Let’s say there’s been a recent snowstorm, your dog needs exercise and you want a place to walk without donning snowshoes or skis. North Lake Tahoe is a great place for that, with many plowed dog walking trails cleared of snow after every storm to ease the way for hikers, bikers and dog walkers.
Palisades Tahoe Bike Path: Start at the plowed lot just past the Palisades Tahoe turnoff from Highway 89 and walk 2.3 miles along the golf course to the Palisades Tahoe ski area (or, park at the ski area or the Resort at Squaw Creek and access the trail from there). Have lunch at the Village at Palisades Tahoe, then walk back. Or, summon Mountaineer, a free, dog-friendly, on-demand, app-based winter travel service that will take you between destinations in Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows (but not between the two). You can summon Mountaineer from anywhere within either valley. Check out this and other TCPUC (Tahoe City Public Utilities District) winter trail options here.
Truckee River Regional Park: Join local joggers and dog walkers on the 5-mile Truckee River Legacy Trail, starting from this regional park that also encompasses an ice-skating rink. The park entrance is on Highway 267, a half-mile from downtown, and parking is free. Your well-behaved dog can be off-leash (Nov. 1-April 30) so long as she comes immediately when you call. You can also park and access the trail near the pedestrian bridge in downtown Truckee or at the other end, on Glenshire Drive, four miles east of Donner Pass Road.
And many more: For information on other dog-friendly winter trails in and around Truckee, click here. Staying in South Shore? This interactive map will help you find plowed trails where you can walk with your dog.
Good to know: Even on plowed trails, conditions can be icy in the morning, so watch your footing—and your dog’s. Booties or paw wax can help protect pads from salt and ice-melt chemicals. Bring water for your pup, too; eating snow doesn’t count as proper hydration, and your dog will drink more than you’d expect on a cold-weather walk.
