A Guide to Winter Recreation in California Sno-Parks
The California Department of Parks and Recreation operates 21 SNO-PARK sites state-wide that provide snow-cleared parking lots with sanitation facilities with access to snow play areas, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Snow-cleared parking lots cannot be guaranteed on a daily basis because of weather conditions and snow plowing priorities.
Sno-Park Permits
A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits by permit vendors throughout northern California. Day permits are sold for $15.00 and are valid for one single day.
Season permits are sold for $40.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season from November 1 through May 30. Vendors are listed on the back.
The SNO-PARK permit must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle dashboard where it can be seen clearly from outside the vehicle. All permits sold are non-refundable; day permits are nontransferable. Any vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site without a permit properly displayed is subject to a $75.00 fine. Should you receive a fine and have questions, contact the court or law enforcement office of the County in which the SNOPARK site is located.
- Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis at all SNO-PARK sites.
- No refunds are issued if your favorite SNO-PARK is full. Park and drive carefully within SNO-PARK sites.
- Overnight parking, including in-vehicle camping is allowed except where noted or signed at SNO-Park sites.
- Tent camping or sleeping outside a vehicle in the parking area is prohibited at all SNO-PARK sites.
- Do not build campfires on paved areas.
- Do not litter SNO-PARK sites. Trash containers may not be provided, pack out your own refuse.
- Carry a shovel and tire chains. Vehicles parked overnight need to be staked at all 4 corners with 1×2 inch by 8 foot poles to prevent accidental damage by snow removal equipment.
- Your common sense, skill level, and use of proper clothing, respect for the terrain and weather all affect your safety.
d weather l affect your safety.
LOCATION OF CALIFORNIA SNO-PARK SITES – By National Forest
Sierra National forest
Balsam Meadows north side of Highway 168, 55 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County. Snowplay area with limited cross-country skiing. No snowmobiling. Site is managed by Southern California Edison. Call (559) 841-3113.
Tamarack south side of Highway 168, 60 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County. Snowmobile
trails, cross country skiing and limited snow play. Call (559) 855-5360.
Coyote north side of Highway 168, 61 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County. Cross-country ski area with limited snow play. No snowmobiles.
Call (559) 855-5360.
.
Eastwood east side of Highway 168 at Huntington Lake, 75 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County. Snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails with limited snow play. Call (559) 893 2360.
Huntington Lake west side of Huntington Lake Road, and three miles from Eastwood Sno-Park Snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails with limited snow play. Call (559) 855-5360.
Tahoe National forest
Yuba Pass Snowpark. The Yuba Pass Area offers 100 miles of trail opportunities especially for snowmobilers and nordic skiers. The Sno–Park site on the south side of Hwy 49 at Yuba Pass provides parking and access for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling or just general snow play.
The Donner Summit Sno-Park in Nevada County is located near the Donner Summit off of Interstate 80 at the Boreal Ridge Ski Area exit. Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snow-play are recommended at the Donner Summit Sno-Park.
Lake Tahoe Basin
Blackwood Canyon – Located west side of HWY 89 three miles south of Tahoe city. Recommended Activities: Cross-county skiing, dog sledding, and snow play GPS: 39º6’50.77″N, 120º9’30.12″W
Taylor Creek -Located on the west side of Highway 89, just north of Camp Richardson Road. Overnight camping is not allowed. GPS: 38º55’56.95″N, 120º3’27.61″W
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play
Echo Lake – Echo Lake is located on the north side of Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles. No parking on entry road.
Eldorado National Forest
Carson Pass – Carson Pass is located on the south side of Highway 88 at Carson Pass 60 miles east of Jackson in Alpine County.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles.
Meiss Meadow is located on the north side of Highway 88 near Carson Pass.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles.
Iron Mountain is located on the north side of Highway 88 at the Mormon-Emigrant Trail Road.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snow play, and snowmobiling
Humbolt-Toiyabe National forest
Hope Valley is located on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road.
Recommended Activities: Cross country skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
Stanislaus National Forest
Lake Alpine is located at the winter closure gate on Highway 4.
Recommended Activities: Cross-county skiing, dog sledding, snow play and snowmobiling
Spicer is located on the south side of Highway 4 at Spicer Road.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snow play, and snowmobiling
Highway 108 is located at the winter closure gate on Highway 108 east of Strawberry.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
Round Valley is located on Highway 207 (Mt. Reba Road), just north of Highway 4.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing
Inyo National Forest
Rock Creek is located on the west side of Highway 395 at Rock Creek Road.
Recommended Activities: Cross-county skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles.
Plumas National Forest
Lake Basin Recreation Area – Located on the gold Lake highway betweek Hwy 89 graeagle and HWY 49 Yuba River
Gold Lake Hwy – Gold Lake Highway 11.5 miles The Gold Lake Highway is accessed by
two staging areas, Gold Lake from the
north and Bassetts from the south. The
11.5 mile route is groomed and is the
main route through Lakes Basin. Many
spectacular views are provided along this
route. Midway up the trail, a half-mile
detour leads to Gold Lake.
