Meiss Around

Cross Country Ski Tahoe's Meiss Meadows Sno-Park

Escape the snow-loving crowds on a moderately challenging 6-mile (round-trip) ski near Carson Pass Summit. You’ll actually have bragging rights for doing part of the Pacific Crest Trail in winter! From Meiss Meadows Sno-Park, head west and uphill, contouring along a slope dotted with scattered Sierra junipers and white firs. You’re roughly following the route of the Pacific Crest Trail, hidden under several feet of snow. As you huff and puff uphill, angle toward the obvious saddle to the north. Pause along the way to catch your breath and admire the view of imposing 10,381-foot Mount Round Top to the south.

At the crest, check your bindings and drop down the other side. A whooping-and-hollering glide deposits you into the Upper Truckee River canyon. Follow the frozen river through this broad, open valley to the historic Meiss cabin and barn (only their roofs show above the thick blanket of snow). German immigrant Louis Meiss built this homestead in 1880; several generations of his family grazed cattle in Meiss Meadow. Pull your thermos out of your pack and toast these early pioneers before retracing your tracks back to your car.

Trailhead: Park at the Meiss Meadow Sno-Park on the north side of Highway 88, just west of Carson Pass summit. There are a number of gear rental options including Lake of the Sky Outfitters, Sierra Ski & Cycle Works, Powder House, and Tahoe Sports LTD. California Sno-Park permit required ($5). Note: Check weather report before embarking on this adventure.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View