Echo Lake Sno-Park — Attraction in South Lake Tahoe

Before I comment on the park I want to encourage everyone to buy a parking pass BEFORE going to the park. Tempted to forego the $5 expense? Please do the right thing and buy one but you remain unmotivated, consider that this parking area is regularly patrolled so you may very well land a $95 ticket. While we were there we saw a CHP officer ticketing cars and even had one towed for blocking the road (which was closed due to snow/ice) going to Echo Lake.

You can buy passes online, in Kyburz, or in Meyers at Sunrise Ski & Snowboard Rental. There may be other options but these are the only three I'm aware of and learned of Sunrise by chance when I was there renting snowshoes.

As far as the park goes, it's an absolutely beautiful place for snow play but best for very young children or those who prefer building snowmen or very low-key time in the snow versus sledding, etc.

This is very much a "build your own" park in that there may be a few or several near flat places for short sled runs but there are few opportunities over about 30 feet long and you'd be best advised to be prepared with a shovel so you can make any changes you'd like.

We were there with three early teens. There were a bit bored at first but we ventured futher away from the parking lot and found some longer runs (50 feet?) that kept them smiling and gave us chances for some inredible family photos.

Finally, for those planning to snowshoe or hike to Echo Lake, this is the...

Please KNOW what this place is BEFORE you come here. You often have to have 4x4 and/or chains!!!! You must have your permit ($5 daily permit) it is NOT a "TUBING" park (it's mostly FLAT). This is a primitive public space for (1) cross-country skiing, and (2) snowshoeing. The permits are NOT sold here. You must purchase them elsewhere. The road leading to the park is sometimes un-plowed AND NARROW. The parking area is often un-plowed. I know this place well. YOU WILL GET STUCK if you do not have the right equipment. I have even seen 4x4 vehicles stuck here during the heavy snow seasons. Do NOT even try to come if you do not have 4x4 AND/OR CHAINS when there is heavy snow. Ideally bring a shovel. I have seen literally a dozen vehicles get stuck here over the years at all times of day and night. When it's 10 degrees outside it is DANGEROUS to get stuck here. PLEASE use common sense. Even if 50 is clear and even if Johnson Pass Road is clear....the lot can still be icy or unplowed. If you want tubing go to the private tubing park down the road towards Lake Tahoe, it's on your right. Echo Lake Sno-Park is NOT a "tubing" park. Without the $5 permit you risk getting a citation from the CHP and/or Park Service. I have seen dozens of tickets issued...

This is a winter parking lot. It's $5 to park and you can't pay at the parking lot. You'll need to buy a parking pass online (additional $1.95), at the Strawberry Station general store (additional $1 to pay with a card) in Twin Bridges or the Kyburz Silver Fork Store in Kyburz to the west or in South Lake Tahoe (including Tahoe Roadrunner and Tahoe Bike and Ski Company) to the East.

This parking lot provides great access to free snowshoeing and free cross country skiing on National Forest land and the Pacific Crest Trail. It's also good for snow play, but there aren't any sledding slopes right at the parking lot.

Basically, Sno-Parks are plowed, legal places to park and access public land. This one has a bathroom. You'll find SNO-PARKS all throughout the Tahoe region and you should try to visit them all. They are our primary winter access to our public lands. Go online for list...