Howards Meadow – Howard Meadow 6.0 miles
This 6-mile route accesses the Mills Peak
trail approximately one mile from the
Gold Lake Highway and terminates on
the Haskell Peak Trail. The trail passes
through several large open meadows,
providing spectacular views of the Sierra
Buttes. If not groomed, this trail can be
challenging, with stretches of severe
side slope and should only be attempted
by experienced riders. Howard Creek
Meadows, a popular play area, can be
accessed at the end of this trail.
Haskell Peak – Haskell Peak 14.0 miles
This 14-mile trail accesses many large
openings for cross country travel and
play. This route goes from the Gold Lake
Highway to Yuba Pass Staging Area on the
east end.
Mills Peak– Mills Peak 2.0 miles This 2-mile route through the forest ends at the Mills Peak Lookout. The views from this vantage point are spectacular. The lookout area has severe drop-offs so use caution.
Frazier Falls – cross country Skiing only
Packer Lake 2.5 miles
This groomed 2.5-mile trail provides
access to Packer Lake with views of the
Sierra Buttes. The trail continues over
Packer Saddle and through Gold Valley.
This portion is marked but not groomed
and is for experienced snowmobilers
only.
Access to Lakes Basin
From Quincy: take Highway 70/89 east.
Turn south on Hwy 89 and continue one
mile past Graeagle. Turn right and follow
County Road 519 to staging area.
From Reno: take Highway 395 north
to Hallelujah Junction. Turn left on
Highway 70 and follow to Highway 89.
Turn left and follow to one mile past
Graeagle. Turn right on County Road 519
and follow to staging area.
From Downieville: take Highway 49 east
to Bassetts. Turn left and follow County
Road 620 to staging area
SNO-PARK Permits
A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits. Day permits are sold for $5.00 and are valid for one single day. Season permits are sold for $25.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season from November 1 through May 30.
How to Purchase SNO-PARK Permits
Carry a shovel and tire chains. Vehicles parked overnight need to be staked at all 4 corners with 1×2 inch by 8-foot poles to prevent accidental damage by snow removal equipment. Lock your vehicle and do not leave items of value in sight. Winter recreation activities may be hazardous. Your common sense, skill level, use of proper clothing, respect for the terrain and weather will combine to affect your safety.
Where Do I get My Sno Park Permits
2019/2020 CALIFORNIA SNO-PARK PERMIT VENDORS
- Please call vendors in advance to ensure that permits are in-stock. For more information, please call (916) 324-4442.
- Bear Valley Adventure Co. 1 Bear Valley Road Bear Valley Alpine CA 95223 (209) 753-2834 7 Days, 9AM-5PM
- Bear Valley Snowmobile 132 Bear Valley Road Bear Valley Alpine CA 95223 (209) 753-2323 7 Days, 8AM-5PM December 1-April 30
- Mad Dog Café 290 A Old Pony
- Express Road Markleeville Alpine CA 96120 (530) 694-2930 7 Days, 7:30AM-5PM Year Round
- Amador Ranger Station 26820 Silver Drive Pioneer Amador CA 95666 (209) 295-4251 M-F, 8AM-4:30PM Sat-Sun, Closed
- Amador Station 27846 Inspiration Dr. Pioneer Amador CA 95666 (209) 295-4444 M-F, 6AM-7PM Sat-Sun, 7AM-7PM
- Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods 925 Highway 4, Building A Arnold Calaveras CA 95223 (209) 795-1686 7 Days, 8:30AM-5PM
- Sierra Nevada Adventure Co. 2293 Highway 4 Arnold Calaveras CA 95223 (209) 795-9310 7 Days, 8AM-6PM
- Kyburz Silver Fork Store 13200 Highway 50 Kyburz El Dorado CA 95720 (530) 293-3172 M-Th, 7AM-8PM F, 7AM-11PM Sat-Sun, 7AM-10PM
- Strawberry Station 17481 Highway 50 Twin Bridges El Dorado CA 95735 (530) 659-0744 7 Days, 8AM-6PM
- Sunrise Ski & Snowboard Rental 3202 Highway 50 South Lake
- Tahoe El Dorado CA 96150 (530) 577-3176 7 Days, 8AM-6PM
- Tahoe Paradise Chevron 2986 Highway 50 South Lake
- Tahoe El Dorado CA 96150 (530) 318-3087 7 Days, 6AM-10PM
- Tahoe Roadrunner 2933 Highway 50 South Lake
- Tahoe El Dorado CA 96150 (530) 577-6946 Sun-Th, 6AM-10PMF-Sat, 6AM-11PM
- Tahoe Ski Company 3131 Harrison Ave. South Lake
- Tahoe El Dorado CA 96150 (530) 600-0267 M-Th, 9AM-6PMSat-Sun 8AM-6PM
