Wondering where to snowshoe?

The answer could be as easy as stepping into your backyard or visiting your favorite park. The options of where to go snowshoeing are limitless. Try snowshoeing:

• your favorite hiking trail
• at local snowshoe events & races
• at the community recreation area
• at a local golf course
• on a nearby lake/river/reservoir trail
• at a State Park or National Forest
• at an alpine or cross-country ski area

Outdoor sports equipment retailers, area Chambers of Commerce, hiking clubs, regional snowmobile associations and local inns and mountain resorts often have extensive trail information available to share.

California's Snow Park system provies a great way to get to favorite snowshoeing areas. Fess as of 2002 were $5/day, $25/year. Locally, several Snow Parks are nearby including:

• Yuba Gap (Snowflower) - HWY80, Yuba Gap exit. 530-389-8241
• Donner Summit - HWY80, Castle Peak exit just beyond Boreal Inn. 530-587-3558
• Donner Lake - HWY80, Donner Lake exit at Donner Memorial State Park. 530-582-7892
• Blackwood Canyon - West side of HWY89 3 miles S. of Tahoe City. 530-573-2600
• Taylor Creek - West side of HWY89 near Camp Richardson. 530-573-2600
• Echo Lake - Off HWY50, North side, 1 mile west of Echo Summit. 530-573-2600
• Echo Summit - HWY50, South side at Echo Summit. 530-659-0744

California's Dept. of Parks & Recreation can be contacted for more details.

The Sierra Club maintains a series of back country huts for ski or snowshoe in trips. Reservations are needed for winter use. Check their web site for details.

Several locals offer snowshoe guide services, such as Cathy Works (www.cathyworks.com). Also, several excellent books are available on snowshoeing the Sierras. Check REI's web site and the local Mountain Recreation sporting goods store.

Don't forget to check the Troop's web site! We post photos of many of our outings. We are also trying to keep maps of our hikes and treaks available online.

Use your imagination! If you enjoyed hiking a Sierra area last Summer, its probably good snowshoeing, too!

Be sure to respect private property rights. Park off the roads and watch for snowplows. Always carry chains, even if you drive a 4WD. Be sure to have blankets and water in your car.