Posted by Joyce Harman on January 22, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Hi all
I am heading out to Reno the week of Feb 15 for the NANPA summit and would love to get some hints on places to go, i am guessing Lake Tahoe is close and beautiful. Short to moderate hikes, snow shoeing, views, waterfalls, etc. I have no idea what is there, being an east coast person from the Shenandoah NP area in VA. Hope to see some snow :)
You are guaranteed to see a great deal of snow. Anytime there may be new snow, chains or 4wd will be required. Since the weather is changeable, you almost need to carry chains (or 4wd). Check the weather before any outing. High elevation roads sometimes close.
The shortest route from Reno to Lake Tahoe is SR431 over the Mount Rose summit. In good weather this road is great fun to drive and goes to 9000ft elevation. This takes you right into the Incline Villiage area and a beautiful drive along the eastern shore of lake tahoe.
One could ski or snowshoe right out of Incline Villiage with great views over Lake Tahoe. Start at the old Ponderosa Ranch and walk up the tunnel creek hiking road. Be cdareful as this is unsupervised access. You might also snowshoe down to the Lake. Most Lake access points require descending a steep hill.
Lower elevation access is found on highway 50 from Carson City to Lake Tahoe. This dumps you out farther south on the beautiful Eastern shore. Spooner lake state part is off hwy 50 and provides more of a snowshoe and cross country ski wilderness experience. Spooner lake has park rangers and there will be more help around.
On a pretty day a driving loop over 431 and back via 50 would be excellent.
About 40 minutes east of Reno on hwy 80 lies the Truckee & Squaw Valley area. From here you can easily reach Tahoe city and the western shore. This is a very busy area on ski days.
Emerald bay is a beautiful spot, but this is all the way around the lake from the Reno area. Emerald bay features Eagle Creek falls and is an excellent place to showshoe. There are waterfalls on both sides of the road. The road to the Vikingsholm castle offers good access to the lake.
Have fun,
Mike
Posted by Joyce Harman on January 23, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Thank you so much. I will heed your advice on the 4W. I look forward to seeing the area.
Joyce
Posted by Steve Sieren on January 24, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Emerald Bay is a must along with eagle falls, it's fantastic even when it's snowing.
Zepher Cove, Sand Harbor and Bonzai Rock is really nice too, they are found on the eastern shore looking west across the lake.
Nice snowshoeing at DL Bliss State Park. Nice elevated views showing the lake as more of a grand vista.
SS
Posted by Mat Malone on January 25, 2010 at 12:09 PM
FYI I was out at Emerald Bay this weekend and Highway 89 was closed at the road to the Upper Eagle Point campground. So be prepared for a bit of a trek in if you're heading to Eagle Creek.
Discussion
4 repliesI am heading out to Reno the week of Feb 15 for the NANPA summit and would love to get some hints on places to go, i am guessing Lake Tahoe is close and beautiful. Short to moderate hikes, snow shoeing, views, waterfalls, etc. I have no idea what is there, being an east coast person from the Shenandoah NP area in VA. Hope to see some snow :)
Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
Joyce
You are guaranteed to see a great deal of snow. Anytime there may be new snow, chains or 4wd will be required. Since the weather is changeable, you almost need to carry chains (or 4wd). Check the weather before any outing. High elevation roads sometimes close.
The shortest route from Reno to Lake Tahoe is SR431 over the Mount Rose summit. In good weather this road is great fun to drive and goes to 9000ft elevation. This takes you right into the Incline Villiage area and a beautiful drive along the eastern shore of lake tahoe.
One could ski or snowshoe right out of Incline Villiage with great views over Lake Tahoe. Start at the old Ponderosa Ranch and walk up the tunnel creek hiking road. Be cdareful as this is unsupervised access. You might also snowshoe down to the Lake. Most Lake access points require descending a steep hill.
Lower elevation access is found on highway 50 from Carson City to Lake Tahoe. This dumps you out farther south on the beautiful Eastern shore. Spooner lake state part is off hwy 50 and provides more of a snowshoe and cross country ski wilderness experience. Spooner lake has park rangers and there will be more help around.
On a pretty day a driving loop over 431 and back via 50 would be excellent.
About 40 minutes east of Reno on hwy 80 lies the Truckee & Squaw Valley area. From here you can easily reach Tahoe city and the western shore. This is a very busy area on ski days.
Emerald bay is a beautiful spot, but this is all the way around the lake from the Reno area. Emerald bay features Eagle Creek falls and is an excellent place to showshoe. There are waterfalls on both sides of the road. The road to the Vikingsholm castle offers good access to the lake.
Have fun,
Mike
Joyce
Zepher Cove, Sand Harbor and Bonzai Rock is really nice too, they are found on the eastern shore looking west across the lake.
Nice snowshoeing at DL Bliss State Park. Nice elevated views showing the lake as more of a grand vista.
SS