Not enough parking. Crowds flood in on the weekend. If you're not here before 12pm,youre screwed. Roads up are icy. There were 2 Honda civics that were blocking traffic because they were stuck. Bring a 4x4 and snow tires. read more

Note: You'll need a day pass ($15) or season pass ($40) to park on the parking lot. Print the pass and leave it on the driver's side dashboard. Pros: - Dog friendly - Near Highway 50 - Parking lot - Lots of trees - Restroom/Outhouse Summary: For a snow park, it's decent. There's an adequate sledding area, but we've been to several snow parks that were more spacious and have higher slopes that don't require a parking pass. Although it has a restroom/outhouse, you might want to bring your own wet wipes and/or toilet paper as it doesn't offer running water. Unless you want to scrub your hands in the snow. You can venture on the "trails" to get away from the crowd. But all in all, it'll do. read more

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Great family fun!!! We brought a sled and our toddler and dog had an amazing time would definitely be back! read more

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People don't pay attention to chain requirements, get stuck, and block the road. People block sledding paths and seem oblivious that other people are there. Half the cars didn't pay the fee for parking. But it's pretty. read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - Snow by the parking lot. - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

Came here during a busy holiday weekend and there were cars parked everywhere but luckily found a spot quickly. Make sure to bring your own sled or gear. I did not see anyone checking for permits even though there were signs in the afternoon. The bathroom was disgusting and messy so beware! It was a fun place for kids and families to enjoy some snow that isn't skiing or snowboarding. read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

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Lots of snow. Just know that it is a parking lot with one bathroom stall. No vendors or amenities but if you want snow and a place to hang out bring your own hot cocoa and thermos. read more

This park is big and you're able to explore all over the place. This is a great park to gather with friends and family for the ultimate snow play day. You can find multiple places where you can sled amongst yourselves. It is a regular snow park, so there isn't a cafe to buy food or anything. So be prepared to bring your own food and drinks! A couple of tips: - you'll need to purchase your parking permit online - bring wipes as it's a public park restroom (luckily we have kids so we always have wipes on hand ) read more

5 stars to balance out the reviews of those who don't understand the purpose of Sno Parks. If you just want to be able to take your kids sledding and have hot cocoa and a bathroom nearby then go to Adventure Mountain or Tube Tahoe. If you want a free sledding hill find a public park. Please do not sled by the side of the frickin highway folks. Sno Parks are for people who want to access the backcountry in the winter. It's meant to a parking lot from which to go forth and recreate. A parking lot, and nothing else, though some have bathrooms (which will be vault toilets or porta potties) and some might have some (ungroomed) slopes to sled on but that's not the main purpose. The main activities here are cross country/back country skiing and snowshoeing. If you want a safe place for littles to play in the snow this spot is fine and safe but not the easiest option. There is indeed dog poop. This is a Tahoe dog culture problem and if complaining about it would solve anything I'd have fixed the problem by now. Roads before Sno Parks so if it is a busy plowing time then the parking lot and road leading in may not have been plowed. They have priorities, no reason to get upset. If you are not experienced at driving in snow don't even attempt driving in here when it has snowed heavily. So many people get stuck. I have turned around multiple times because a stuck car was blocking the way. Basically, if you live close enough to use this resource regularly you'll buy a season pass online and be happy. If you don't, maybe go somewhere else with your expectations of cocoa and flush toilets. read more

This Sno-Park is at great location. Great place to stop on the way to South Lake Tahoe. It's about 15 minutes away from the Pioneer Trail and if you drive 9 minutes down hill you can access the trailhead for Echo Lake. This area has ample parking and plenty of snow for play. Came here with a sled little ones and we all had a blast. You do need to purchase a permit days in advance, print and place on the dashboard or you could receive a $94.50 fine. They do not sell these permits on site so prepare in advance! read more

When we are traveling, we love to stop off on the side of the road to see what fascinating views or sites we can come across. This just so happen to be one of them with the semi hidden water falls off the side of the freeway close to Sno Park. The water was so cold but yet refreshing at the same time. Across the highway we were able to see the lake as well not completely covered in snow but there was some snow on the ground read more

