Tahoe National Forest: Moonlight snowshoe tour with guide

Summary

Walk beneath the stars in Tahoe’s quiet, moonlit forest

You’ll set out into Tahoe National Forest after dark with a local guide, walking across glowing snow under a sky full of stars. Expect quiet meadows, stories about constellations, and moments where it’s just you and the hush of winter woods — an experience you’ll remember long after your boots are off.

What’s the experience like?

We clipped on our snowshoes just as the last bit of daylight faded behind the pines. I remember my breath making little clouds in the cold — not freezing, but sharp enough to wake you up. Our guide, Jamie, handed out trekking poles and grinned, “You won’t need headlamps tonight.” I thought she was joking until we stepped into the open meadow and saw how the snow glowed from the moonlight. It was almost too bright, like someone left a light on somewhere out there.

The forest felt different at night — quieter, but not empty. Every step made this soft crunching sound, and sometimes you’d hear a branch creak or maybe an owl (or maybe that was just my imagination). Jamie would stop now and then to point out constellations with her laser pointer — Orion was easy, but I kept losing track after that. She told us stories about Tahoe National Forest in winter, how locals read animal tracks in fresh snow. At one point I tried to say “thank you” in her accent and she laughed, which made me laugh too.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, honestly. The sky just stretched forever over those big alpine meadows, and the air smelled clean — like pine needles and something colder underneath. The snow crystals sparkled every time we moved; it looked like tiny stars had fallen onto the ground. We barely saw another soul during our two-hour loop. There was this moment when everyone went quiet at once (even Jamie), just looking up at all that space above us. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moonlight Snowshoe in Tahoe Forest

• Snowshoe walk through forest and meadows
• Star constellation viewing with laser pointer

Top questions

How long does the moonlight snowshoe tour in Tahoe National Forest last?

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours as you walk through meadows and forests in a loop.

Are snowshoes and trekking poles included in the tour?

Yes, both snowshoes and trekking poles are provided for all participants.

Will we see other groups during this night walk?

It’s unlikely to see other groups due to the area and time of day.

Is this Tahoe National Forest snowshoe tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this moonlight snowshoe tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided snowshoeing with all equipment provided — both snowshoes and trekking poles — so you can focus on enjoying Tahoe’s winter landscape under the stars.