Carson Pass Sno-Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Pacific Crest Trail is America’s second longest trail, stretching from Mexico to Canada through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Adventurous hikers looking for a challenge will take the high route through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges and witness some of America’s most scenic and varied terrain—from scorching desserts to snowy mountains—along the way. The route passes through 25 national forests and 7 national parks.

Meiss Meadow is located on the north side of Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. The Meiss Meadow Sno-Park is located in an area that offers year-round recreational opportunities. Outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing in the spring, and fall color viewing in the fall are abundant at Carson Pass.

Carson Pass is located on the south side of Highway 88 at Carson Pass 60 miles east of Jackson in Alpine County. The historic pass was a point on the Carson Trail during the California Gold Rush and was used for American Civil War shipping to California until the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the Carson Pass summit, which has California Historical Landmark #315 at CA 88 postmile 6.09 where Kit Carson carved his name into a tree.

Red Lake is a reservoir in Alpine County and has an elevation of 2,397 metres. It is situated northeast of Carson Pass, and east of Snowshoe Thompson Historical Monument. The vegetation surrounding Red Lake is characteristic of red-fir and lodgepole-fir forest. It is a classic alpine meadow stream complete with undercut banks and spooky wild trout. You'll need to approach with stealth and maintain a low profile to be successful here.

Elephants Back is a peak in Alpine County and has an elevation of 9580 feet. Elephants Back is situated south of Frog Lake, and south of Carson Pass. it is one of the iconic location where you can have a good trek and also there are so many other adventure opportunities to explore.

Red Lake Peak is believed to be the vantage point from which John C. Fremont and Charles Preuss made the first recorded sighting of Lake Tahoe by Europeans. The peak lies just north of the pass and generally northwest of the small lake east of the pass for which the peak is named. Lake Tahoe is visible to the north from the peak.