- Bob’s Market 41787 Tollhouse
- Road (Highway 168) Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 841-7104 M-Th, 8AM-6PMF-Sat, 8AM-8PM Sun, 8AM-7PM
- China Peak Mountain Resort 59265 Highway 168 Lakeshore Fresno CA 93634 (559) 233-2500 7 Days, 7AM-9PM
- Ken’s Market 42137 Tollhouse Road (Highway 168) Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 841-3549 M-F, 10AM-7PM Sat, 8AM-8PM Sun, 8AM-7PM
- Rancheria Enterprises 62311 Huntington Lake Road Lakeshore Fresno CA 93634 (559) 893-3234 7 Days, 9AM-5PM
- Shaver Lake Gas & Deli 41801 Toll House Road Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 841-5303 Sun-Th, 6AM-10PM F-Sat, 6AM-11PM
- Shaver Lake Liquor & Beer 41387 Tollhouse Road (Highway 168) Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 841-7711 7 Days, 9AM-9PM
- Shaver Lake Sports 41777 Tollhouse Road (Highway 168) Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 841-2740 M-F, 8AM-6PM Sat-Sun, 7AM-6PM
- Shaver Lake Store 44189 Tollhouse Road ( Highway 168) Shaver Lake Fresno CA 93664 (559) 930-9222 7 Days, 8AM-5PM
- Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) 798 N. Main Street Bishop Inyo CA 93514 (760) 873-2411 7 Days, 9AM-5PM
- Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center 2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes Mono CA 93546 (760) 924-5548 7 Days, 8AM-5Pm December 1-April 30
- Mountain Hardware & Sports 11320 Donner Pass Road Truckee Nevada CA 96161 (530) 587-4844 M-Sat, 7AM-7PM Sun, 8AM-6PM
- Mountain Receration 491 E Main Street Grass Valley Nevada CA 95945 (530) 477-8006 M-F, 10AM-6PM Sat, 10AM-6PM Sun, 10AM-5PM
- Tahoe Dave’s Skis and Boards 10200 Donner Pass Road Truckee Nevada CA 96161 (530) 582-0900 Winter: 7 Days 7:45AM-8PM
- Truckee Ranger Station 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. Truckee Nevada CA 96161 (530) 587-3558 7 Days, 8AM-5PM December 1-April 30
- Alpenglow Sports 415 North Lake Boulevard Tahoe City Placer CA 96145 (530) 583-6917 M-F, 10AM-6PM Sat-Sun, 9AM-6PM
- Placer County Visitors Bureau Welcome Center 1103 High St. #150 Auburn Placer CA 95603 (530) 887-2111 M-Sat, 9:30AM-4:30PM Sun, 11AM-4:30PM
- REI Roseville #74 1148 Galleria Blvd. Roseville Placer CA 95678 (916) 724-6750 M-F 10AM-9PM Sat 10AM-8PM Sun 10AM-6PM
- Tahoe Dave’s Board Shop 600 North Lake Blvd. Tahoe City Placer CA 96145 (530) 583-0400 Winter: 7 Days 7:45AM-8PM
- Tahoe Dave’s Ski Shop 590 North Lake Blvd. Tahoe City Placer CA 96145 (530) 583-6415 Winter: 7 Days 8AM-6PM
- Tahoe Dave’s Skis and Boards 8299 North Lake Blvd. Kings Beach Placer CA 96143 (530) 546-5800 Winter: 7 Days 7:45AM-8PM
- Tahoe Dave’s Skis and Boards Squaw Valley 3039 Highway 89 Olympic Valley Placer CA 96146 (530) 583-5665 Winter: 7 Days 7:45AM-8PM
- The Back Country 11400 Donner Pass Rd. #100 Truckee Placer CA 96161 (530) 582-0909 7 Days, 8AM-6PM
- Mountain Hardware & Sports 282 Bonta St. Blairsden Plumas CA 96103 (530) 836-2589 M-Sat, 7AM-6PM Sun, 9AM-5PM
- OHMVR Division HQ 1725 23rd Street Suite 200 Sacramento Sacramento CA 95816 (916) 324-4442 M-F, 8:30AM-4:00PM Sat-Sun, Closed
- REI Folsom #86 2425 Iron Point Road Folsom Sacramento CA 95630 (916) 817-8944 M-Sat, 10AM-9PM Sun, 10AM-6PM
- REI Sacramento #21 1790 Expo Pkwy Sacramento Sacramento CA 95815 (916) 924-8900 M-F, 10AM-9PM Sat, 10AM-6PM Sun, 10AM-5PM
- Sierraville Service & Country Store 126 South Lincoln Street Sierraville Sierra CA 96126 (530) 994-3529 M-F, 6AM-6PM Sat, 7AM-6PM Sun, 8AM-6PM
- Sierra Station #40 29822 Highway 108 Long Barn Tuolumne CA 95335 (209) 965-4242 7 Days, 6AM-8PM
- Carson City Ranger Station 1536 S. Carson Street Carson City Washoe NV 89701 (775) 882-2766 7 Days, 8AM-5PM December 1-April 30
- Michael’s Reno Powersports 10828 S. Virginia Street Reno Washoe NV 89511 (775) 825-8680 M-F, 9AM-6PM Sat, 9AM-5PM Sun, 10AM-5PM
- Reno Cycles & Gear 3445 Kietzke Lane Reno Washoe NV 89502 775-355-8810 Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM Sun 11AM-4PM
- Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board 650 G Street Davis Yolo CA 95616 (530) 758-3223 M-Sat., 9AM-7PM Sun, Noon-5PM
