Baby You Can Light My Fire

Snowshoe to Angora Ridge Fire Lookout

02.11.2016

Want to go on a date that will really get your heart pumping? Strap on your snowshoes and hoof it to Angora Ridge Fire Lookout. You’ll climb for nearly 2 miles in this workout that’s a guaranteed calorie-burner. In summer, you can drive to the lookout’s high perch, but in winter, Angora Ridge Road is snow-blanketed and gated—the exclusive domain of snowshoers and skiers. Savor a mellow warm-up as the road cruises past an aspen-lined meadow. Soon enough, the grade changes from level to steep as you ascend through a pine and fir forest dotted with granite boulders. Enjoy the quadriceps pump and glimpses of mighty Mount Tallac, the South Shore’s highest peak. Keep climbing until the road tops out at Angora Ridge, elevation 7,260 feet, home of the 1920s fire lookout. Snowshoe around the buildings to enjoy a stunning bird’s-eye vista of Fallen Leaf Lake, 1,000 feet below.

From Hwy. 50 and Emerald Bay Road (the “Y”) in South Lake Tahoe, head west on Lake Tahoe Blvd. for 2.4 miles to Tahoe Mountain Rd., then turn right. Drive 1 mile, turn right on Glenmore Way, then left on Dundee Cir. (follow signs for Fallen Leaf Lake and Angora Ridge). Park near the gated road/trail. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View