This Scenic Hiking Trail In The Sierra Nevada Mountains Offers A Beautiful Winter Getaway

It's the perfect time of year for a winter vacation. The fallen snow softens the landscape and muffles the sounds of traffic. Ice crystals shimmer in the air, and the brisk wind can make outdoor activity seem much easier than in the oppressive heat of summer. If imagining yourself strapping on some snowshoes, bundling up in your new winter coat, and heading out to see the majesty of the mountains sounds like exactly what you need, there is a scenic hiking trail in the Sierra Nevadas that you're going to want to visit. The Chickadee Ridge trail is relatively short, but it's so beautiful that you might want to take an entire trip to enjoy it. This lovely spot is just a quick drive from the pretty Incline Village, itself just a mile from Lake Tahoe, and has some gorgeous winter views.

You're going to want to gear up for this one with snowshoes and trekking poles, but it's worth it to experience this trail. Even better is the fact that the ridge itself got its name from the sweet little chickadee birds that many hikers feed. (It's not recommended that you do this, but you may see people with birds eating out of their hands.) You can get to Incline Village, Nevada, and the Chickadee Ridge hike by flying into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, one of the airports where you no longer have to show your boarding pass to the TSA. It's about 33 miles away, so you'll need a car to drive to the village and the trailhead.

If you're looking for this hike on AllTrails, it's listed as the "Chickadee Ridge via Tahoe Rim Trail," and it's in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It shares a trailhead with the Tahoe Meadows hike, but it's clearly marked so you know where to go. You'll find parking in a lot off Mount Rose Highway, and even the drive from Incline Village is lovely. It's also very popular and part of the 200-mile Tahoe Rim Trail network, so you're unlikely to be alone as you explore. The trail itself is 2.3 miles out and back, with a 262-foot elevation gain. Where it loops, you can do a little climb up a rock face at a tree stump for a wonderful view. In fact, the views on this hike are part of the draw, as you can see Lake Tahoe and the mountains behind it. In addition to the little chickadees and their call that sounds like their name, you're very likely to spot chipmunks scurrying around for a double dose of cuteness. While dogs are allowed on leashes, if you're going in the winter, it's probably best to leave them behind.

Make sure you're prepared for the cold with warm layers and all the gear you need. The average high temperature for the area is between the upper 30s and lower 40s Fahrenheit from December through February, with average lows in the teens. It's a good idea to start early (even though this is a shorter trail) so you do it all in daylight. Plus, you're going to want the light to take pictures of the view. You should keep in mind that this hike is around 8,000 feet above sea level. While that's just under the level where most altitude sickness occurs, you should know what to do, just in case.

If you love outdoor winter activities, you may also be a fan of skiing. Incline Village is right by Diamond Peak Ski Resort, which has 655 acres of terrain for all levels, as well as a backcountry gate if that's your jam. It has 30 runs, open glades, and tree skiing; a vertical drop of 1,840 feet; and a good split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. There are places to dine, several bars for some après-ski indulgence, a rental shop, and free shuttles from Incline Village. You're also right by Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, which has the highest base elevation in Tahoe at 8,260 feet. It's spread out over 1,200 acres and has the "Chutes," the steep part of the resort that is for advanced skiers and snowboarders only. However, there are also plenty of slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers as well. 

After your hiking (and skiing) adventures, stop by Glasses Wine Bar in Incline Village. It has 26 wines by the glass as well as beer, cider, and light snacks. You can also bring in food or order delivery. There are game nights on Wednesdays and live music on Saturdays, so you can enjoy some recovery time before your next trek into the snow. Finally, Incline Village is only around 36 miles from Reno, the "biggest little city" in the world. There is plenty to do beyond gambling, though you can find that there as well. Reno is a walkable city with lots of great restaurants and shops. If you're flying in to the airport here, and you have a free day on either end of your trip, it's worth taking some time to explore.