4 Winter Lake Tahoe Hikes for Snow Lovers
Winter Hikes You'll Love
Do you love crampons, mini-spikes, and snowshoes? Are you a fan of crisp winter air and tranquil, snow-covered trails? If winter is your favorite season, we have something special just for you.
Lake Tahoe is known for its wintertime activities, but not everyone who loves to ski and board is up for strapping on their snowshoes and trudging through the knee-deep powder to get some amazing winter views. If that sounds like you, however, we’ve collected 4 of the best cold weather hikes that wintertime trail trudgers will fall in love with on both the north and south sides of Tahoe.
#1: Chickadee Ridge, 2.4mi
If you’re staying on the northern end of Lake Tahoe near Incline Village, we have the perfect winter hike for you to try out. Located off of Mt. Rose Highway, Chickadee Ridge is a hike that really does have it all and it is perhaps the most popular snowshoeing and hiking trail on our list.
This 2.4 mile moderate hike takes about an hour and will have you knee-deep in snow during the wintertime, making it perfect for beginning snowshoers trying to get their snow legs under control. Although the trail can be a bit harder to see in the snow, there are multiple tracks that will take you to this hike’s summit. Along the way, you may encounter some of the friendly chickadees after which the trail was named, which have been known to fly into the hands of the visitors.
#2: Eagle Lake Trail, 1.9mi
For those of you staying in South Lake Tahoe during your next winter vacation, check out the gorgeous Eagle Lake Trail, located just a few minutes south of Emerald Bay State Park. We’ve mentioned this trail before on our list of the best easy hikes in Tahoe, but it’s worth mentioning again when it comes to wintertime hiking, because the experience can be even more magical.
Due to Eagle Lake being a popular hike year-round, you’ll find that much of the snow on the trail gets packed down, making it a bit easier to complete this route with a set of mini-spikes and some tough snow boots if you aren’t a big snowshoe person. However, snowshoers will have a great time tackling the terrain on this trail as well. Most find this route to be only moderately challenging, while paying off big-time when it comes to views and panoramic vistas of the surrounding Emerald Bay and the mountains that shadow it.
#3: Ophir Creek Loop, 3.2mi
If you’re hoping for some solitude to snowshoe, another great winter hike can be found off of Mt. Rose Highway, a few miles north of Incline Village on the north side of Lake Tahoe: Ophir Creek Loop. Those looking for scenic winter views of the mountains and trees will love trudging around this 3.2mi loop, which features a boardwalk through meadowlands (that can get icy, so be careful) and a snowy trail through the rest of the way.
While it can be a bit difficult to stay on trail when the going is extremely snowy, it’s worth it to be out in the open air with very little foot traffic to impede your trek. And since this trail is located near Chickadee Ridge, you also have the opportunity to come upon some of these gorgeous little birds during your hike. For those who love to make their own trail and take in the snowy views, Ophir Creek Loop is a great wintertime hiking option.
#4: Emerald Point Trail, 4.4mi
Another gem of a wintertime hike near Emerald Bay on the south end of the lake is the 4.4 mile Emerald Point Trail, which offers great snowshoeing opportunities and can even be done during the right time of the year with a set of mini-spikes, if you’re so inclined. Although the first part of the trail can be a little bit steep in places, once you’re over the uphill climb the views are absolutely unbelievable. This breathtaking hike is also located close to the water, giving you incredible vistas of the sparkling Emerald Bay, and the overlook that it leads to will make your jaw drop open in wonder. And if you’re not satisfied with your trek through the snowy lakeside, connect with Vikingsholm Trail to give yourself an even longer taste of the Tahoe wilderness.
Tahoe in Winter is a Dream Come True
Traveling to Tahoe during the wintertime will give you a glimpse into a snowy dreamworld, and if you’re brave enough to get out into the thick of it to snowshoe or even just take a stroll through the woods, we commend you. Keep safe and warm during your next wintry weather hike, and enjoy the tranquility of the trail, all to yourself.
While the lake has you in its grip, check out our blog on the best places to eat like a local in Tahoe or our blog on creating your own fun with offbeat activities in the area.