Azalea Lake Snowshoe Hike (Beginner-Friendly)

Sunday, February 22 | 11:30 AM Meet-Up
Join us for a 🟩 easy, beginner-friendly winter hike to Azalea Lake from Donner Summit Sno-Park. This short, 2-mile hike offers gentle terrain through snowy forest and open granite areas—perfect for those new to winter hiking or anyone looking for a relaxed outing.

Notes:
1. This is a short, low-elevation-gain hike ideal for beginners.
2. Trail conditions may include packed snow or light ice—snowshoes, microspikes, and poles are required.
3. Dogs are welcome on leash 🐾
4. Sno-Park permit required for parking (details below)
Expect a friendly pace, plenty of breaks, and peaceful winter scenery with beautiful alpine lake views.

📍 Meet-Up & Location
Meet Time: 11:30 AM
Meet Location: Donner Summit Sno-Park
Coordinates: 39.33923° N, 120.34314° W

🥾 Hike Details
Distance: 2 miles (roundtrip, out & back)
Elevation Gain: 207 ft
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Experience Level: 🟩 Easy (great for beginners)

🎒 Required Gear
Snowshoes (required)
Microspikes (required)
Poles (required)
Layered winter clothing
Warm hat and gloves
Waterproof boots or hiking boots
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Water and snacks
Dog supplies if bringing a pup (leash, water, waste bags)

⏰ Schedule
11:30 AM: Meet at SNO-Park parking lot and gear up
Begin hiking as a group
Time at the lake, photos, and short breaks
Return at an easy, relaxed pace

📍 Trail Info
AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/azalea-lake-from-sno-park-8661f4c?u=i&sh=l70o0l

❄️ Weather & Safety Notice
Winter weather in the Donner Summit area can change quickly. If conditions become unsafe due to storms, wind, or road closures, the hike may be delayed or rescheduled.
Snowshoeing and winter hiking involve inherent risks, including slips, falls, changing weather, variable trail conditions, and cold exposure. Event organizers are volunteers and are not professional guides. By RSVPing and participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to assume full responsibility for your own safety. Participation is at your own risk. By signing up through Meetup, you also agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service, including the release of liability outlined in Section 6.2.

📝 Sno-Park Permit Details
Sno-Park permit required for parking at Donner Summit Sno-Park.
• $15 per day permit (valid for one day)
• $40 season permit (valid at all California Sno-Park lots for the season)
Link: https://secure.cloudwisesolutions.com/app/products.html

**Permit must be displayed on your dashboard and visible from outside the vehicle. Parking is first-come, first-served with no guaranteed spaces. Vehicles without a valid permit may be subject to fines if enforced.

📝 Additional Notes
Winter driving conditions may exist—check road conditions and carry chains if required.
Everyone is welcome—new and returning hikers alike.