Visit the Snow in California State Parks | Cal Parks
Published: December 8, 2022

Californians enjoy a diversity of climates and weather throughout the state. When winter hits, everything from warm sub-tropical coasts to chilling winter wonderlands and in between is only hours away. Because of our wide variety of climate zones, Californians have learned that sometimes, we have to go to the snow; since the snow doesn't always come to us. 

This winter, we have compiled a list of a few state parks and park units to visit so you can experience California’s spectacular snowy scenery and winter activities. 

As a reminder, recreate responsibly and plan ahead before visiting any parks with snowfall and other extreme weather. Check out California State Parks' guides to Winter / Snow Safety Tips and Winter Safety for more information.

Donner Summit near North Lake Tahoe, one of California’s 18 designated SNO-Parks.
Caption: Donner Summit near North Lake Tahoe, one of California’s 18 designated SNO-Parks.

 

Castle Dome and surrounding granite spires covered in snow.

Castle Dome and surrounding granite spires covered in snow.

Castle Crags State Park 

If you find yourself in Northern California towards Mount Shasta, stop by the stunning snow-covered granite spires of Castle Crags State Park. This winter wonderland offers plenty of snowshoeing trails and winter camping until your frosty heart's content!  

If you're up for a challenge, check out the snowshoe and hike to Castle Dome. This strenuous 5.6-mile roundtrip course gains over 2,200 feet of elevation. However, the reward is astonishing, with breathtaking views of the dramatic 6,000-foot-tall stone spires, Mount Shasta, and the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest on a clear day.

Boating dock at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Boat dock at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. 

Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park 

For a true winter in Tahoe experience, visit the beautiful Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park! Along the quieter western shores of the lake, winter visitors will find miles of marked cross-country ski trails, camping among the snow-covered pine and cedar forest, and even full-moon snowshoe tours with state park interpreters! Go to the Sierra State Parks Foundation website for more information on the park’s winter activities.  

Looking for an even more secluded state park in the area? Then Washoe Meadows State Park is just for you! Located on the outskirts of South Lake Tahoe, Washoe Meadows is a completely undeveloped park and is a fantastic location for your holiday getaway from the crowds. 

Taylor Creek, one of California’s 18 designated SNO-Parks.

Taylor Creek, one of California’s 18 designated SNO-Parks.

SNO-Parks 

Visit one of 18 of California's SNO-Parks around the Sierra Nevadas! These dedicated areas have cleared parking areas for vehicles and provide opportunities for non-motorized winter activities, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snow play, and more! A few offer both motorized and non-motorized activities. 

SNO-Parks are administered by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, other state agencies, and local governments. A permit purchased beforehand is required for every vehicle from November 1 to May 30. You can find more information on SNO-Parks and permits at ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks.

Note: Take care of these winter parks by keeping them clean of trash and microplastics caused by forgotten sleds and snow toys. Visit TakeCareTahoe.org to learn sledding tips and what you can do to protect SNO-Parks.  
 

Tufa towers covered in snow at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.

Tufa towers covered in snow at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve 

Winter is a particularly beautiful time at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. While crowds quiet down and stillness prevails around the park, snow crystals will sparkle on the tufa towers — calcium-carbonate rock structures formed by freshwater springs and alkaline lake water — giving them an unusual and otherworldly look. Plus, you can experience the magical towers from two accessible trails! Learn more about the park’s accessibility features.  

Mount San Jacinto State Park in the winter.

Scenic vista views from Mount San Jacinto State Park in the winter.

Mount San Jacinto State Park 

If you're looking for a winter bona fide experience in Southern California, look no further! Home to San Jacinto Peak, the second-highest peak in Southern California (at 10,834 feet), the park offers an abundance of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, full-service campgrounds, and wilderness camping throughout winter! There are chilling challenges and comfy cozy memories to be enjoyed by everyone!  

Want to adventure up the mountain range? Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up toward the picturesque San Jacinto Peak! This fully A.D.A compliant tramcar and station is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Visitors are dropped off at the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet) and greeted with warm restaurants, sweeping observation decks, museums, documentary theaters, and over 50 miles of hiking trails!   

Note: If you’re planning on hiking after the ride, be sure to obtain a wilderness day-use permit at the Long Valley Ranger Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway side.

Emerald Bay State Park
A winter wonderland at Emerald Bay State Park, one of many state parks in the Sierra Nevadas.


Do you have a favorite winter activity or tradition at a California state park? Share them with us on our social media and learn what other state parks are offering this winter! 
 
Twitter: @calparks
Instagram: @calparks
Facebook: California State Parks Foundation (or facebook.com/calparks) 

 

BONUS! 

If you can't stand the snow but want a unique winter experience at a California state park, check out these three state parks with exciting wildlife activity! Please respect the wildlife by keeping your distance, packing up your litter, and following all park rules.  

Roosevelt elk at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

 

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 

Visit the Roosevelt elk, one of the largest of the six recognized subspecies of elk in North America, before they shed their antlers in the spring!  

Baby seal at Ano Nuevo State Park

 

Año Nuevo State Park  

Experience the elephant seals breeding season between December and March to see the newly born pups!  

Bighorn sheep at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 

Encounter the bighorn sheep as they come closer to popular hiking areas in November and December during their quests to find mates.

As a reminder and for your safety, please respect wildlife by keeping your distance, packing up your litter, and following all park rules.