe Donner
Tahoe Donner
Conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Truckee, the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center provides a network of snowshoe-friendly trails for all ages and skill levels to enjoy. The terrain here is perfect for beginners, families and young kids as there are a variety of flat and forgiving trails to explore. A day pass will grant you access to the designated singletrack snowshoe trails that meander through the tranquil meadows, snow-covered forests and stunning alpine terrain. You might even have a chance to see some wildlife such as hares and birds, so bring your camera!
For those who are completely new to the sport or who want to refine their skills and learn more about the area, Tahoe Donner offers private and group lessons and guided tours. Don't have any gear? Not a problem! They also provide high-quality snowshoes, boots and poles, which can be found at the Alder Creek Adventure Center.
Tip: Make sure to follow proper trail etiquette and stay on the designated snowshoe paths, which are located on the outer edges of the groomed ski trails. Be mindful of other skiers and make sure to leave no trace.
Northstar
Surprisingly unbeknownst to many who recreate there, Northstar in Truckee is more than a skiing and snowboarding resort! In fact, they have specifically groomed trails made accessible for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. They also have an ice rink at the village. Access is included in your Epic Pass, or you can purchase a day pass online or at the resort. They also have rentals and offer private and group lessons for beginners who want to learn proper techniques and be guided across the network of trails.
The trails, enjoyable for all ages and levels, will take you through stunning snow-covered terrain on mid-mountain, offering a different perspective than you would get from downhill activities. As you wander through the majestic forest, you will soon be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the valley below. Pack your camera as you will want to save these memories for years to come!
Exploring the snow-covered forests around Camp Richardson. Credit: Camp Richardson Resort
Camp Richardson
A South Lake Tahoe family favorite, Camp Richardson offers a fun and varied network of trails, one of them leading to the picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake.
The beginner trails, found right near the lakeshore, offer flat terrain that is easy to navigate. These trails can see higher traffic due to the number of families that recreate there, so I highly advise an early arrival.
The trail leading to Fallen Leaf Lake is great for beginners and families who want to add some mileage and incredible views of the iconic Mount Tallac to their excursion. The trailhead begins just a few miles from Camp Richardson. Here, you will wander through the snow-covered forest as you make your way to the lake. You can walk around the lake to add more mileage and different vantage points of the lake and surrounding peaks. It’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic!
Even though the hike to Fallen Leaf Lake is an easy and relatively straight-forward hike, it does require some route finding if there is fresh snow on the ground. I always recommend having AllTrails on, or a GPS, just in case.
Tip: The Mountain Sports Center is conveniently located on-site for trail passes and rentals. Make sure to follow the proper trail etiquette as you will be sharing with cross-country skiers.
Hope Valley
Most famous for its fall foliage displays, Hope Valley is located about 20 miles outside South Lake Tahoe and 12 miles from Kirkwood Resort, making it perfect for a day trip or add-on to your skiing and sightseeing. Hope Valley is home to a network of trails for all skill levels and ages to enjoy. From gentle meandering meadows to access to challenging summits, there are endless opportunities for winter adventures.
There aren’t any official trailheads from the parking lot, but as it is heavily trafficked, you can typically find tracks to follow in the meadows. I highly recommend that families with small children and beginners stick to the meadows. The meadows are flat and offer miles of open and forested areas to explore. You can even walk to the Carson River!
Tips: Remember to follow the proper trail etiquette as you will be sharing with cross-country skiers. Also watch out for snowmobiles and stay clear of their path.
You will need a Sno-Park permit for parking, which can be found here.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
