Tips For Spring Hiking in the Mountains at Lake Tahoe

Рет қаралды 1,347

3 жыл бұрын

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 TahoeTrailGuide.com

Пікірлер: 10

@pietavoipio5552 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks! 🙂 Of course there're no mountains here in Finland, nor am I going to hike in the mountains in near future, but it was interesting to watch what's special about springtime in your area. Most things made perfect sense but I have to say I definitely wouldn't go hiking there this time of year with zero mountain experience...

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Pieta Voipio! Thanks so much for watching, and the kind words :) Yeah, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are pretty unique and offer a whole lot of (fun!) challenges, particularly in the spring. A lot of people from around the world travel here for vacation. And when those people arrive in the spring, they often have a sense of disbelief when they see how much snow is still in the mountains at that time. I went skiing today with a friend and, as we were getting back to the trailhead, I saw a trail runner starting to make her way up the trail (wearing shorts and running shoes). She stepped off the trail to let us pass since snow covered the ground all the way to the parking lot. But as me and my friend pulled off our skis and walked back to my Jeep, we noticed the trail runner get back into her car and drive away. We both chuckled because it was clear that she wasn't from around here. It's just really hard to know what that terrain is like until you've seen it firsthand. Again, thanks so much for tuning in :)

@pietavoipio5552 3 жыл бұрын

@@JaredManninen It's really fascinating, I'd love to try it sometime -- but with someone who knows what s/he's doing and with right gear. 😀

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

@@pietavoipio5552 Tracing the snow line up the mountains and watching all the plant life come to life as the snow recedes is pretty cool! And, the fact that most of the variability is within a few hundred feet makes for a dynamic outdoor experience. Thanks again for the kind words :)

@zheuscher 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice!

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Zach! I appreciate the kind words :)

@phentosz050 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed your video. Can you tell me which snowshoes you are using in the video.

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I honestly don't remember the specific model name of those snowshoes (currently away from home so I can't run out to the garage and look). But they're made by Atlas and are 28 inches long. They have serrated rails and are pretty aggressive compared to many modern snowshoes. I've seen MSR models that look pretty similar. Also, I bought mine a number of years ago so I don't know that they make that specific model anymore. Anyway, hope that helps. I'll try to remember to check them when I return home in a couple days. Thanks again for tuning in!

@barbm.4301 2 жыл бұрын

Do you carry a PLB?

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Barb, Yeah, I do usually carry a ResQLink brand personal locator beacon when I'm traveling off the beaten path. There aren't any bells or whistles to the plb, it's only designed to call in the cavalry. But I like the simplicity of its design. Fortunately, I've never had to use it!