Rattlesnake Creek
This is an area favored by snowmobilers and it receives moderate use along the groomed Rattlesnake Creek Road.
...small canyon that limits snow play off the groomed route until you reach the turn- off to Sterling Lake
...best snow play is beyond Mononigal Summit which is 7.7 miles from the trailhead
DESCRIPTION:
Lower Rattlesnake Creek is a small canyon that limits snow play off the groomed route until you reach the turn-off to Sterling Lake. After the first 4.5 miles, the upper end begins to open up but the best snow play is beyond Mononigal Summit which is 7.7 miles from the trailhead.
| Parking Elevation: | 5700 feet | Base Elevation: | 5700 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7553 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | 7420’ at Mononigal Summit; Upper Lola Montez Lake 7553’. |
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| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | December into April in the upper basins | ||
| Parking: | Not plowed | Skiable Area | 0 acres | Groomed | Yes | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Rattlesnake Creek
Exit I-80 at Cisco Grove and follow the Rattle Snake Road to the northeast. Parking is just beyond the exit ramp or for a fee at the RV campground on the frontage road to the west.
See the Grouse Ridge Area Map and the area to the east or the topographic maps.
ACTIVITIES:
Snowmobiling (Rating: Good)
The single groomed trail up the narrow valley in lower Rattlesnake Creek limits snow play until the trail splits and forms a loop mid-way up. Using the loop to Mononigal Summit and then returning makes a round-trip of 12.2 miles.
After Mononigal Summit is where the country opens up enough to encourage venturing off the groomed trail. From the summit the groomed trail continues 2.9 miles to Upper Lola Lake. Buzzard Roost at 8100’ and the meadow country of Sand Ridge lie just beyond the groomed trail. This is country for serious snowmobilers who like to go where the snow and their skill take them.
Difficulty: The groomed trail is Easiest to More Difficult. The basins in the high country can be Most Difficult unless snow conditions are perfect.
Mileages: 12-15 miles or beyond
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
Some cross-country skiers like to follow the packed trail to Mononigal Summit. From there they can continue to Upper Lola Montez Lake or return by an alternate route, the groomed snowmobile trail that loops back to the north and crosses above Sterling Lake.
Suitable snowshoeing terrain is limited near the parking area and remains limited by the small valley until you reach the upper end nearly 8 miles up.
Difficulty levels: The road is More Difficult; the upper basins are rated Most Difficult except for some of the meadows.
Mileage: 7.7 miles to Mononigal Summit; 10.6 to Upper Lola Montez Lake.
