Best Snowshoeing Trails Near San Francisco

Snowshoeing is like hiking in a winter wonderland, with no skis, no lifts, just you, crisp snow, and the satisfying crunch underfoot. Within a few hours of San Francisco, you’ll find the best snowshoeing trails near San Francisco, from gentle beginner loops to climbs with breathtaking summit views. If quiet forests, frozen lakes, and alpine landscapes sound appealing, these 11 trails belong on your winter adventure list.

10+ Best Snowshoeing Trails Near San Francisco for Winter Adventures

1. Chickadee Ridge (Mount Rose Meadows)

At Chickadee Ridge, small birds sometimes perch on your hand, adding to the charm of the outing. Wide-open meadows and a sweeping view of Lake Tahoe make this one of the most photogenic beginner snowshoe trails.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Trail Length: 2 to 4 miles
• Location: Mount Rose Meadows, near Reno
• Highlights: Bird encounters, easy terrain, panoramic Tahoe views
• Parking: Meadow parking near trailhead

2. Fallen Leaf Lake and Taylor Creek (South Lake Tahoe)

These mellow trails are ideal for a relaxed pace. Frozen shoreline views at Fallen Leaf Lake and wildlife spotting along Taylor Creek make this area a favorite for birdwatchers and families seeking gentle winter adventures.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Trail Length: 2 to 5 miles
• Location: South Lake Tahoe
• Highlights: Lakefront scenery, gentle trails, wildlife spotting
• Parking: Fallen Leaf Lake or Taylor Creek trailhead lots

3. Palisades Tahoe — High Camp and Shirley Canyon

A scenic tram ride takes you straight to High Camp, where alpine trails open without the climb. Short loops and guided snowshoe tours make this a great introduction to the sport with impressive views all around.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Trail Length: 1 to 3 miles
• Location: Olympic Valley, North Lake Tahoe
• Highlights: Tram access, guided tours, alpine scenery
• Parking: Palisades Tahoe resort parking

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park — Manzanita Lake

Snowshoeing at Lassen offers something different with volcanic peaks, wide-open meadows, and quiet trails. Manzanita Lake is an easy loop with Lassen Peak rising above the trees, creating a peaceful and underrated winter adventure.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Trail Length: 1.5 to 3 miles
• Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Northern California
• Highlights: Volcanic scenery, solitude, beginner-friendly trails
• Parking: Manzanita Lake parking area

5. Mammoth Lakes Basin (Mono County)

A longer drive pays off with reliable snow and groomed trails at Tamarack Cross-Country Center. Rentals, easy access, and unique guided moonlight tours through the forest make Mammoth one of California’s standout snowshoeing destinations.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Moderate
• Trail Length: 2 to 6 miles
• Location: Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra
• Highlights: Groomed trails, dependable snow, moonlight tours
• Parking: Tamarack Cross-Country Center parking lot

6. Royal Gorge Cross Country (Soda Springs / Norden)

Royal Gorge is the largest cross-country ski area in North America, and snowshoers are welcome on its groomed trails. Choose from forest loops, mountain views, and family-friendly options, then warm up with hot cocoa when you’re done.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Moderate
• Trail Length: 2 to 8 miles depending on route
• Location: Soda Springs, near Donner Summit
• Highlights: Groomed trails, rentals available, family-friendly
• Parking: Onsite parking lot

7. Badger Pass to Dewey Point (Yosemite National Park)

Snowshoeing from Badger Pass to Dewey Point brings you through meadows and pine forests before opening to a breathtaking overlook of Yosemite Valley. With fewer winter crowds, it often feels like a private corner of the park.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trail Length: 3 to 5 miles round trip
• Location: 4 to 5 hours from San Francisco
• Highlights: Yosemite Valley overlook, peaceful meadows, Sierra forest
• Parking: Badger Pass parking lot

8. Echo Lakes and Desolation Wilderness

Echo Lakes offers choices from short shoreline strolls to deeper routes into Desolation Wilderness. In winter, frozen lakes and snow-covered trees transform the area into a quiet alpine landscape perfect for exploring at your own pace.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trail Length: 2 to 8 miles
• Location: South Lake Tahoe
• Highlights: Scenic lakes, customizable distances, gateway to Desolation Wilderness
• Parking: Echo Lake trailhead parking

9. Donner Peak and Castle Peak (Truckee / Donner Summit)

Donner Summit is an accessible spot with rewarding views. Choose shorter loops around Donner Peak for a half day or head toward Castle Peak for ridge-line vistas. Both options showcase the Sierra’s winter beauty with relatively easy access.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trail Length: 4 to 7 miles
• Location: Truckee / Donner Summit
• Highlights: Scenic ridges, flexible routes, quick access from I-80
• Parking: Donner Summit parking areas

10. Sugar Bowl and Castle Peak Ridge (Donner Summit)

Sugar Bowl offers snowshoe tours that end perfectly with hot drinks at the lodge. For more wilderness, head into the Castle Peak area nearby, where ridges and quiet forests balance the resort energy.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trail Length: 3 to 6 miles
• Location: Donner Summit, I-80 corridor
• Highlights: Guided tours, ridge routes, mix of resort and wilderness
• Parking: Sugar Bowl Resort parking lot

11. Mount Tallac (South Lake Tahoe)

Mount Tallac is a steep climb best suited for ambitious adventurers. The reward is sweeping views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. It requires stamina, avalanche awareness, and plenty of determination, but the summit bragging rights are worth it.

• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Trail Length: 10 to 12 miles round trip
• Location: South Lake Tahoe
• Highlights: Alpine views, strenuous challenge, iconic Tahoe peak
• Parking: Trailhead parking near Mount Tallac Camp

Snowshoeing near San Francisco offers something for every adventurer. From peaceful lakeside trails to challenging climbs with mountain vistas, these 11 destinations rank among the best snowshoeing trails near San Francisco, providing snowy landscapes, quiet moments, and memorable winter escapes worth the drive. Each trail offers a unique way to experience California’s winter beauty up close.

More…

• https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/skiing.htm 
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/recreation/opportunities/winter-sports 
• https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wintersports.htm 
• https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/take-snowshoe-trek/