By Lauren Birtwhistle |
It’s about time to put away the mountain bikes and kayaks and start thinking about winter adventures. As the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, many people have discovered a new kind of adventure. Snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing is a great option for exercise during the winter. Not only is it an excellent workout, but it gives you time to take in some beautiful scenery and truly enjoy your surroundings. Snowshoeing is much easier on your feet then running or walking and using snowshoes cuts back on trail erosion.
Snowshoeing makes every trail different and new. There are hundreds of different trails located in the Lake Tahoe area.
Tahoe Meadows is just one example of a great snowshoeing trail. It is a popular winter playground for residents of the Reno/Tahoe area, as well as visitors. The trail is very busy on weekends, but crowds diminish during the week. At Tahoe Meadows, you can hike up an unnamed peak to brilliant vistas of Lake Tahoe and the Mt. Rose area.
If you are looking for something a little more intimate, check out the Old Mt. Rose Highway trail to the Christmas Tree trail. The 2.5 hour hike ends at the Christmas Tree restaurant, where you can reward your hard work with an amazing meal.
One of the best rated trails in the Reno/Tahoe area is the Galena Creek trail. This trail gives adventurers two options; you can take the high road, or the low road. The lower path stays along Galena Creek and is about half as long as the upper route. It still offers amazing views, but is much easier to navigate. The upper route cuts away into Forest Service land and requires some more work. The trail travels along a deep forested canyon and culminates at an open canyon with fabulous views at its upper end. This route is about twice as long as the lower hike, but the breath-taking views are worth it if you are in shape. It eventually connects with the lower route.
So do not let the cold weather keep you indoors. The Reno/Tahoe area is home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular views in the world. Snowshoeing is the perfect way for the whole family to enjoy what this our backyard has to offer. And you will get some great exercise at the same time!
For more info, google Reno/Tahoe Snowshoeing and dip into any number of resources, or contact local ski areas for specific trail information.
The trail in that photo looks great! I’ve haven’t made it out to Tahoe for the snowshoeing yet, but I definitely need to make a point to get out there. I’ll have to make sure to check out the Christmas Tree trail when I am there. What kind of food do they serve at the Christmas Tree Restaurant?
Enjoy the trails!
Thank you for the comment. This is a beautiful area to snowshoe! As for the Christmas Tree restaurant, after this article was written, the venue changed hands and it is now called the Tannenbaum, an Alpine Event Center. There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Lake Tahoe, so there is no shortage of options. If you need some recommendations when you head our way, let us know. Best in health and happiness, Healthy Beginnings Magazine
Thank you so much for your response. That is good to know that the Christmas Tree restaurant is now called the Tannenbaum. Is the Tannenbaum still a great place to get an amazing post-snowshoe meal? I will make sure to let you know when I head out there so that I can get some more recommendations on healthy and delicious meals in the Tahoe area.
Do you know if there is a list published anywhere of all of the great places to snowshoe in Lake Tahoe?