First thing first... NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! This is meant to be a fun and friendly way to get together and make the most of this wild winter... and for me to share a little of my wintry world with you. Snowshoeing is one of the ways I love to explore the wilderness. Wjile it might be maligned at the Resort parking lots ("It's so slow!... It's just glorified walking... where are your skis??), it is something I love to do... and it scales across all abilities, ages, athleticisms, and senses of adventure. Whether you've never even seen a snowshoe or have tracked out miles in the backcountry... this event IS for you! Come for the fun, stay for the friends!
We've had a lot of winter this year. Come on out and join me for a walk in the woods! It's easy, fun, and accessible to all... I promise.
I can't guarantee what the conditions will be, but this is your next chance to get credit for a High Terrain event... because, well, snowshoes are indeed "Special Equipment Required"! Spaceman had us literally climbing the walls... I'll get you out walking in the woods. If you've got your own snowshoes, of course bring them and use them! If you've got a spare pair, bring them for someone else to try! If you don't have any, don't let that stop you. We'll see what we can do about switiching feet or wrangling up a few spare pairs.
I wish I could invite you all back to my backcountry wilderness, but access is limited this time of year. Walking the snowed in Genoa Peak Road seems like a nice way to meet in the middle... and has free parking! The road can be icy at times, but hopefully the weather will cooperate and make access easy. SHOULD be driveable by any road-ready vehicle (cars, trucks, regular tires) and there SHOULD be enough parking at the TRT Kingsbury North Trailhead... at the end of North Benjamin Drive. When Crunchfrogs and I scouted it out this weekend, we were the only two cars there (but it was snowing). If the weather is sunny, there may be other folks out and about, but the lot is plowed by the county, so hopefully spaces for all who want to attend (though carpooling is always encouraged).
We don't need to go far, but the official event location and cache log are beyond the parking lot, so some walking is required. We can all meet at the Kingsbury North TRT Trailhead and wander together from there. I'm hoping everyone can make it up a couple switchbacks on Genoa Peak Road to the "event site" itself and sign the logbook with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. From there... it's up to you what to do!
Intrepid adventurers can continue on up Genoa Peak Road as far as they want (there are some caches out there, but likely sitll buried)...
or drop down to the Tahoe Rim Trail...
or head uphill for views back over the Carson Valley...
or bring a sled or saucer and slide down the little slopes...
or just hang out and enjoy the view...
Dress warmly and bring layers... who knows what the weather might be. If the sun comes out, you'll defintely want to rock a pair of sunglasses... and take off several of those layers. I set the time for the afternoon so folks have time to grab lunch before hand (or bring something to eat at the event!). Afterwards, I'd be happy to Apres off the hill, but want to give folks plenty of time to play and explore.
If you have ANY questions or ANY hesitation about attending and trying snowshoeing... please let me know! I want this to be FUN and FAMILY-FRIENDLY. Bring your kids, bring your dogs, bring the party!
See you there!