• COVID-19 Park and Trail Closures
  • Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
  • Shop
  •  

SoCal Hiker

  • Find a Hiking Trail
    • All Areas
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Los Angeles
    • Orange County
    • Oregon
    • San Francisco Bay
    • Washington
  • Trail Guides
  • Six-Pack of Peaks
    • Colorado Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Bergen Peak
      • Rocky Mountain
      • Birthday Peak
      • Horseshoe Mountain
      • Grays Peak
    • New England Six-Pack of Peaks
    • NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mount Umunhum
      • Mount Saint Helena
      • Mount Tamalpais
      • Mount Diablo
      • Mount Sizer
      • Rose Peak
    • Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Tumalo Mountain
      • Black Butte
      • Black Crater
      • Maiden Peak
      • Mount Bachelor
      • South Sister
    • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mt. Wilson
      • Cucamonga Peak
      • Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy)
      • San Bernardino Peak
      • San Jacinto Peak
      • San Gorgonio
  • Backpacking
    • High Sierra Trail
    • John Muir Trail
      • Overview of the John Muir Trail
      • Training
      • Day-by-Day Itinerary
      • Resupply Addresses
      • JMT Discussion Forum
    • Lost Coast Trail
    • North/South Lake Loop
    • Rae Lakes Loop
    • Red Peak Pass Loop
    • Theodore Solomons Trail
    • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
  • Forums
    • Latest Topics
    • Ask a Question
    • Campfire
    • Trails
    • Trail Reports
    • Gear Wisdom
    • Classifieds
  • Login

How to Snowshoe

December 11, 2016 By Jeff H 10 Comments

How to snowshoe

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy trails in the winter snow, and it’s actually really easy. You won’t need a class to learn how to snowshoe, but there are a few basic tips that will make your first snowshoeing steps easier and more enjoyable.

What do you need to get started snowshoeing?

First, you’ll need comfortable winter clothes. The same kind of gear that you would use for cold-weather hiking, with layers will work. You’ll also need comfortable hiking boots (ideally waterproof) and of course, the Ten Essentials. You’ll want some decent trekking poles, and this is your chance to finally put on those snow baskets that they came with. A nice extra is a pair of waterproof gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.

Last minute snowshoe check

A final gear check

For snowshoes, I recommend renting them initially. This will save money and give you a chance to try the sport before you outfit the entire family. In Southern California you can rent snowshoes at many outdoor retailers including A16 and some REI stores. Areas that cater to winter sports also rent snowshoes, usually for around $20 for the day. It’s a good idea to practice strapping the snowshoes on before you leave the rental store so there’s no confusion when you get to the snow. Speaking of which…

Next, you’ll need snow. Generally, snowshoes come in handy when there is more than 12-15 inches of snow. Check snow conditions before you go. Some places like Long Valley in San Jacinto State Park have webcams that let you check the snow conditions, but call ahead and speak with the local ranger for the latest conditions. Check the weather forecast, too. Snowshoeing in a snowstorm is a lot less fun and can be dangerous.

How to “Walk” in Snowshoes

When people ask, I usually say that snowshoeing is just like walking, but with a slightly wider stance. The wider stance will help you avoid stepping on your snowshoes, getting tangled up and doing a face-plant in the snow. But if you do fall (especially in deep snow) the best way to get back up is to take your pack off and at least one of the snowshoes.

As you snowshoe, take your time and use your trekking poles to counterbalance each step. The tricky part is turning. There is no pivoting in snowshoes, so when someone behind you calls you to look back, you’ll need to stop and take some careful, short steps to turn around. Turns require more caution to avoid tangling your snowshoes.

When going uphill and downhill the crampons on your snowshoes become essential. Step purposefully, giving the points a chance to dig in. If the conditions are icy, snowshoes are not the right gear for the job. In icy conditions you’ll need either micro-spikes (for flat or gently sloping terrain) or crampons, ice axe, helmet and winter mountaineering training for steep terrain.

That’s about it! Snowshoeing really is that easy. 

Snowshoeing is fun!

Where to Snowshoe

You can snowshoe anywhere that there is adequate snow, but there are two places that I really love for first-time snowshoeing:
  • Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Tram – This is a great place for first-timers because it makes an easy day trip, and it’s fun to ride up the tram from the desert into the snow.
  • Badger Pass to Dewey Point in Yosemite National Park – This is a 7-mile out-and-back trek from the ski area formerly known as Badger Pass out to Dewey Point, where you’re rewarded with epic winter views over the Yosemite Valley.

Snowshoeing is slower than hiking and consumes more energy. Plan to travel about 1/3 to 1/2 as far as you would on a normal hike in dry conditions.

Snowshoeing can open the doors to a whole new world of outdoor adventure during the winter snow season. Have you given snowshoeing a try? Share your tips and feedback in the comments below!

Snowshoeing 101.

This post includes affiliate links to products that I use myself. If you purchase using one of these links, it doesn’t cost you any more and you’ll be helping support SoCalHiker. 

Title image photo credit: JP Jehan. All other photos: Jeff Hester

Filed Under: Gear & Tips Tagged With: snowshoeing

Like what you found here at SoCal Hiker? This site is a labor of love. Share your support for the site and help us development of new trail guides and expanded coverage -- make your next outdoor equipment purchase through our advertisers.

You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Sean says

    December 12, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I’ve been watching snow levels in Yosemite & Sequoia for a while now. A week ago there was about 8 inches of snow in Sequoia around Wolverton and I had a pleasant snow day. I really want to get into snowshoeing though and am waiting for a good storm to blow through. Thanks for this!

