Tahoe 2011/12
Going to spend about 9 weeks from Dec to start of Feb at Kirkwood with 4 friends, and have rented a place for the whole time. We will have a car for the second half of the trip, and wondering if anyone has been to the Tahoe area and can suggest any must-see sights/places/etc?
We are living on the hill and not working, so looking to ride as close to every day as our bodies can handle, but definitely need to get out and about a bit to avoid cabin fever!
And also has anyone used about the backcountry tour outfit at Kirkwood, think it’s called Expedition: Kirkwood? I have my Canadian AST 1 and a bit of BC experience but my group (and I) need more skills and training to do it as safely as would be smart.
If I read that correctly, you’re staying at Kirkwood, and not in South Lake Tahoe. You will get cabin fever, 4.5 weeks at a place that isolated will drive you nuts- it’s 50 km from any sign of civilization.
Now with a car, I suggest getting way out:
drive around Lake Tahoe, gamble at the South Lake casinos.
drive down the 395 to Mammoth, and then to Lone Pine to see the highest peak in the 48 contiguous states.
drive to San Francisco, then down the coast to Santa Barbara or L.A. Or go north and have a look at wine country.
Vegas.
Mind you, except for going around Lake Tahoe, these are longer trips (it’s 3.5 hours to San Francisco).
Another word of caution, stock up on groceries and supplies in South Lake before checking into Kirkwood, you’ll save a ton of money.
Actually, the highest peak in the contiguous United States is Mount Whitney (2 hours drive west of Mammouth Lakes) but whatever
might see you there! got me and my missus a season pass for kirkwood but only going to be there for a few weeks(early bird $$$ for season pass so couldnt pass up)
Worldtripper, I’ve done a season at Lake Louise, I’m not too fazed by being out there in the sticks. And definitely will be doing the grocery run to South Lake every week or two. Will be doing a few days in San Fran for sure, and thanks on the heads up on Mt Whitney. Do you know how long the drive is from South Lake to Mammoth? Wine country sounds pretty scenic, I’ll have to look into that. Cheers!
deano, it may just happen! Unbelievable how cheap the passes are there! We’ve all got ours already too. 4 more months!!!!
South Lake to Mammouth is 3 - 3 1/2 hours drive, give or take
South Lake to Mammoth - need to take a combo of Kingsbury Grade and a couple of east-west local roads to Minden/Gardnerville, where you can link up with the 395. I would otherwise suggest the Monitor Pass route, but this is closed in the winter.
Mt. Whitney- drive 2 hours south from Mammoth to Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road west. There’s also a classic view along 395 around the golf course.
I also suggest Manzanar, which was an internment camp during World War II, that’s between Independence and Lone Pine. The museum there is excellent, and the auto tour takes you to a memorial and cemetery.
Sierra view- take the 168 east from Big Pine, turn left (north) towards the bristlecone pine forest. This is probably the ultimate view of the mountain range, you’re going to be staring at around 160 km of the Sierras. This might be closed in the winter, check beforehand for road conditions.
Death Valley is east on the 190 from Lone Pine, and the temps are quite reasonable that time of year.
Just wanted to say Jealous!!
Love Kirkwood. Some wicked cornices to be had there!
Great suggestions from everyone - but would also like to add that driving around the Lake for some brilliant photo opportunities (as a day trip on its own) is great if you are into that sort of thing.
The paddle steamer ride can be fun and interesting. I for one am glad I did it.
Thanks for the tips!
Yeah ozgirl, was worried it was not a tough enough mountain, but saw photos and video of the steeps there and it sealed the deal!
The paddle steamer is pretty intriguing, I’ve seen photos of one on Caples Lake in summer but assumed that it would freeze due to being relatively small. Are you talking about a steamer on Lake Tahoe itself?
you can give me updates on the snow conditions before i arrive on the 19th december! will have to go for a slide with ya aswell
Yep the one on Lake Tahoe itself.
To get you in the mood here is a vid from 2009 at Sugarbowl, with my american bestie (who just happens to be a super cool snowboarding chick!). Highly recommend for a day trip BTW