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Echo-to-Kirkwood Race
Last spring our membership voted to support a separate association/organization (if one was formed) to put on the Echo-to-Kirkwood Race. From our experience we believe this to be the most viable route to bring back the E2K—a dedicated organization whose sole purpose is to put on the annual E2K event. Unfortunately to date, we know of no one working toward this goal. The Patrol will no longer put on the Echo-to-Kirkwood Race. The Patrol is proud of the part we played in the 33-year history of the Race. We thank all past race volunteers and participants for their years of support and wonderful memories. Monte Hendricks, EDNSP President, 2007–08 |
About the Trail - The Echo-to-Kirkwood Cross Country Ski Trail is a classic ski tour which extends from Echo Summit on Highway 50 south to the Caples Lake/Kirkwood area on Highway 88. The route includes steep climbs and descents combined with rolling gentle terrain along the crest. It offers spectacular scenery with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the Crystal Range, Caples Lake, and Round Top. The recommended travel direction is from Echo Summit south to Highway 88. MILEAGE: ELEVATIONS: USE SEASON: TOPO MAPS: Echo Lakes and Caples Lake 7-1/2 minute quads DIFFICULTY: Difficult Equipment should always include but not be limited to the following essentials: In addition, we recommend that you carry:
11.0 miles (one way)
7,350' (Echo Sno-Park)
9,200' (Highest point on trail)
8,200' (Schneider Camp Rd.)
December - April
(long with steep pitches)
Skiers will experience old-growth forests, rolling hills, meadows, exposed high alpine ridges and will have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife.
Access
North End (Echo): Parking is available at the Echo Summit Sno-Park on the south side of Highway 50 at Echo Summit. A Sno-Park permit is required.
South End (Kirkwood): Parking is available 1/8 mile north of Highway 88 off the Schneider Camp Road. Parking is allowed at Kirkwood's Schneider Camp parking area with a parking permit only. Cars without permits will be towed. Parking permits can be obtained at the Kirkwood Cross-Country Center located on Highway 88 at Kirkwood between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Be Prepared
First Aid kit
Compass
Map
Headlamp
Extra clothing
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Fire starter/matches
Knife
Plastic tarp or space blanket
Repair kit for skis and bindings
Metal container for melting snow
Extra food and water
Avalanche transceivers
Probe poles
Shovel
Climbing skins for skis
Echo to Kirkwood Cross-country Ski Trail is a challenging route demanding the highest commitment and winter backcountry travel skills. These skills include but are not limited to:
Route-Finding: You must have experience in route-finding in all weather conditions. The route is intermittently marked with blue diamonds; they should not be relied on for continuous trail location. Do not rely on other ski tracks as they may not be associated with this route.
Orienteering: You must be able to read a topographical map and use a compass.
Winter Camping: You may not be able to complete this route in one day. Snow and weather conditions and the fitness and skill of your entire party will determine the time required to complete this route. Plan on a minimum of a full eight-hour day. Always be prepared for the possibility of turning around and/or spending an unplanned night out. For those that do plan to camp overnight, you will find a number of scenic sites all along the trail.
Avalanche Hazard Evaluation: Always check with a Forest Service information office before your trip for the weather forecast and official avalanche warnings.
Wilderness First Aid: Be familiar with the signs, symptoms and treatment of hypothermia and frostbite.
Information provided by the Eldorado National Forest. For more information contact:
USFS Information Center (644-6048)
at their new location
Pacific Ranger District (PACRD)
7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines 95726
Between Pollock Pines and Ice House Road (Crystal Basin turnoff)
Phone: 644-2349 TTY: 647-5407
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