<span class="vcard">Ben Taylor</span>
Ben Taylor

Security Measures and Awareness

Snowmobilers like the Sno-Park access point and usually travel in packs of 2 or more as a security measure. Consequently, the region can at times be a little congested. However, the snowmobilers often just do a few quick loops around the meadow before heading southwards up Blue Lakes Road. If there are a lot of snowmobilers during your adventure in this region, begin traveling around the meadow in a clockwise loop. Ski towards Pickett’s Junction, relatively parallel to the SR-88, until the snowmobilers clear out.

Staying aware of your surroundings can never be over-emphasized. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and watch out for snowmobilers, especially when going through the most open and widest spots in the meadow. The area can be a bit undulating, and sometimes your head will be below or just at the horizon line as viewed when a person is far away. You do not want to be in the lower areas when snowmobilers are heading your way.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Up the Blue Lakes Road

This route is relatively straightforward and easy to use. Just head south as far as you’d like and then right back. The Blue Lakes Road stretches for many miles and at some point, you might feel like an uphill journey to the most part as you head further south. The return journey is not downhill at all since the pitch is not very steep.

The main concern while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in this region as with the preceding regions is the aspect of snowmobilers. In good winter conditions, the Blue Lakes Road is very idyllic, lined by creeks, trees, and granite boulders. There is a small part of Blue Lakes Road that is privately owned, so you might want to keep a lookout for signs and stay out of the areas with posted signs. Blue Lakes Road is a finite and relatively narrow space, therefore you should be attentive to the traffic, particularly snowmobiles, heading your way from any direction. Snowmobilers will slow down as they approach you but this entirely depends on whether they see you. However, you shouldn’t be at the center of the road. The idea is to remain visible so that snowmobiles can easily see you as they approach you. It’s also prudent to be alert and cautious as you approach bends on the Blue Lakes Road, always keep right, and stay safe as much as you can.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to take the Sno-Park route, go around the meadow, or up the Blue Lakes Road, your snowshoeing and skiing expedition will be an exciting one. But remember to watch out for snowmobiles, water features, and generally be aware of your surroundings. Also, ensure that you purchase a Sno-Parking permit before visiting the area to enjoy access to the spacious parking lot.…

Directions, Adventures and Tips While Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The most commonly used and bigger parking area is near SR-88. Just south of this parking area is a smaller one, but this is usually reserved as a spot for snow removal equipment. Therefore it is ideal to either park at the larger lot or along the section of Blue Lakes Road that links the big and small parking lots. Both lots are equipped with pit toilets.

For Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Sno-Park or the meadow east of Blue Lakes Road, access is any place you prefer. There is no actual entry point or trailhead, just head out and enjoy the snow. As for the region up Blue Lakes Road, continue with the path past the entry/exit on the south of Sno-Park close to the smaller parking area, nor far from the Mccarthy Burgess & Wolff location.

Travel Directions Via Sno-Park

Start your snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures at the heart of hope valley at Sno-Park located on Blue Lakes Road. The most obvious and appealing for this adventure is to head into the meadow to the east of Blue Lakes Road. There is abundant space for you to travel since the meadow is relatively large.

Best on the snow conditions during your adventure, you might either fancy skiing a figure 8 pattern, huge loop, or some variation thereof. You can either follow ski tracks made by other skiers, ski along tracks made by snowmobilers, or break your trail. It is really up to you.

If you fancy breaking your trail, an exciting idea is going north and out of Sno-Park and into the forest located along SR-88, and then heading south to the West Fork of the Carson River. You can go directly towards the river, then move in either direction along the river’s bank. The options are endless due to the flat terrain.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Around the Meadow

One of the things you should consider when you go with this option is the region’s snow coverage. To protect your gear, you should avoid dragging it over shrubs, rocks, and any debris that may be concealed under a light layer of snow.

Your safety is more important, and you should pay attention to the water features in the area. The West Fork of the Carson River is the largest feature that runs through the meadow. However, this feature is very obvious and easy to avoid. What you want to watch out for are the small tributaries running into it. Tributaries such as Maxwell Creek can be very easily concealed by a smaller amount of snow. The reason why such tributaries are so hazardous and problematic is that you can end up soaking your legs or feet when you punch through the snow and go straight into the water. Slightly less hazardous but challenging, all the same, is getting your gear wet. For instance, when your skis get in contact with water, snow will likely freeze those spots and limit the effectiveness of your gliding ability. A great idea is to watch out for huge depressions, especially if shrubs or trees line the depression, going around them instead.…

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Hope Valley Through Sno-Park

Hope Valley is a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Although snow takes some time to build up in the area, you would be hard-pressed to locate a better area in the mountain with a similarly long extension of flat terrain and elevation that receives snow. The flatness and distance appeal to cross-country skiers of all levels ranging from beginners to pros. The extensive Hope Valley Sno-Park offers the perfect parking solution. So, you won’t have to worry about parking space as long as you have your Sno-Park permit. Other things to look forward to when you go for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Hope Valley include spectacular views of Picket Peak, Hawkins Peak, Markleeville Peak, Round Top, Red Lake Peak, Stevens Peak, Waterhouse Peak, Thompson Peak, and Freel Peak.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Hope Valley Through Sno-Park

It is a great idea to buy a Sno-Park ticket in Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, or online before heading to Hope Valley Sno-Park since there are no permits sold at the pack. It is also worth considering that Sno-Park is not suitable for sledding since it is an almost entirely flat area. Water features such as the West Fork of the Carson River and Maxwell Creek pass through the meadow close to Snow-Park, so it might be a good idea to be cautious when approaching this region. Hope Valley Sno-Park is popular with snowmobilers, and it’s a good idea to keep out of them and generally stay aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety when in the area. You should always pay attention to every Leave No Trace rule while in the area. Since there are not many trail markers and signs on the public land around the Tahoe area, navigating the region can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. However, as a rule, you should always turn back whenever you are not sure whether you are using the correct route. It’s a great idea to visit the area sufficiently equipped with food, water, and warm clothes to take into account any variations in weather that may occur. When you embark on your skiing and snowshoeing expedition at Sno-Park you should leave someone with an itinerary detailing your plan who can contact emergency services in case you are not back by the time prescribed in the itinerary. You are allowed to bring dogs, but they should always be kept on a leash and you are required to clean up after them.

Parking at Sno-Park

One of the reasons that make cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Hope valley is the abundant parking space at Sno-Park. The area offers a hassle-free access point conveniently located at the heart of Hope Valley. To access the parking area go south on SR-89 from the intersection of SR-89 and HWY-50 in Meyers. Go up and through Luther Pass and then down Hope Valley. Near the end of the thirteen-mile road, you will meet a t-intersection, also referred to as Pickett’s Junction. When you arrive at Pickett’s Junction, drive west two and a half miles on SR-88 to arrive at Blue Lakes Road. North of the Blue Lakes Road is Hope Valley Sno-Park.…