Snow or no snow at lake level, your pup will appreciate a winter break at Northern California’s favorite playground as much as you will. The wild card is weather, so be prepared to embrace whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Here are some of our favorite ways to play with our pups at Lake Tahoe during the colder months.
Cross-country skiing: If you’re an XC practitioner, you and your pup will find groomed cross-country trails as well as limitless tracts of public lands to glide on. Tahoe Donner Cross-Country, Tahoe Cross Country and Kirkwood XC are among developed resorts offering designated dog-friendly trails. Wherever you go, be sure to train your dog to stay away from skis and not go running up to greet other skiers! A solid recall command is essential on groomed trails where skiers move quickly and don’t always have time to stop.
Hiking: No snow at low altitude? Go for a walk and enjoy some scenery, solitude and lots of sniff opportunities. DogTrekker’s favorite winter hikes at lake level on the South Shore include the Lam Watah Trail to Nevada Beach and the trails winding around Tallac Historic Site and the adjacent Kiva Beach and Taylor Creek areas. On the North Shore, pick a section of the 19-mile Lakeside Trail out of Tahoe City and enjoy some stellar photo opps. In Truckee, put paws to path on the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a four-mile round trip leaving from a park just outside downtown.
Snowshoeing: Anywhere there’s snow, you can snowshoe. Packed snow, level terrain and designated trails are the best bet for entry-level canines and their uprights; after all, you don’t want Cleo to flounder into a tree well. Among popular venues for dog-friendly snowshoe excursions in the Tahoe area are Echo Lakes, Meeks Bay, Page Meadow, Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, North Tahoe Regional Park and Big Meadow. Several developed cross-country ski areas, including Kirkwood XC & Snowshoe Center and Tahoe Cross Country, welcome canine-accompanied snowshoers on designated trails.
Keeping your dog safe in the snow: Cold weather brings its own set of considerations. Check your dog’s paws frequently for ice balls forming between the toes, which can cause discomfort and limping. Musher’s wax applied before you head out helps prevent buildup. If your dog has a short coat, a fitted fleece or insulated jacket will keep them comfortable on longer outings. Keep a towel in the car for drying off before the ride home, and bring extra water–dogs get just as dehydrated in cold weather as they do in summer, and eating snow is not a reliable substitute.
After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than settling into a dog-friendly cabin or vacation rental with a warm fire. Many South Shore and North Shore lodging options cater specifically to guests with dogs, offering everything from dog beds and treats to fenced yards and recommendations on the best winter trails. Check out DogTrekker’s Lake Tahoe lodging listings for properties that roll out the welcome mat for your whole pack.
