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Snowshoe Running: Start here for free

December 12, 2022 by Helen Pelster 1 Comment

Max Jones, famous for The Flume Trail and his long-time stewardship of the Spooner XC ski area, once told me that three things are needed for successful winter recreation: plowed parking, packed snow, and winterized restrooms.

As you can imagine, these things cost money. California SNO-PARK is one program that provides winter trail access for a fee ($15/day and $40/season as of 22-23 season). Click here for SNO-PARK locations and information. The Sno-Park at the Boreal/Castle Peak exit provides access to the Castle Valley and Castle Peak for a more mountainous environment and vertical relief than what you might find elsewhere.

All of the local (Tahoe Donner, Royal Gorge, Tahoe City XC, Auburn Ski Club) cross-country ski areas welcome snowshoe runners, but this is a more expensive venture. Of these, Auburn Ski Club (ASC) at Donner Summit is the most affordable.

If you are new to snowshoe running, see Coach Peter’s article on basic snowshoe running gear here.

If you are willing to forgo the restrooms and take your chances on snow packing conditions, here are three winter trailheads for free:

Cold Stream Canyon

Much of lower Cold Stream Canyon is part of Donner Memorial State Park, but the Cold Stream Canyon Rd is a public, plowed road where you can park for free.

  • Exit Interstate 80 at Donner Pass Road, Exit 184
  • Proceed through the four-way stop onto Cold Stream Rd
  • Pass our partner hotel Truckee Donner Lodge on your right and continue on the paved road
  • Park where the pavement ends
  • Lat/long of parking: 39.318866, -120.231351

From the parking, you can go up the roads into Cold Stream Canyon or follow the flatter terrain in the main park area.

Prosser Hill OHV

Nestled just north of Truckee, Prosser Hill OHV Staging Area provides free parking and a forest snow experience for those willing to explore. Snow is often packed by snowmobile users. You can also head out towards the Emigrant Trail (east of 89) for fresh tracks and less snowmobiles.

  • Take I-80 exit 188B (89 North) toward Sierraville/Lake Tahoe
  • 
Follow the signs through the roundabouts to stay on CA 89 North
  • The Prosser Hill OHV Staging Area is 4 miles north of I-80 on the left
  • Lat/long of parking: 39.386911, -120.185683

Look for user-packed snow and make your route!

Tahoe Donner Powerline Trail

Paved parking at the top of the Trout Creek bike path also provides access to the Tahoe Donner power line trail. This route is less scenic, but extremely easy to follow under the power line (shown here on the summer trail map.)

  • Take Northwoods Blvd north from Donner Pass Road in Truckee
  • Paved & plowed parking is at the top of the hill on the right, just past the Coyote Moon Golf Course.
  • Lat/long of parking: 39.33667, -120.20911

The paved & plowed Trout Creek bike path is downhill (east) of the parking. The Powerline Trail snowshoe route is uphill (west) of the parking on the other side of Northwoods Blvd. Expect mixed conditions of user-packed and untracked snow. Follow the power lines about 2.5 miles up and back, crossing the street a total of three times each way.

DPMR group run on the Powerline trail. photo by Helen Pelster

Mount Rose

Parking is plentiful near the summit of 431, as are the options for exploring! In some areas you will have to deal with snowmobile traffic and sledding, but this area is large enough that peace and quiet can be found by everyone willing to explore a bit.

Nevada Nordic Trails off Hwy 431

There is a large plowed turnout along the Mount Rose Highway (431) at 39.2827, -119.9343 and the groomed trails start just to the north of this parking area. Please consider making a donation on their website, as this is the only form of support that keeps these trails groomed!

Spooner Lake

There is a 2 mile snowshoeing loop in the Spooner Lake State Park off 28, just north of 50.

Donner Memorial State Park

Parking is available at the Donner Memorial Visitor Center. You can explore the areas near the lake, or use this parking area for accessing the Coldstream Canyon Road area (the dirt road is occasionally groomed).

Johnson Canyon

If you are looking for some snow vert, this is a great spot. You can follow fire roads all the way to Summit Lake, or the more challenging narrower trail up to Drifter Hut. Accessed via the Donner Lake exit on I-80. There are some plowed spots in a turnout just south of I-80. Don’t park on the exit ramp or road.

Canyon Spring & Glenshire Meadows

Start from the Glenshire Clubhouse and circle the pond or cross the meadow. Access TDLT’s Canyon Springs land from Glenshire Drive, about a 1/2 mile east of the Glenshire Clubhouse (if parking area has been cleared). A lot of foot and ski traffic usually has created a variety of well-packed trails to follow.

Page Meadows (Tahoe City)

Park in the TRT trailhead lot near the transit center. Follow the summer TRT trail west into the meadows.

Olympic Valley

Head into the large meadow in the valley, where the golf course is located in the summer. Not groomed. Can park in the Olympic Valley Park (101 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146) and take the bike path to get there.

Sawtooth/06 Forest Rd area

Parking is tricky for this spot. Your best bet is a friend’s driveway, otherwise you risk getting a ticket. But if you can get there, you will find seemingly endless miles to explore. This area gets a lot of snowmobile traffic, which can help create roughly groomed conditions.

Get out there and try it out, and you’ll be all ready for The Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race on Sunday, February 12, 2023!

Filed Under: General

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Comments

  1. Sharon Fong says

    January 1, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    Glacier Way behind the Tahoe Donner downhill ski area has a trailhead and scenic views. Carpenter Valley just outside Tahoe Donner and Alder Creek road also is popular.

    Reply

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Trailhead, Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Trailhead, Truckee
Sep 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an eye on Facebook and[...]
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Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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Sep 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
Oct
3
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
5
Thu
6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
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Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
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Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
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