Crystal Basin Corridor
Crystal Basin is the northern most portion of the region we patrol. The basin is located north of highway 50, west of Desolation Wilderness and to the south of Loon Lake. The basin can receive 3-8 feet of snow at the lower elevations.
To access Crystal Basin during the winter, Ice House road (NF Rd 3) is located 23 miles east of Placerville along highway 50. The stretch of 30 miles to Loon Lake is maintained by SMUD during times of snow fall. SMUD may not begin to plow Ice House road until after 8:00am the morning after a fresh snow, and conditions permit. It is suggested to wait 24 hours after any large storms before attempting to trek into this section of road. Always carry a shovel, enough food and water for several day, and layers to keep warm incase of an emergency. There is no “through” section of Ice House Road during the winter large storms can/will down tree’s across the road.
There are 3 hike/ski-in cabins within the basin that can be reserved through the Eldorado National Forest.
- Loon Lake Chalet
- Robb’s Hut
- Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Mountain peaks in or near the basin include:
- Tells Peak
- McConnell Peak
- Silver Peak
- Red Peak
- Mount Price
Blue Diamond Routes which are winter trails, are maintained by the Patrol. These routes allow visitors to experience winter recreation activities without expert navigational skills. There are several in the Crystal Basin
area.
Highway 50 Corridor
The Ski Patrol has marked a number of trails in the Echo Lakes Area deemed “Blue Diamond trails” You will find the blue diamonds on the trees as guidance. However, as a consequence of the Caldor fire, the trees and blue diamond markers along the Becker Peak tour and around the Echo Sno-Park were impacted. The area around the Echo Lake Sno-Park is hot spot on weekends and fills quickly. Park only in legal areas along Highway 50 and please do not block cabin access as we want to respect the property owners.
Most backcountry access’ along highway 50 have no designated trail, trailhead, or markers. These areas are often within avalanche terrain and you should have the proper safety equipment,
training, and plan before heading into these areas.
Sierra Avalanche Center can provide the local avalanche and weather forecast. We have links to both on this site in the “Planning and Safety” menu.
Highway 88 Corridor
The Ski Patrol has marked a number of trails in the Carson Pass Area. The trails are marked with blue diamonds on the trees, until the Mokelumne Wilderness Area in which no blue diamonds are allowed per the Wilderness Act of 1964. These trails include:
- Winter route Carson Pass
- SnoPark South to the Wilderness Area boundary.
- Wilderness Boundary Loop
- Woods Lake Route
These areas are often within avalanche terrain and you should have the proper safety equipment, training, and plan before heading into these areas.
The U.S. Forest Service has a Recreational Opportunity Guide describing the Winter trails in the area:
Highway 88 ski and snowshoe trails
This document describes the numerous ski & snowshoe opportunities available from Highway 88, starting from the three Sno-Parks:
- Carson Pass
- Meiss
- Iron Mountain.
We provide much more information by clicking “Show Me More” below.