Snowshoeing Adventure at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe
Stir crazy would be an appropriate word to use for me this week. Many hours at the computer working on our plans for 2017 and finalizing Christmas details and notes. So today when I awoke to snow falling from the sky, I just had to go, get some winter Rec in the system before Christmas Eve Services at our church in Minden, Lifepoint.
Spooner lake in Lake Tahoe is so easy to just drive by, on our way to so many great recreational locations all year round. However, I have never, not enjoyed myself completely when I get a chance to go hike around the lake or in the various trails in the hills above. Today was no exception. 3 to 4 inches of fresh-powder, over night and snowing heavy when I pulled off HWY 50 just below the top of the pass and before you would turn towards Incline VillaSpooner Lake has multiple locations to access the trail that circles the lake. This is my preferred location, although it won’t be much longer this winter until it might be a little deep to pull your car in at this location. The Trailhead leaves the pullout area and heads down to the trail from hear. A Sign at the bottom lets you know you are entering the Spooner Lake Recreational Area, where hiking, Fishing, horseback riding etc.. are allowed all year round. (Actually, Horseback is not allowed in this section, you have to take the trail on top of the pass to ride Horses at the lake.)
What Spooner lacks in awe-inspiring views like many hikes around Lake Tahoe, it has great variety and forest beauty all around the lake trail, meadows, aspen, fir, pine, rocks and more.
On a snowy day in December, snowshoes were not a must but are a fun way to travel around the lake. The trail is pretty easy to follow even with no tracks. It is well used and maintained all season long.
2.1-mile hike around the lake, with varied, easy terrain. This is a grat place for beginner snowshoeing, family snow days, or a quick get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Just past this trailhead, there is also a family favorite sledding area just off the highway. Lots of families up here already today:
