Discover the Most Unforgettable Snowshoeing Trails for an Epic Winter Adventure!

When most people think of winter, they think of snow. It’s just how it is.

With mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, and pristine beaches all over, the diverse geography creates the perfect conditions to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation.

When your favorite hiking trail sinks in snow and the weather becomes harsher than it was before, you know it’s snowshoeing season.

Thanks to modern, lighter, and user-friendly snowshoes, the winter activity is growing in popularity by the day.

Are you new to this winter sport? That won’t be a problem because, as the saying goes, “if you can walk, you can snowshoe.” It’s quite simple and beginner-friendly, especially if you’re trying an easier winter hike.

Once you’re ready to move up a level, you’ll need to learn how to go up and down slopes with the help of your poles, and how to stand up again in case you fall.

When the snow season comes around, swap your hiking boots for ski boots; get yourself a pair of snowshoes and poles; and join us as we explore the best parks and trails for snowshoeing.

Here are some of the best trails to explore this winter.

California Dreamin': Snowshoeing in the Golden State

We Californians know how to make the best out of every season, and we sure know how to enjoy the great outdoors.

Come winter, the forest’s crowded trails become some of the most tranquil places.

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1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

With their beautiful winter terrain, well-marked trails, and groves of monumental sequoias, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are every snowshoer’s paradise.

Watching the giants stand tall in the face of a harsh winter can’t be compared to anything else. It’s safe to say this will be a holistically enriching experience.

Guided tours take you on mile-long excursions, which is pretty helpful if you’re new to snowshoeing.

If you’re experienced, feel free to guide yourself toward the destination of your choice.

2. Lassen Volcanic National Park

While Lassen Volcanic National Park is popular among visitors during the warmer months, where they get to see every type of volcano out there, its charm doesn’t disappear during the winter months; it shifts into a different type of charm.

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You could call it a winter wonderland.

Lassen is generally less popular than other parks, which makes it the perfect place to go on a remote winter snowshoeing excursion packed with mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.

If you’re a beginner looking for an extremely easy trail or are on the snow with the kids, the 0.6-mile Reflection Lake Trail is the one for you.

3. Lake Tahoe

It’s no secret that people head to Lake Tahoe for the abundance of outdoor recreational activities in it.

It’s no secret as well, that the fun doesn’t stop when winter comes. Besides skiing and snowboarding, people come in flocks to go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe.

After all, the best hikes in Lake Tahoe don’t just disappear as soon as the snow hits the ground.

Lake Tahoe offers a diverse range of hikes that will suit your desires.

3 FANTASTIC Snowshoe Hikes in Lake Tahoe (Beginner Friendly!)

4. Yosemite National Park

It’s not difficult to understand why snowshoeing is so popular in the area when the Sierra Nevada Mountains and evergreen trees provide some truly transcendent views in winter.

Whether you’re looking for more remote trails that might be harder to trek, or easier and more popular ones to try with the family, you’ll find your heart's desire while snowshoeing the Sierra.

At a length of 6.5 miles, West Valley Loop Trail is one of the easier trails.

5. San Bernardino National Forest

The San Bernardino National Forest along with its crown jewel, Big Bear Lake, make for the perfect California snowshoeing spot.

If you’re looking to find comfort in nature and get in some exercise, you need to go snowshoeing near Big Bear right away.

The Sand Canyon and Old Roadbed Trail is an easy 2.7-mile out-and-back trail great for beginners.

6. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest offers its visitors tons of opportunities for snowshoe fun, but the most fun you’ll have is by exploring the McCloud Waterfalls Trail.

This easy hike passes through the three McCloud waterfalls, promising beautiful views at every corner.

7. Inyo National Forest

Snowshoeing the Sierra Nevada is a dream come true to almost anyone who’s seen the majestic mountain range, even if from a distance. If you’re one of those people, Inyo National Forest presents you with the best opportunity to do that on the Obsidian Dome Trail.

The short and easy hike only takes around 30 minutes to complete and leads you to the center of a volcano with spectacular obsidian and other rocks.

8. Los Padres National Forest

If you’ve got enough experience snowshoeing and are looking for a fair challenge, Mount Pinos Trail in Los Padres National Forest is what you’re looking for.

This is not a route often traveled, especially during snow season, so it’s likely going to be you and your thoughts for the 3.6-mile length of the trail.

9. Mount Shasta Via Avalanche Gulch Route

The Mount Shasta Via Avalanche Gulch Route might be a difficult one, but it is one of the most popular snowshoeing trails in all of California.

Here you’re going to experience steep climbs, deep snow, and extreme weather. You better be sure you can handle all of that before going on this excursion.

As you begin your climb, the natural scenery all around you will leave you amazed.

10. Mount Baden Powell Trail

One of the most challenging yet rewarding snowshoeing excursions would be the Mount Baden Powell Trail.

Take a two-hour day trip from Los Angeles and you’ll find yourself within the Angeles National Forest, where this unique trail sits.

The climb is not easy, but as soon as you make it to the summit you’ll be staring down at the Mojave Desert and Southern Sierra-quite the reward if you ask us.

Here you can see a comparison table of the trails mentioned above:

Trail Name	National Park/Forest	Difficulty	Length
Guided tours	Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks	Beginner-friendly	1 mile
Reflection Lake Trail	Lassen Volcanic National Park	Easy	0.6 miles
West Valley Loop Trail	Yosemite National Park	Easy	6.5 miles
Sand Canyon and Old Roadbed Trail	San Bernardino National Forest	Easy	2.7 miles
McCloud Waterfalls Trail	Shasta-Trinity National Forest	Easy	N/A
Obsidian Dome Trail	Inyo National Forest	Easy	N/A
Mount Pinos Trail	Los Padres National Forest	Challenging	3.6 miles
Mount Shasta Via Avalanche Gulch Route	N/A	Difficult	N/A
Mount Baden Powell Trail	Angeles National Forest	Challenging	N/A

Colorado's Call: Powder Hikes Near Denver

Here are some of my favorite places near Denver to go snowshoeing during the weekend.

Those who live in Denver are very lucky to be less than two hours away from this beautiful National Park. I think it’s even more magical during the winter when there are fewer crowds and there are never-ending views of snowcapped mountains.

There is an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle to enter RMNP for the day.

The trail that is on every Colorado “best of” snowshoeing list is one of the most popular snowshoeing trails in RMNP during the winter.

Here are some trails to consider:

Dream Lake
Mills Lake
Loch Lake Trail
Sky Pond
Broome Hut
Saint Mary’s Glacier
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Hessie Trailhead

The best kept secret about the Front range is how little snow actually stays around.

Washington's Winter Wonders: A Snowy Escape

Strap on your snowshoes and waterproof boots; we’re getting snowy!

After two winters in Seattle, I’ve found that while it’s less ideal than our gorgeous summer hiking, you can still have fun outdoors.

I hope these best winter hikes in Washington help you get fresh air and see some new places you haven’t seen before!