This time of the year it’s not uncommon for us to answer the same question almost weekly, is the Tahoe Rim Trail open in the winter? In short, the answer is yes! Experiencing the Tahoe Rim Trail in the winter certainly has its benefits. The trail is less crowded, bug-free, and snow acts as a natural sound barrier so it can feel like you have the outdoors all to yourself.
We thought with many asking these sorts of winter trail questions it might be helpful for us to put together a list of the most frequent. Check them out!
Wayfinding Considerations
While the trail officially never closes it can be challenging in the winter to navigate. To elaborate, the Tahoe Rim Trail isn’t signed for winter use. Confidence markers, trail junction posts, signs, things that many users look for are often buried under several feet of snow in the winter. You’ll want to have additional resources for navigating. For starters, a GPS with tracks of the TRT already downloaded onto a device (check out the official app of the Tahoe Rim Trail here). A map alone won’t cut it but alongside a compass, it can be very helpful for wayfinding.
Anticipate Limited Access
Much of the Tahoe Basin operates on a seasonal schedule- summer, winter, and the shoulder seasons in between. Most facilities managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (Forest Service) operate between mid-May to mid-October. Most forest roads and gate closures are open until mid-November weather permitting. For a complete listing of tentative opening and close dates, click here. Also, not every trailhead allows for year-round access. Take a look at our winter page here for a list of trailheads that are accessible during winter months.
Get an Early Start
Even though we are on the upward side of accumulating more daylight expect the sun to be down before dinner time. Be ready to run into obstacles that could set you back like deep snow or ice. Also, access roads and parking lots to some of your favorite Tahoe trails may not be plowed. It might be colder at first light but better to give yourself as much time as possible.
Avalanche Danger
Research previous weather conditions before your departure. Avalanches are most common within 24 hours right after a storm that accumulates a foot or more. Most incidents are triggered by human impact so familiarize yourself with your surroundings while in the backcountry. Consider taking additional training such as an AIARE course and carry avalanche gear with you if you plan to traverse questionable terrain. Check out the Sierra Avalanche Center’s website for backcountry avalanche information before you head out.
Get a Parking Permit
From November 1 through May 30, a California Sno-Park permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-Park site. These permits aren’t something you can pick up at a trailhead. Permits can be purchased for just a day for $5 or for the whole season for $25. Several TRT trail access points require them so check ahead of time to not be surprised when you arrive. Click this link here to find a vendor location near you or purchase one online.
Expect Snow Any Season
In 2017, the only time period where it didn’t snow in the Tahoe Basin was from June 12th to September 8th. It’s not uncommon for a rouge storm to roll in around April, May, or even June. Due to the ability of our extended snow season, the trail itself doesn’t free up right when the spring equinox strikes. In fact, we often tell most people to expect snow on the trail until late June or if it was a heavy snow year into July.
Check the Forecast
Sierra Mountain weather can range from artic-like conditions at its peaks to Mediterranean or microthermal weather conditions near 6,000 ft. (lake level). It’s best to utilize resources like weather.gov before you head out. The advantage of using weather.gov is you can click on the map to determine the nearest landmark to your backcountry travel destination. For instance, if you want to find out what the weather will be like at Freel Peak you can either type it in the search bar or use the zoom function on the map to locate Freel Peak.
Where to Go
You won’t find many spots along the TRT that are very flat but that’s what makes it so spectacular (the views)! A few great snowshoe destinations on the Tahoe Rim Trail are from Tahoe Meadows to Chickadee Ridge, Kingsbury North to Castle Rock, or Brockway Summit to Picnic Rock. Keep in mind parking access is challenging this time of year. These are great spots to venture out to but you will probably have company and might be out of luck finding space on a busy weekend. Off the TRT, head towards Carson Pass and access the Meiss Trailhead. Also, Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a convenient access point. The trailhead parking lot is closed this time of year but you can still walk into the park and see amazing views within the first half mile.
Tahoe Roads
Often winter storms translate to road closures and travel advisories. En route to Echo, Spooner, Mt. Rose, or Brockway Summit it’s not uncommon in the winter months to see a flashing sign advising chain controls are in effect or 4 wheel drive with snow tires required. Just this year the Nevada Department of Transportation will be enforcing stricter restrictions during winter weather that will require all vehicles to either carry chains or have a 4WD/AWD vehicle with snow tires. Check NVRoads or Caltrans website for the latest road condition reports before you go.
A Guided Experience
Lastly, every month from January to March we host guided snowshoe treks around the Basin. These outings are a great opportunity if you aren’t super familiar with the area or feel more comfortable venturing out with experienced guides. In addition, for outdoor enthusiasts who want to step up their winter game, we even offer an overnight introductory course called Snow Camping 101 that will be held March 2 & 16-17.
Trying to decide what to bring out with you on your winter trek? There is actually a Winter Safety 10 Essentials to add to your 10 Essentials packing list.