Had a good time at this park. The good of it is that there are some loop trails you can hike and there is some tubing that can be done although don't expect long hills to tube on. It is primarily a snow shoe type park. The restroom was pretty bad and had no toilet paper. Parking is first come first serve and very limited. A permit is required and we picked up our from the general store in Kyburz. Overall an enjoyable park. read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - Evil snow man - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

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Came here after Taylor creek sno park was unusable. The main roads were paved so we were able to park but the surrounding area was very free for all. Not many hills for sledding but great for making snowmen. Make sure to buy a permit online before going read more

A great stop on the way in or out of Tahoe. We stopped and played snowball fights and built snowmen here. We stopped here again to enjoy the snow sled slopes available. Some small for my two year old and some much bigger fun for big kids and adults. Was perfect for kids to play. (Visited in January) read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - Great open space or building snowmen - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

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I have been here 2 times before but this time was not good at all, the snow plow guy didn't plow good at all, leaving less places to park and not only that, only plowed one side of the road to get in and out, one lane for all the cars trying to get in and out, it was a total nightmare. I couldn't even park, I circled around a few times and had to leave, so my $5 was just wasted and as I circled I could see that 1/2 the cars didn't have a permit, so I had to leave and loose my money because of people not having a permit and parked anyway, the police need to patrol through there more often. I don't like the $5 fee either but the law has to be followed. So I went and found another place to play in the snow and it was free and I actually like it better so I won't be coming back to this park anymore. So the park is ok, there is a bathroom, not a great bathroom, more like a dirty outhouse but still a place to go and if you can park and it has been plowed then it's ok, but be ready for this bad situation because if it happened once it will happen again. read more

If you can find the map for this sno-park you will also find the description of this sno-park which reads: Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles. No parking on entry road. Sooooo.....this isn't a sno-park for those who want to go sledding, there are others for that and they say so right on their descriptions: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24867 Honestly, giving it one star because you didn't bother to read before hand if there were big sledding hills is just silly. This park is great for everything listed and if you have toddlers. Toddlers like peaceful snow forests with well packed trails that mom and dad can pull them on their sled all day without breaking their backs. There are a couple of small hills, they're even marked with signs and cute names. But if you're not gonna read the description of the park before you go, you're not gonna read the signs to find them either are you? Stay away and leave this place less crowded and more fun for the rest of us. read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - A nice slope that is easy to pull the little ones up and surprisingly quick on the way down. - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

3.5 stars 3 stars for the hills on this park, if you can call this a park. The hills are as tall as a super tall man. There doesn't seem to be any hill really designated for having kids slide down.. Unless it was so snowed upon with virgin untouched snow the marked hills was hard to see & find. Most hills we were on had twigs, holes, ungroomed, un packed. We pretty much just winged it & tried to find whatever we could to make our trip happy despite the fact Adventure Mountain was sold out before 1130am (Boo!!). However, the kids had a blast. Bless their simple happy hearts. 2 stars for the bathroom. The park was sooo packed & all we got is one unisex bathroom? You've got to be kidding me. My cousin was gone so long we thought she was swallowed by the Abominable Snowman. But at least the white unflushable hole in the ground was clean when we got to it. 4 stars for parking. At least we got a space. It pretty much swerves all around in a big swirly circle. Spots/lines are not designated, you just fit where you can. 5 stars for the trees surrounding the outsides of the hills. This was not really a place to allow kids to slide down, but rather provided a large area of untouched snow with trees so tall that it gave daughter's limitless snow to build her snowman & a vast white perfect canvas to snap beautiful pictures of my kiddos. We also went here to get white clean snow for DIY snow cones. Yummo! And all you need is condensed milk & sweetened condensed milk, snow, cups & a spoon!! Yesss! 5 stars for it being free, but there is also no one here to help you with anything, or anyone to rent you anything either. It's pretty much bring your own everything. Note, there are no snack shacks, coffee, or any thing to eat here. Bring what you can to feed your tribe or you will be very hungry. I advise, a tall metal thermos for from-home hot water for cup o noodles & hot chocolate packets. read more

