Woods Lake in Winter

Snowshoe to Woods Lake in Tahoe

Powder up for a snow-filled adventure to frozen Woods Lake. This 4-mile (round-trip) out-and-back in the Carson Pass takes you through gently rolling hills, across snow-covered meadows, and alongside meandering streams. Start your journey in the Meiss Meadow Sno-Park. Cross the highway and follow the trail through Meiss Meadow with Round Top Peak looming in the distance.

The path veers to the east into red and white fir forest. The trail is well marked: blue diamond trail markers hammered into trees let you know you’re on the right path. The route parallels the highway for 1.25 miles before heading south across a concrete bridge and following along Woods Lake Road (which goes directly to the lake in the summertime).

You’ll know you’ve reached the lake when you see the “Woods Lake Picnic Area” sign. The picnic area might be hard to find under the snow, but you can usually see BBQ pits peeking out from the powder.  The lake freezes over in winter and gets cloaked with snow.

If not for an unfrozen section where the lake meets the stream you might think you’d hit a snowy meadow. Be smart and careful: Do not to head too far past the tree line; the ice might not be stable. It’s best just to enjoy the setting safely. Snowy granite cliffs rise above the south side of the lake and trees poking out mark a small island that you can swim to in the summertime. Return the way you came.

Park at the Meiss Meadow Sno-Park; permits required. Permits can be purchased online or from a local vendor, $5 a day or $25 for the season (can be used at any California Sno-Park). Snowshoe rentals available at Hope Valley Cross Country in Hope Valley ($30/day) or Mountain Mikes in South Lake Tahoe ($16/day). Make sure to wear appropriate waterproof gear and gloves. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View