Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead - Toiyabe National Forest

On our way home from Spooner Lake last week we stumbled across this beautiful, family friendly hike that we're dying to go back and do in full.

After the 2+ miles we'd already hiked that day the kids were pretty tired, but when they saw the snow alongside the road here they got pretty darn excited! Having lived in Arizona and New Mexico their whole lives they have had pretty limited exposure to snow. We decided to pull over and walk far enough down the path to get to the snow, and we're so glad we did! This path is great! It winds through a pretty meadow with water running everywhere. There is a well-kept boardwalk that makes this area accessible to everyone, even if you're in a wheel chair. 

Because we didn't hike the path to the end, I can't promise that the whole thing is this accessible, but there is plenty that is stroller/wheel chair accessible for you to really enjoy yourself. The only concern is the small flight of stairs to get from the parking down to the boardwalk. After that it's all smooth sailing. Here at the Southern trail head there are no bathrooms, or even a real parking lot. Just a wide dirt shoulder to park on. After we got home I did some research and learned that just up the road is the main trail head, the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop, which has a real parking lot and bathrooms. The reviews for this trail look great, so we'll definitely be going back to finish the south trail and to try out the Interpretive Loop. 

 The best part (for us anyways) was watching our kids experience snow for the first time ever. They were pretty shocked at how COLD it is :) That didn't stop them from having fun anyways though!

Essential Details:
Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead
Mt Rose Hwy, New Washoe City, NV 89704
Very high elevation (8740 ft)