Lake Tahoe Trip for Christmas

[Andrewskie]

Hey guys!

The wife and I are going to take the 60 to Tahoe this Christmas for a long weekend. Have any tips for trails up in that area? I'm a novice off roader so nothing too difficult, but I have some trail experience.


Happy Cruising,
A

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Unless you are experienced off-roading in snow, and go with others, I would stick to the paved road. I can't think of a single Tahoe trail that I would do by myself, mid-winter. Remember the snow can be bottomless, meaning you sink to the frame rails with no traction under the tires.

If you just have to go somewhere, maybe the Eagle Lake trail would be ok, depending on snow depth. But again, by yourself, it's very easy to get stuck and have few options and I don't recommend it.

But there is plenty of stuff to see just off the paved road, so you'll have a blast.

 

[Andrewskie]

Thanks for the reply! I grew up in Vermont so I have some experience driving in snow, but snow+trails I don't know is a completely different story. I'll probably just stick to the roads for now, not worth the risk.

Thanks again!

 

[Blade 80LC]

Most days of the winter, you should be able to drive pretty close to Echo Lake (on paved road). On the other hand, I walked from a cabin near there to the lake last year. We saw several 4x4 make it, and saw at least 3 that appeared to be 4x4 and (at least rear) lockers that were stuck. I don't know if they called for a tow, or got help from the guys who could drive it. I suspect that snow tires were the ticket on that particular day. ...and that's just unplowed pavement. Without the icy conditions, any car would make it without issues.

Getting off road in winter REALLY seems like a trip to take with a buddy or more. I just got my ham license, so I don't know how that coverage is up there. Cell service is spotty at best. Google Maps