Tips For Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe

Brace yourself, because this one's a doozy!

Now, I'm not trying to set a low bar or ask that you come into this deal with low expectations. This video is chock-full of quality information and beautiful scenery about hiking at Lake Tahoe. But I also can't deny the fact that this wound up being a franken-project that's taken me nearly a year to complete!

Essentially, there are a lot of moving parts to this video about hiking during the spring in the mountains at Lake Tahoe. And, probably, the main thing that I regret about it is that I didn't own a GoPro (i.e. exceptional image stabilization) at the time I captured most of this footage. So there's a bit of a shaky-cam feel to some parts of this video. I apologize if any of the clips cause you feelings of nausea ;)

Apologies aside...

The reason I produced this video is because I meet so many people who are totally flabbergasted by how much snow lingers in the mountains in the spring at Lake Tahoe. So often, April and May visitors to Tahoe arrive wearing shorts and t-shirts and looking to hike all the popular peaks.

The reality is, however, that snow often persists in the backcountry well into May. And it always present major challenges to your mileage and progress on the trail. In fact, there's usually enough snow in the spring that I'm nearly always skiing in the backcountry until the end of April (at least!). And I'm not the only person out there keeping that winter dream alive!

So if you're planning on traveling to Lake Tahoe before Memorial Day to hike, watch this video. It'll provide you with a dose of reality because it's really hard to imagine (without experiencing firsthand) a blizzard at the end of May.

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Please note that I've produced this video featuring techniques, considerations, and philosophy about backcountry travel in the spring in the mountains for traditional hikers. This video, in spite of all the information I provide, is not a course on advanced mountaineering. For example, I only briefly mention but don't explain in detail the topics of self-arrest, glissading, and dealing with significant water crossings. Those topics are too advanced to discuss here, and will require unique videos of their own.

So as I repeatedly state in this video, whenever you've reached the limit of your expertise, physical capacity, and gear, turn back. Honestly, you probably want to turn back way before you reach limits! Don't become a backcountry casualty by falling and wrecking yourself, for example, because you couldn't resist hiking across that short but steep icy section of trail.

In certain circumstances, spring hiking is no joke. The terrain and weather can be exceptionally volatile during April and May at Lake Tahoe. And, there are so many ways in which you can injure yourself, become disoriented and lost, or succumb to one of many exposure-related maladies.

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I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.

Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.

Copyright © 2021 Jared Manninen

For more information, visit https://TahoeTrailGuide.com