Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities: Winter - Cross Country Skiing

Which Do You Prefer?
Skiing gentle, flat runs through meadows? A thigh-burning, high elevation ski to the top of a mountain peak? Or slicing through the middle of the forest challenging your knowledge, skills, and luck?

Or Would You Rather Take A Walk In the Woods?
While summer months on the Eldorado National Forest provide nature lovers with numerous hiking opportunities. The onset of winter should not bring despair. Cold weather does not necessarily put an end to your adventure.

Fortunately, as the weather changes the forest does as well. After a winter storm, familiar landscapes become new and recreation opportunities abound. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing allow the avid hiker or curious first-timer a chance to get into the forest and enjoy this ever-changing winter wonderland.

Trail Systems

Cross-country ski trail systems are a great place to start exploring the forest. Whether you bring skis or snowshoes these marked trails are sure to provide users of all levels much enjoyment.

CARSON PASS AREA

The Carson Pass Area is located at the crest of hte Sierra Nevada on Highway 88. The alpine terrain and panoramic vistas found here contribute to outstanding winter recreational opportunities.  

ECHO LAKES BASIN JOHNSON PASS CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

The Echo Lakes Basin Johnson Pass cross-country ski trail system features 3 loop trails and one trail that leads you to the Echo Lakes Sno-Park. The trails start at Johnson Pass.  

ECHO SUMMIT CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

The Echo Summit Cross-country Ski Trail System features two ski trails and two loop trails. There are 3.2 miles of trails that are posted.  

ECHO TO KIRKWOOD CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAIL

The Echo to Kirkwood Cross-Country Ski Trail is a classic ski tour, which extends from Echo Summit on Highway 50 south to the Caples Lake/ Kirkwood area on Highway 88.  

LOON LAKE CROSS COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE TRAILS

The Loon Lake Ski and Snowshoe trail system's special beauty is characterized by open bowls, ridges, and wooded drainages surrounded by mountain peaks. Ridges and peaks offer panoramic views of Loon Lake, Crystal Basin, and the Crystal Mountain Range.  

STRAWBERRY CANYON NORDIC SKI TRAILS

Strawberry Canyon Nordic Trail System encompasses 11 miles of cross-country ski trails for beginner to intermediate cross-country skiers.  

USDA Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 10 January 2006 at 16:48:40 EST