    Reply
    • Jeffrey HSoCal Hiker says

      December 12, 2016 at 10:38 pm

      Snowshoeing is a lot of fun and a really different experience. If you can go soon after a snow storm, it’s really beautiful.

      Reply
  2. Joe says

    January 24, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    I’m planning on taking advantage of all this snow that just got dumped on our local mountains and get out for some snowshoeing this week! A couple more tips: you can’t walk backwards in snowshoes. Snowshoes with a heel lift are great if you’re planning on tackling steep terrain. It helps reduce calf fatigue when going up hill. Also, most trekking poles don’t actually come with snow baskets. They come with trekking baskets which are smaller and not designed for use in snow. Snow baskets are larger and are typically sold separately. Be careful when buying though, as they are usually brand-specific meaning you have to get them to fit your specific brand of poles. Thanks and I hope this helps!

    Reply
    • Jeffrey HSoCal Hiker says

      January 24, 2017 at 9:57 pm

      Great tip on not walking backwards! So true! As for the snow baskets, the last two pairs of trekking poles I’ve bought (Black Diamond and Cascade Mountain Tech) both came with snow baskets. Not saying you’re wrong, just saying my experience has been different. 😉

      Reply
  3. Ha Adolfo says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I live in Los Angeles and want to do some snow shoeing. I bought a pair of snow shoes years ago, but there were not much usage due to works. Now, that I retire, I want to go some short trips to get back to the familiar stuff. Do you have any recommendation? Really don’t want to joint Sierra Club just to do that.

    Reply
  4. Kayaking App says

    February 17, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    Never tried Shoe-shoeing, looks like fun.

    Reply
  5. Outdoor gear dad says

    March 1, 2017 at 8:21 am

    My kids loved learning how to snowshoe–super fun seeing them flounder in the snow! 🙂

    Reply
  6. San Diego active says

    December 1, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm! I love to hike. Snowshoeing seems an obvious follow-on. And now that “winter” has arrived in SoCal, I believe I’ll give it a try.

    Reply
  7. Mary Anne Broers says

    February 16, 2022 at 5:32 am

    We are going to Tahoe this weekend, first time snowshoeing. We’re bothering in our 60s, and neither of us are skiers. Any words of wisdom, advise, tips, would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      February 18, 2022 at 10:35 am

      I hope you have a great time! Trekking poles are helpful. Be aware that you can’t spin around quickly, but instead have to methodically step and rotate. Otherwise, the hardest part of snowshoeing is strapping them on!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About SoCal Hiker

Jeff on Mount Rainier

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking and backpacking trails with enough detail to make it an enjoyable experience for you. And while I started with trails in Southern California, I’ve expanded across the west. We hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more…

Connect with SoCal Hiker

  • 22,754 Fans
  • 11,943 Followers
  • 21,640 Followers
  • 1,716 Followers
  • 5,279 Subscribers
  • 339 Subscribers
SoCalHiker was selected one of USA TODAY's 10 Best Hiking and Outdoor Blogs
Get our day-by-day guide to thru-hiking the John Muir Trail
Get up-to-day wildfire status throughout California

Products

  • Cucamonga Peak Benchmark Cucamonga Peak Benchmark $39.95
  • Let your SoCalHiker flag fly! SoCalHiker Red, White & Blue Summit Flag
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $25.00
  • #MuirTaco stickers Muir Taco Stickers (2-pack) $3.00
  • South Sister Benchmark South Sister Benchmark $39.95

Sponsors

Sponsor SoCalHiker and see your banner here

Featured Posts

Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness

Hiking this out-and-back route up Belknap Crater you'll traverse an other-worldly … [Read More...]

Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail

The Oregon Coast is rugged, beautiful and often uncrowded. This bluff-top … [Read More...]

Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes

Team SoCalHiker is climbing Mount Baldy again as part of the annual Climb for Heroes … [Read More...]

Lastest Comments

  • Greg on Rae Lakes Loop via Kearsarge Pass
  • Tim Wilson on Rae Lakes Loop via Kearsarge Pass
  • Pam Selthun on Backpacking the Wonderland Trail
  • Calico Maps on Hiking Monserate Mountain
  • Deborah Aguanno on Mt. Wilson via Chantry Flats
Get your SoCalHiker stickers now

Get your SoCalHiker stickers!

Latest Posts

  • Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness October 20, 2022
  • Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail August 25, 2022
  • Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes August 23, 2022
  • Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest August 18, 2022
  • Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area July 15, 2022

Recent Forum Topics

  • How to deal with accidents while hiking in the winter?
  • Warm Tips for your hiking in winter
  • Some tips for hiking.
  • Keep your body warm in the winter hiking
  • The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine!

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge SeriesThe Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series gives you an opportunity to explore your world while supporting a great cause. There are eleven challenges around the country. Hike or run them at your own schedule.

Flex your adventure muscles!

Learn more here.

 

Search

Tags

3-6 miles 6-8 miles 8-10 miles 11+ miles Arizona Backpacking coastal dog-friendly easy family-friendly High Sierra Trail hiking Hiking The John Muir Trail hipster inspiration JMT John Muir John Muir Trail Kings Canyon National Park LA County moderate Mount Rainier National Park Muir Monday National Park Orange County Oregon out of bounds Pacific Crest Trail peak peakbagging quote scenic Sequoia National Park Sierra Nevada Six-Pack of Peaks State Park strenuous Thru-hiking Utah vista Washington waterfall wilderness Wonderland Trail Yosemite

Copyright © 2023 SoCalHiker.net · Metro Theme on Genesis Framework with WPEngine Hosting · Contact SoCal Hiker · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

 

Loading Comments...