Located on the boundary of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most well-known destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's crystal-clear waters and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains are just two of the area's many picturesque highlights. Thanks to its average annual snowfall of 300–500 inches, Tahoe is a top location for winter activities, especially snowshoeing. Below are my top five best spots in Tahoe for snowshoeing, each of which I’ve personally explored with my adventure group—Tahoe Adventurers. If you are ever in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out and join us on a trip!

1. Chickadee Ridge: Best for Beginners

• Location: Tahoe Meadows, Mount Rose Highway, Nevada
• Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation: 8,420 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Chickadee Ridge is ideal for snowshoeing, with paths ranging from easy to moderate. It is accessible from the Tahoe Meadows area and is situated near the Mount Rose Highway. This trail is famous for bird watching because chickadees have been known to eat from your hands here. It also offers stunning vistas of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as opportunities to cross-country ski. In the open meadows, you will see families and children sledding and enjoying the season. The trail is located only a few minutes' drive between Incline Village and Reno, with parking available on the side of the road.

Expert Review

Chickadee Ridge is a must-see for snowshoers who appreciate bird watching and beautiful scenery. The trail is well-marked, simple to follow, and provides numerous opportunities to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. For me, the chickadees were a delightful surprise, and having them eat from your palm is a memorable experience. The trail is reasonably easy, but there are a few moderate sections that provide a bit of a challenge. Chickadee Ridge is an excellent location for both snowshoeing and nature lovers.

2. Cold Stream Trail: Best for Intermediate Snowshoers

• Location: Cold Creek Rd, Truckee, California
• Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip
• Elevation: 6,200 feet
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Located near Truckee, California, this route follows the path of the Cold Stream, and offers snowshoers a serene and peaceful environment to enjoy. The trail is moderately challenging and provides an intermediate workout. The trailhead is off Cold Creek Road, and the parking area can get quite crowded, so come early to secure a spot.

Expert Review

Cold Stream Trail is ideal for intermediate snowshoers looking to take in the beauty of the Tahoe region. The path provides a moderate workout with some inclines and declines along the way, and the views of Cold Stream and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. During peak snowshoeing season, the path can become congested, so arriving early is advised. The serene surroundings and peaceful ambiance make for an ideal day of snowshoeing. Overall, the Cold Stream Trail is a must-see for intermediate snowshoers seeking a bit of a challenge and a lot of grandeur.

3. Maggie’s Peak: Best for Advanced Snowshoers

• Location: Emerald Bay, California
• Distance: 10 miles roundtrip
• Elevation: 8,699 feet
• Difficulty: Advanced

Maggie’s Peak is a difficult snowshoeing path near Emerald Bay, California. The trail is long and steep, with a significant elevation increase, and is best suited to experienced snowshoers. The trail is also exposed to the elements, so verify the weather forecast before embarking on this hike. For advanced snowshoers, the trail provides breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, making it well worth the effort. On your way up, you might find several skiers and snowboarders, as it’s a well-known place for backcountry adventures.

Expert Review

I believe the effort one has to put in to hike Maggie’s Peak is well worth it, because the views from the summit are genuinely breathtaking. From the top, you will be able to see Heavenly Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Incline Village, Mount Rose, and Desolation Wilderness. Overall, Maggies Peak is a must-see destination for advanced snowshoers looking for a challenge and some of the best vistas Tahoe has to offer.

4. Donner Tunnel: Best for History Lovers

• Location: Donner Summit, California
• Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
• Elevation: 7,240 ft
• Difficulty: Easy

Donner Tunnel is a snowshoeing path on California's Donner Summit. The path is short and simple, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy snowshoeing adventure. What distinguishes Donner Tunnel is its historical importance. The tunnel was constructed in the mid-1800s as part of the first transcontinental railroad, and played an important role in the United States' westward expansion. Visitors can snowshoe to the tunnel and tour the historic site, which is now part of Donner Memorial State Park.

Expert Review

Donner Tunnel is an excellent snowshoeing destination for history buffs and those seeking a quick and simple snowshoeing adventure. It's wonderful to see a site with so much history preserved for visitors to explore. The trail to the tunnel is also beautiful, with stunning views of the nearby mountains and valleys.

5. Cathedral Lakes: Best for Scenic Views

• Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
• Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

Cathedral Lakes is a stunning sledding location in South Lake Tahoe, California. The path is moderately difficult and spans an 8-mile round trip distance with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. The path provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as two alpine lakes, Floating Island, and Fallen Leaf Lake. The lakes, which are surrounded by granite cliffs, provide a tranquil and scenic setting for a snowshoeing excursion. During the summer months, most hikers use this route to reach Mount Tallac, one of the highest peaks in Tahoe.

Expert Review

Cathedral Lakes is one of my favorite Lake Tahoe snowshoeing locations. The path provides an excellent mix of difficulty and scenery, with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and two beautiful alpine lakes. The lakes are especially beautiful, as they are surrounded by granite cliffs and provide a quiet and serene setting for a rest or a picnic. The trail can be steep in spots, but the views and feeling of accomplishment at the end are well worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Lake Tahoe and its surrounding areas have a plethora of snowshoeing choices. And there is certainly something for everyone: from the breathtaking views at Chickadee Ridge and Maggie's Peak to the tranquil settings of Cathedral Lakes and Floating Island. Further, Donner Tunnel and Cold Stream Trail both provide unique encounters that are well worth seeing. For those looking for a little more adrenaline, there are several ski resorts around the Lake Tahoe area, such as Palisades, Northstar, Heavenly, Mt. Rose, and more.

Looking for equipment to prepare for your trip? A Curated Camping & Hiking Expert, like me, would be happy to help you find the best gear for your needs. And if you’d like to join my adventure group, Tahoe Adventurers, you can find us on Meetup or our website.

Finally, always be prepared with appropriate snowshoeing equipment and supplies, and be mindful of current weather and trail conditions. Above all, have fun taking in the breathtaking majesty of Lake Tahoe's winter wonderland.