Anywhere there’s snow, you can snowshoe. Your hound, however, won’t float atop fresh powder like you do. He risks postholing, floundering in tree wells or even breaking through a snow bridge and falling into an icy stream if you don’t have enough backcountry experience to recognize the hazards. Packed snow, level terrain and designated trails are the best bet for entry-level canines and their uprights.
Among popular venues for dog-friendly snowshoe excursions in the Tahoe area are Blackwood Canyon Road, Echo Lakes, Meeks Creek, Paige Meadows, Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, Hope Valley, North Tahoe Regional Park, Big Meadow and Tahoe Meadows. Several developed cross-country ski areas, including Kirkwood XC & Snowshoe Center and Tahoe Cross Country, welcome canine-accompanied snowshoers on designated trails.
A few top picks: Blackwood Canyon is flat and wide, making it ideal for first-time snowshoeing dogs who need room to figure out the snow. Paige Meadows offers rolling terrain and open views of the surrounding peaks. And Hope Valley, about 20 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, provides a quieter alternative with broad, snow-covered meadows where your dog can bound alongside you without worrying about ski traffic.
Wherever you go, you’re likely to share the terrain with cross-country skiers, so be sure to observe proper etiquette. Stay out of and away from cross-country ski tracks whenever possible, and keep your dog away from them, too. Trampling ski tracks makes it difficult for skiers to kick and glide, and dangerous conditions can result when tracks freeze over and fill with icy clumps. Snowshoeing or walking dogs in ski tracks also creates tension between user groups, which is never a good thing.
Before you head out, check your dog’s paws for ice buildup between the toe pads — a common issue that causes limping and frustration. Paw wax or dog booties help prevent this. And bring a towel for the car ride home; a wet, snowy dog in the backseat is a rite of passage, but a dry one is better for everyone.
