“If you can walk, you can snowshoe”
Snowshoe hiking/walking is a great way to explore winter. As long as you have a basic level of fitness, anyone can do it. It requires no special skills and allows you to get out and explore winter landscapes. Below are two web articles of favorite snowshoe hikes as well as snowshoe trail books for California.
At SF Gate Tom Stienstra’s favorite snowshoe treks
At the Fresno Bee Five Rewarding Snowshoe Treks
I especially recommend the first walk on both lists to Dewey Point in Yosemite. It is a very scenic walk with great overlooks above the valley. I have done it several times and it is my number one choice as well.
What to Wear and Bring Snowshoeing is a practical article by Steve Turin for those new to snowshoeing or anyone needed a reminder about how to prepare. I would disagree with the diagram accompanying this article that shows blue jeans as an option for pants. Wet jeans or cotton clothes of any kind can be dangerous in the cold and wind. All clothes should be synthetic or wool which will keep you warm even if they are wet.
California Snowshoe Trail Books
- Snowshoe Trails of California: 90 Of the Best Routes in the Cascades & the Sierra by Michael White
- Snowshoe Routes: Northern California by Marc J. Soares
- Snowshoe Trails of Yosemite by Michael White
- Best Snowshoe Trails of California by Michael White
- Snowshoe Trails of Tahoe: Best Routes in the Tahoe Sierra by Michael White
Also if you are interested in photographing your trek check the earlier post: Winter Photography Tips
Related Articles
- A Guide to Buying Snowshoes (kitsapsun.com)
- Sports 101: Getting started in snowshoeing (denverpost.com)


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