3 Beginner-Friendly Snowshoe Hikes in Lake Tahoe with Fantastic Scenery
Updated: Jun 25
Snowshoeing is an enjoyable way to take in Lake Tahoe's winter scenery. It's a terrific workout and a low-impact alternative to skiing or snowboarding. In this post, I'm sharing three picturesque snowshoe hikes in Lake Tahoe that are all beginner friendly.
*When visiting Lake Tahoe, help keep it beautiful by LEAVING NO TRACE.
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1. Chickadee Ridge
One of my go-to snowshoe hikes in Lake Tahoe is Chickadee Ridge. The serene snowshoe trek starts at Tahoe Meadows, just north of Incline Village. It doesn't take very long to reach the ridge, which has stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Chickadee Ridge is also a well-known location to spot Lake Tahoe's friendly chickadee birds.
TRAIL STATS:
Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
Location: Mt Rose Wilderness, Incline Village
Trailhead: Tahoe Meadows off HWY 431
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
2. China Cove Trail Loop
The China Cove Trail is an easily accessible 3-mile trail that loops around Donner Memorial State Park. This snowshoe hike is perfect for beginners and is incredibly scenic, especially when the towering pine trees that frame the trail are blanketed in snow. Along the hike are numerous mini trails that veer off the main loop and lead to Donner Lake.
TRAIL STATS:
Distance: 3.2-mile loop
Location: Truckee, California
Trailhead: Donner Memorial State Park
Difficulty: Easy
3. Johnston Canyon Overlook
Located in Tahoe Donner, Johnson Canyon Overlook is an easy snowshoe hike with a big payoff. From the trailhead, it only takes about 1 mile to reach the ridge, which offers gorgeous panoramic views of Johnson Canyon and the surrounding area. You can end the hike at the first ridge or continue along the trail for a little more of a challenge.
The trail starts at the Glacier Way Trailhead off Skislope Way in Tahoe Donner. Keep in mind; the parking lot at Glacier Way is small and fills up quickly.
TRAIL STATS:
Distance: 2.0-mile out and back
Location: Tahoe Donner
Trailhead: Glacier Way Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy
I hope you enjoyed my Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing Guide! Before you go, be sure to subscribe to the blog so that you don’t miss the latest blog posts, videos, and other good stuff. You can also check out more adventures on Instagram and Youtube!
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