The first time we completed the Angora Ridge snow shoe trail was in March, so there was a decent snow pack on the trail. The trail goes along Angora Ridge Road, which is closed during the winter, making it the perfect road for snowshoeing (although you may come across snow mobiles who use it as well). To avoid snow mobiles, we climbed up on the ridge almost immediately and followed it all the way to our destination, the Angora Fire Lookout. The lookout offers serene views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. You can also stay below the ridge on the main trail, which will be a steady climb up to the top where the lookout is located. At the top, you also have views of the 2007 Angora Fire burn area.
You can continue to access Angora Lakes, but we felt with a toddler the trip to the lookout was enough for the trip. To the lookout from the start of the trail, it is about 2 miles, and to the Angora Lakes it is another 2 miles approx.
To get to the trailhead, park on Tahoe Mountain Road and find the closed Angora Ridge Road. Here is the exact location of this snow shoe trail destination:
ABOUT THE GEAR
For our Angora Ridge snowshoeing adventure, we used the following gear.
Snowshoes
Atlas Treeline (for him) and Elektra (for her)
*We couldn’t find the snowshoe model rented to our toddler online, but here is a toddler snowshoe set with high reviews.
Toddler Backpack Carrier
We use our Osprey Poco AG Plus toddler carrier anywhere we go outdoors, including snowshoe hikes. We let her have fun until she is tired, and then this handy backpack takes over! Definitely recommend it to anyone with small children exploring the outdoors.
Outerwear
Snowshoeing is mostly a leisurely winter sport, so I wouldn’t recommend very light clothing. You may get cold easily while snowshoeing, so we recommend the following outerwear guidelines:
Helly Hansen Warm Shirt and Pant
They come in sizes for men, women and even toddlers!
We each have a pair and love them.
This base layer will keep you warm while you are outside on the coldest winter days.
Our daughter lives in these boots during the winter months. They are compatible with toddler snowshoes, as they strap right in. They are very warm and rated for up to -40 F! Waterproof too.
The North Face Oso Onesie
Just like we said our daughter lives in her Sorel boots in the winter, this oso onesie is also a must have. It only goes up to size 24 months, but a definite must for any child 24 months and younger! Our favorite feature is the arms and legs that turn into gloves and socks.