The best and popular Sno-park from Sacramento is Donner Summit Sno-Park. Donner Summit has the best area for snow play for family and beginners. Read on to learn more about Sno-Parks and Donner Summit.
What is a Sno-Park?
During the winter in areas that get snow, recreational parks can close for the season. However, Sno-Parks are maintained by California State Parks. Sno-Parks have cleared areas for parking and are accessible by cars. Sno-Parks are available during the winter season for snow activities.
Sno-Parks are the ideal pick because they are California state park run and have better cost than commercial parks or resorts for the same activities.
Why is it called Sno-Park?
My theory is, that instead of calling it a “Snow Park”, that “Sno-Parks” are recognized as the state maintained snow park versus other parks (e.g., resorts or other private parks) that have snow.
When is the Sno-Park season?
The Sno-Park season is November 1st through May 30th. During this time, you’ll need a permit for parking.
What Permit do I need?
A permit will allow you to park your car in the parking area. If you don’t have a permit you can be fined. The day use permit works for any of the Sno-parks on the date its reserved for. The parking is first come first serve basis.
- Day use permit: $15 (recommended)
- Season permit: $40
For more permit info checkout California State Parks website 1.
Where are the Sno-Parks?
There are 18 Sno-Parks in California. Most found in the Northern California area near South Tahoe and in Truckee / North Tahoe area. There are a cluster of them in Central California but excluded because they are far from Sacramento.
Which is the closest Sno-Park from Sacramento?
The closest Sno-Park from Sacramento is:
- on I-80 is Donner Summit (1.5 hrs, 91 mi)
- on Highway 50 is Echo Lake (1.5 hrs, 92 mi)
Popular Sno-Parks
The most popular Sno-Parks from Sacramento are Donner Summit, Echo Lake, Spicer, Blackwood Canyon, and Lake Alpine.
Donner Summit Sno-Park
The best and closest Sno-park is Donner Summit Sno-Park from Sacramento. Near Boreal Ski Area, Donner Summit has the best area for snow play for family and beginners. There is good amount of parking and the roads are maintained. This Sno-park is near Donner city to provide a nice area to hang out after snow fun. Approximately 1.5 hours (91 mi) from Sacramento. Activities include: cross-country skiing, dog sledding (dogs allowed), and general snow play. Busy during peak times on the weekends around noon to 2pm. For accommodations I recommend going down to Donner, CA (15 mins, 7 mi) for food and rest.
Benefit of Donner Summit Sno-Park compared to Echo Lake is Donner Summit area is further away from Lake Tahoe, thus there will be less traffic congestion. Compared to Echo Lake which near Lake Tahoe will likely be more busy have traffic during holidays and weekends.
Echo Lake
The other closest Sno-park to Sacramento is Echo Lake. Approximately 1.5 hours (91 mi) from Sacramento. A bonus over Donner Summit Sno-Park is that it an additional 15 minutes (6 mi) from Meyers or 30 minutes (13 mi) from South Lake Tahoe for better accommodations. The area is more scenic with Gotham’s Point and 1st Vista Point near by Echo Lake Sno-Park. Activities include: Cross-country Skiing, Dog Sledding (dogs allowed), Snow Play, but no snowmobiling.
Blackwood Canyon
Blackwood Canyon Sno-Park is directly west central side of Lake Tahoe. Approximately 2 hrs (117 mi) from Sacramento. This can be a good option if you are visiting Lake Tahoe for the weekend. Activities: Cross-country Skiing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Snow Play.
Spicer and Lake Alpine
Further away from Sacramento is the popular Spicer Sno-Park. Spicer is approximately 2.3 hours (120 mi) from Sacramento. Lake Alpine is approximately 2.4 hrs (126 mi) from Sacramento.
Both can be found on SR 4 in the Bear Valley area. Both include activities: Cross-country Skiing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Snow Play
Additional Sno-Parks
Additional Sno-Parks near Sacramento are Iron Mountain, Round Valley, Carson Pass, Highway 108, Hope Valley, Yuba Pass, Taylor Creek, and Meiss Meadow.
Safety
Always check weather and road conditions before making the trek to a Sno-Park. Sno-Parks require a parking permit.
- Dress in layers, cover all parts of your body with wool or synthetic materials.
- For example: snow gloves, wool cap, snow pants, water proof jacket with hood, thermals under clothing
- Bring extra clothes. If snow touches your body it will become water! Extra change clothes (e.g., pants, socks) are a good idea.
- Sunscreen: snow reflects lots of light and becoming sun burn is likely
- Food and water: bring extra water and snacks/food as you’ll be hungrier after snow play and nearest accommodations might take a while to get
- Extra battery for cellphone and cables
- Download off line maps for the areas you’ll be traveling through
- Flashlight, head lamp as days are shorter