Gorge-ous View

Cross Country Ski at Royal Gorge

01.13.2015

"Over the meadow and through the woods" … no this isn't the start of a fairy tale … it's the start of a fairy trail! Tahoe's Royal Gorge is North America's largest cross-country ski resort. One of the routes we like leads to Snow Mountain Hut (3.5 miles one-way) and a grand view of the Sierra.

The hut itself is barebones with enough bench space for about six people and windows on all sides. It makes a great place for having lunch and deciding if you want to continue on and explore more, or head back the way you came. Start from the Summit Station Lodge, where you can get a map, rent gear, and buy lunch.

Warm up your legs kicking and gliding on the flats of Big Ben Trail, before connecting on a series of trails (Rodney's Run; Killy's Cruise; Crosscut; Gold Rush; Palisade) that lead to Snow Mountain Trail, where you'll begin a 2-mile ascent to the hut, set at 6,893 feet. Views span from meadows to mountains. Fairy trails do come true!

Get your rentals, route options, and a XC ski map at the Summit Station Lodge. Royal Gorge has some dog-friendly trails. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View

  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View

  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View

  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View

  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View

  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View

  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View