Best Places to go Snowshoeing in Truckee and Lake Tahoe

Jan 19, 2021

Grab the family and get out on Truckee and Lake Tahoe’s scenic winter trails for a snowshoe hike. Whether you’re 8 or 80, all ages and abilities can enjoy snowshoeing. And unlike most other snowsports, you don’t need tons of gear – just a good pair of waterproof boots and snowshoes.

Although the gear list is short, the places to go are endless. Start with this list then pick up a map at Tahoe Mountain Sports to discover your next spot for a snowshoe adventure.

Winter Backcountry Snowshoe Trails

Castle Peak

Located off of I-80 at the Boreal Exit, Castle Peak offers many places to explore on snowshoes. The varied terrain makes this spot an excellent choice for winter activities – snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, cross country skiing, etc. Explore along the open valley or follow the well-worn trail to Castle Pass for stunning views of Donner Summit. *Parking: A SNO-PARK pass is required to park (get one ahead of time at Tahoe Mountain Sports) and parking capacity is limited on weekends.

Emigrant Trail

Pick up the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail off of Hwy 89, north of Truckee, near Prosser Dam. The trail takes you across gently rolling hills and open valleys. This quiet trail is great for wildlife watching so make sure to pack a pair of binoculars.

Mount Rose

There are so many places to go snowshoeing in the Mount Rose area, the options are endless. Popular spots include Tahoe Meadows, Chickadee Ridge, and the Tahoe Rim Trail. All can be access from NV 431, the Mount Rose Highway.

Donner Memorial State Park

Start at the Donner Memorial Visitor Center and grab a map of the park. Explore the winter trails along Donner Lake and take in the stunning views of snow-capped mountains around Donner Pass. You can turn this into a longer day by hiking into Coldstream Canyon.

Spooner Lake

This easy, 2 mile snowshoeing loop is a great trail to take the whole family on. It’s also a great starting point for folks looking to snowshoe farther into the backcountry.

Page Meadows

This popular snowshoeing area is south of Tahoe City on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Rim Trail takes you up into these beautiful meadows. There are quite a few interconnected trails in this area providing many options for adventuring on snowshoes.

Nordic Centers

Tahoe Donner XC

Tahoe Donner has 11 km of single track just for snowshoes. These quiet snowshoe trails take you to scenic vistas along the Tahoe Donner trail system.

Royal Gorge

There is a lot to explore at Royal Gorge, the largest cross country ski area in North America. Take advantage of the vast terrain and beautiful High Sierra scenery surrounding this Nordic Center.

Northstar

Northstar has over 40 miles of cross country/ snowshoe trails that begin at mid mountain. With shopping, dining, and downhill skiing at your fingertips, it’s a great spot for a fun filled day.