Where are the slopes and why isn't parking free here? We did not see the "permit required" sign & ended up with a $95 citation to pay. Joy...this was after spending only an hour or so looking for some places to toboggan...not many options found. Also lots of dog poop in the snow...watch out! People need to pick-up after their dogs or leave them in the car if you refuse to do so. This park's website needs to big & boldly state how to get a permit electronically...since the park offices are closed on the weekend. We called ahead to get information and the recorded message said nothing about needing a permit. Update your message to better inform people, pretty please!!! read more

Love this spot for cross country skiing. Easy parking, the skiing is wonderful. Our friend has a cabin on the lake, so we skied in, spent the night and skied out. It was so beautiful - the full moon on the lake is incomparable. If you walk in a half mile, you can probably find a hill. The cross country skiing is great for beginners if the snow is in good shape. read more

Please KNOW what this place is BEFORE you come here. It is NOT FREE ($5 daily permit) it is NOT a "TUBING" park. 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 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. 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. read more

This was great for us with a 4 year old and a 1 year old and a puppy. Good to stomp around, tow the kids in the sled, and easily get back to the car for snacks and diaper changes. Definitely wish people didn't leave so much trash on the ground, but that's a testament to the people, not the place. read more

After driving to Adventure Mountain only to be turned away due to it being in full capacity during the Sunday of the MLK holiday weekend, we were at a loss on where to go to play in the snow. As we were driving past Adventure Mountain, we saw a small sign that said "Sno-Park" so turned right on what seemed to be a residential road. With snow everywhere, it's pretty much a one lane road that takes you to the sno-park. (If there's oncoming traffic, one car is going to have to stop and wait for the other to drive by) Once you turn into the sno-park, there's a small parking lot and a very noticeable sign that says that a permit is required or be fined. Don't expect to be tubing down any large hill. Think of this as a place to just play in all that white stuff (think building snowpeople or snowball fights) and you should be content. They do have a restroom, which is pretty much an outhouse. (It would be wise to bring your own toilet paper.) read more

Sno-Parks are great. The lots are plowed, rangers check on you, if you follow the directions, you won't end up slip-sliding onto a busy highway. BUT this particular Sno-Park is a bust! No hills, no sledding spots, no open clearing for play. Any lot behind any snow-country gas station would be better than this particular site. Skip it. (Or man up $25 a car and go to Adventure Mountain, a for profit mini-resort somewhat across the highway) read more

Echo Lake Sno-Park - Parks Near Me - Echo Lake, California

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What a mess. We drove 2 hours on MLK weekend to find they didn't plow Jackson road (the road to get to the sno park parking lot). There were about 5 stuck cars on the way up. We have 4 wheel drive, but only those with chains/snow tires could make it up. I'm so confused, why couldn't they plow 1 mile of road on a holiday weekend!?!? read more

The restrooms there are DISGUSTING!!! I had to pinch my nose and breath through my mouth while choking back dry heaving and fighting the urge to throw up. I strongly recommend that you use the bathroom before coming here. If you must use this bathroom, be sure to wear a gas mask and bring your own toilet paper with you. The toilet paper they have is locked on a bar and forget about getting more then one small piece at a time. I have visited this place since 1999 and the restrooms have never been this bad. read more

I tried to go here this weekend with my two boys, and the park was completely full of people who couldn't be bothered to even pay the $5 to park their car, so we couldn't even use the park. There was absolutely no place to park, no evidence of any kind of maintenance or plowing. I had a difficult time getting around even the parking lot in my 4x4 (so I could leave due to no parking), so needless to say, the park was not maintained. My kids were upset, but they got to meet a nice cop. Luckly, the CHP and local Sheriffs were on scene (God Bless them) to try and get the freeloaders to leave, but they really couldn't do anything and the park was completely unusable. It was a total hassle to drive the hour and a half. I have tried two sno-parks, and have never been impressed. You are better off just sledding off to the side of the road. That is what we eventually did, and we had a blast! Thanks CalTrans! read more