Sierra Snowshoe at Shinneyboo Creek
This trip is not available at this time. Be sure to check out our other trips. 3/23/2009
California's Sierra Nevada Mountains provide the ideal setting for a winter snowshoe adventure. We'll make fresh tracks through pristine, snow-blanketed old growth forest, follow open ridgelines to incredible vistas of granite-tipped mountains, and take full advantage of the Sierra's reliable snowpack and typically mild winter weather. Our base camp for the weekend will be on the quiet side of the Sierra Crest at Shinneyboo Creek. Here we stay in a small group lodge nestled in a fir and cedar forest at 5,400' elevation, 15 miles west of Donner Pass. The accommodations are well appointed with cozy comforters, private bathrooms with jetted bathtubs, and the warmth of cast iron fireplaces. Home-cooked meals are served family style.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Sierra Snowshoe at Shinneyboo Creek Itinerary:
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Day 1
Arrive at Shinneyboo Creek Lodge between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. this afternoon and check into your room. Please arrive within this timeframe to allow time to settle into your room and relax a bit before dinner. Meet your guides and other group members in our private log lodge dining area for a home-cooked welcome dinner at 7:00 p.m. Following dinner there will be a snowshoe gear check and orientation. Dinner provided.
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Day 2
After a hearty breakfast we prepare a picnic lunch and then strap on our snowshoes for a hike through an old growth cedar forest to a series of frozen waterfalls on the nearby Yuba River. Our guides will be breaking trail through virgin snow into the wild, untracked lands of the Tahoe National Forest, which surrounds Shinneyboo Creek on three sides. All meals provided.
Snowshoe distance 3 miles. -
Day 3
Following another homemade breakfast we snowshoe from the lodge along an open ridgetop with expansive views of the snowy peaks that surround Shinneyboo Creek and the Fordyce Creek Basin. Our route and total mileage will depend on snow conditions and will be limited only by our imaginations; the open Sierra terrain invites exploration in every direction! Regular (non-Holiday) departures will end by between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch included on regular departures, all meals included on Holiday departures.
Snowshoe distance 3-5 miles. -
Day 4 - Holiday departures only
Today we hike through dark fir forests and open meadows to frozen Eagle Lakes. We lake-hop across the smooth, snowy surfaces of a string of shallow, connected glacial lakes, looping back to the lodge. Holiday trips end between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch included.
Snowshoe distance 4 miles.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. This can include changes in the mode of travel (whether we will snowshoe or hike), trails to be traveled, etc. This trip is operated rain or shine. Snow conditions will dictate whether we can snowshoe on the trails or whether we'll opt instead for some winter hiking.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline ticket to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Regular (non-Holiday) departures include two nights lodging, dinner and two breakfasts at the Shinneyboo Creek Lodge; lunches on days 2 and 3; use of snowshoes, professional guiding. Holiday departures include three nights lodging, dinner and three breakfasts at the Shinneyboo Creek Lodge; lunches on days 2, 3 and 4; use of snowshoes, professional guiding.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (not available for sale, so plan on bringing your own for evenings if you'd like); guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate (3) as snowshoeing is an aerobic activity and more strenuous than hiking. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 20-55°F, with evening temperatures dropping to below freezing. Winter storms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate waterproof and insulating gear a necessity.
Sacramento California, 80 miles, 1.75 hours; or Reno Nevada, 60 miles, 1.25 hours.
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if you are flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Sierra Snowshoe at Shinneyboo Creek
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 20-55°F, with evening temperatures dropping to below freezing. Winter storms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate waterproof and insulating gear a necessity.
Gear Checklist
- Snowshoes (Dependent upon snow conditions we will travel in snowshoes. If there is not enough snow present to comfortably snowshoe, we will hike the trails.)
- Waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable (REI Elements or Goretex)
- Midweight fleece jacket (such as Polartec 200) or wool sweater
- Two mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic (such as REI MTS) or wool
- Fleece or wool pants or tights
- Down jacket or vest
- Hiking or ski socks, wool or synthetic (no cotton)
- Comfortable, casual clothing for evenings
- Wool or fleece hat
- Ski gloves
- Lightweight glove liners of wool or synthetic
- Gaiters (assist with keeping snow out of your boots)
- Insulated hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in. Sorel-type boots will work. REI store sales specialists can give great recommendations on snowshoe boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Two 1-quart water Nalgene bottles
- Trekking poles with snow-baskets
- Day pack – with enough room for your extra clothes, water and personal items
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Large plastic bag to line daypack with or a waterproof pack cover
- Personal medications
- Personal first aid kit, small and light with personal medication
- Small foam pad to sit on for lunch stops (Ensolite type)
- Sock liners, synthetic, silk or wool
- Baseball cap
- Hand and toe warmers, lightweight, disposable
- Pocket knife or small multi-tool
- Camera and film or memory cards
- Binoculars
Things to Consider
Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
