Carson Pass area 1/8-1/9?

“Anyone interested in joining in? I'm not committed to any one trail, just thinking of Carson Pass area in general. Snowshoe in on Saturday, spend the night, back out Sunday.

Looks like this is going to be a rough year for me planning trips due to business conflicts, I'm probably going to have to bail on the Loon Lake fiasco because of it, SO, I'm going to get out whenever I can, sometimes short notice, but what the hey! looks like I can sneak away next weekend!”

“I suggested Carson Pass because someone from another board wanted to do that area... BUT, another potential that I'd like to do this winter is Loch Leven, http://gorp.away.com/gorp/publishers/wildernesspress/sno_ntahoe.htm

I've done that hike in the summer, it might be a great winter trip. Coming from Sac area, it's a real easy trip up I-80.”

“Link didn't seem to work for some reason, here's some info:
Great Snowshoe Hikes in North Tahoe
Loch Leven Lakes


Adapted from
Snowshoe Trails of Tahoe
by Michael C. White


Described in an early edition of Jeffrey Schaffer's classic guide The Tahoe Sierra as "probably the best constructed trail in the Tahoe Sierra," the path to Loch Leven Lakes is a very popular summertime trip for hikers. However, a winter excursion along the same route provides the antithesis to the summer experience. Although some cross-country skiers approach High Loch Leven Lake from the east via a marked trail, few winter enthusiasts accept the challenge of a snow trip along the summer trail's route.


Trail at a Glance:
Duration: 3/4 day
Distance: Five miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 5,790 - 6,900 feet


There are a couple of obstacles to surmount on the way to the lakes. First of all, during years of heavy snows, you may have to shovel some steps into the snowbank at the highway just to get started. In addition, you must cross the frequently traveled Southern Pacific Railroad tracks and face the same problem with the snowbank on the far side. This trip also requires some basic route-finding skills, but reaching the lakes is not particularly difficult.”

“Shamus and I might be interested in a Sunday snowshoe trip - I love the Carson Pass area but getting up Hwy 50 can be dicey. Maybe something up Hwy 80 again?”

“Pepper, I haven't heard back from the guy who wanted to do Carson Pass, so let's switch this to somewhere off 80 if you want.

What do you think about Loch Leven trail?

Anybody else wanna go play?”

“Up 50 or 80 is pretty much the same for me - it sounds like 50 might be better for you but 50 has been closed pretty low. It all depends on the weather because I am a weenie when it comes to driving or snowshoing in iffy weather.”

“I've had no time to plan any trips in my area but when I do, I'll post it. I'll just be a follower of wherever you guys go in the meantime. :)”

“conflict just developed - sorry wanderer! this weekend is out.”

“Yeah, another cnflict called "Winter Storm Warning" just developed also... another 3 feet of snow!! I may not try to plow through closed roads myself.”