WINTER WONDERLAND
Lake Tahoe Overnight State Park Trip. January 2020.
Little did we know, in just a few short months, the world would literally change. COVID-19 was right around the corner, ready to turn everything upside down. But that January? That January was just any other January — crisp mornings, packed bags, and that familiar excitement of hitting the road.
We wanted to explore the state parks near Lake Tahoe. I’ve been going to Kings Beach my whole life, but for Nelson, this was his first trip up there. And there’s something really special about sharing a place you love with someone you love.
Traffic was brutal — classic California winter road-trip chaos. At one point, Nelson spotted a Bass Pro Shop off the freeway and suggested we stop “just to figure out our plan.” That pit stop changed everything. When we got back in the car, Maps rerouted us the back way to Tahoe — and that’s how we accidentally discovered our first hidden gem.
Tucked away in Grass Valley, Empire Mine is one of California’s oldest and richest gold mines. From 1850 to 1956, it produced over 5.8 million ounces of gold. Today, it’s quiet and green — filled with stone buildings, rose gardens, and trails that wind through pine forests. You can almost feel the echoes of the past beneath your feet.
From Grass Valley, we continued toward Tahoe, the snow thickening as the elevation climbed. Before heading to the hotel, we made one a stop in Truckee to one of the most infamous spots in the Lake Tahoe area— Donner Memorial State Park.
The visitor center is one of the best I’ve ever been to — beautifully designed and deeply moving. It tells the story of the Donner Party, yes, but also of migration, endurance, and the human spirit. In the winter of 1846, the Donner and Reed families — along with several other pioneer groups — were trapped here by relentless Sierra snow. Supplies ran out, rescue parties struggled to break through, and in the end, some members resorted to cannibalism to survive the brutal winter. It’s a haunting part of Western history, but the museum presents it with care — focusing not on the horror, but on the unimaginable hardship and the strength of the human will to live.
Standing there, surrounded by snow-laden pines, it was hard not to think about how close comfort and catastrophe can sit in these mountains — and how even the darkest stories can remind us what people will endure for a chance at a new life.
Donnor State Memorial Park.January 2020.
After exploring Donner, we still had a bit of daylight left and decided to squeeze in one more stop — the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail. Around 4 p.m., we pulled up to the small trailhead just above Crystal Bay, the sun already dipping low behind the pines.
It was quiet — completely to ourselves — and the air had that crisp, pine-and-snow scent that only Tahoe winters can pull off. The trail climbs steadily uphill, about a mile each way, with sweeping views that only get better the higher you go.
Now, let me be clear: even in hiking boots, this trail isn’t exactly easy in winter. The snow and ice make every step a little unpredictable, and you’ll definitely want traction if it’s been a few days since the last melt. But the payoff? Worth every slippery step.
At the top, the view opens up like a postcard — Lake Tahoe stretched out below, half in gold light, half in shadow. The wind was cold, the silence absolute, and for a few minutes, it felt like the whole world paused.
Stateline Fire Lookout Trail. January 2020.
Tip:
Park at the Stateline Fire Lookout Trailhead just above Crystal Bay (end of Reservoir Drive).
Bring microspikes or poles in winter — the climb can get icy.
Best time: late afternoon for golden-hour light and lake views that glow.
That evening, we checked into the Tahoe Biltmore (RIP) — cozy, affordable, and brimming with vintage charm. Sometimes the best places to stay aren’t the fanciest; they’re the ones that make you feel like you’ve landed exactly where you’re meant to be.
We grabbed dinner at Jason’s Beachside Grille and watched the sunset fade over the lake from the deck — the sky melting into gold and rose as the air turned crisp. Despite the traffic earlier in the day, it felt like everything had aligned. The perfect ending to a perfectly imperfect day.
Sunday morning we woke up early to blue skies and fresh snow — it was the kind of morning that makes you forget about alarms and to-do lists. We knew we had a semi long trek home so packed up and headed into the little neighboring town of Kings Beach and snagged breakfast sandwiches and coffee from Java Hut before beginning our meandering.
Now, Kings Beach has always been my place. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid — running barefoot through the sand, diving into the freezing water, and grabbing Taco Bell across the street after long summer days. One of the most beautiful things about coming in the winter, though, is how quiet it is. Don’t get me wrong, there are still people around, but most are off chasing powder on the slopes instead of sun on the beach.
So as we made our way down to the lake, breakfast in hand, we essentially had the whole place to ourselves.
Lake Tahoe’s water stays cold year-round — around 65°F (18°C) in the summer, even when the air hits 90°. In winter, it drops closer to 40°F (4°C). At 8 a.m., with frost still clinging to the sand, we didn’t dare dip a toe in. Instead, we sat on the beach, sipped our coffee, and soaked in the quiet — that deep, calm stillness that only happens before the world wakes up.
Just outside Tahoe City, Burton Creek State Park sprawls across nearly 1,900 acres of forest and meadow — a true locals’ secret.
We wandered through the trees, snow crunching beneath our boots, not another soul in sight. Sometimes the best places are the ones that feel like they belong just to you. We event stopped to build a snowman.
Tip: Perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Bring layers, snacks, and water — there are no facilities here, just nature.
Our last stop before heading home from this quick weekend getaway was Tahoe City State Recreation Area, where the Truckee River flows out of Lake Tahoe. It’s small, scenic, and full of life — families sledding, couples sipping coffee, locals walking their dogs.
The drive back was slow and quiet — just the hum of the road and the replay of our weekend in our heads.
We had no idea that just weeks later, everything would stop. Travel would vanish. The world would shift.
But that weekend in Tahoe? It was perfect — simple, spontaneous, and exactly what we needed.
A reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be far away or perfectly planned. Sometimes, it’s just saying yes to a detour.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
If You Go — Tahoe Parks Road Trip Guide
Route: Sacramento → Grass Valley (Empire Mine) → Truckee (Donner Memorial) → North Lake Tahoe (Kings Beach, Burton Creek, Tahoe City SRA)
Ideal Trip: 3 days (Friday–Sunday) but can definitely be done Saturday to Sunday // Drive Time: 4–5 hours total from Sacramento with stops
You really can come to Tahoe all year round.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy, peaceful, budget-friendly
Summer (Jun–Sep): Lake activities, lively towns
Fall (Oct–Nov): Golden aspens and fewer crowds
Budget Tips:
Stay in Incline Village, Tahoe Vista, or Truckee for better rates
Bring your own snacks and drinks — Tahoe food adds up
Get a California State Parks Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks
Don’t Miss:
Touring Empire Mine’s gold rush history
The Donner Memorial Visitor Center
Sunset at Kings Beach
Quiet trails at Burton Creek
Morning coffee with lake views in Tahoe City
