Kirkwood: Winter Sports and Alpine Summer Scenery

Kirkwood combines winter sports with a summer mountain landscape and a history that goes back to old travel routes. The Kirkwood Cross Country Center rents Nordic ski equipment, snowshoes, and fat bikes; the Kirkwood Ski & Ride School offers group ski and snowboard lessons. This means there are several ways to enjoy active days in winter. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Kirkwood, you can start by deciding on the season: Are you mainly interested in skiing and snow, or in summer trails, lakes, and streams? Rental offerings and the center’s operations may change.

Hiking Trails and Summer Scenery

A seasonal hiking guide dated June 15, 2023, lists three routes at Kirkwood Resort. It describes the Kirkwood Meadows Loop at the foot of the resort as an easy, level 2.6-mile hiking trail. The Red Cliffs Loop is listed as 3.5 miles and moderate difficulty; the Snowkirk Trail as 4.2 miles and easy to moderate. Trail conditions may change. Comparing the lengths and ratings is revealing: the longest trail listed is described as easy to moderate, while the shorter Red Cliffs Loop is rated moderate.

In summer, wooded slopes, nearby wildflower meadows, local lakes, and alpine streams shape the area around Kirkwood. Caples Lake is nearby, four miles to the east; the lake has beach access, swimming areas, and picnic spots. Access and facilities may change. This gives you different options for a warm-weather travel day: trails at the resort or recreation areas by the lake. Check current access before including the lake in your plans.

History in the Sierra

A cultural brochure dated February 17, 2021, describes the historic route of the Mormon Emigrant Trail through Kirkwood’s mountainous terrain: the trail crosses the saddle south of Thimble Peak and follows roughly the same route as Kirkwood’s Sunrise Chair #4. Kirkwood Station, the original name of the settlement, soon became an inn, a post office, and a stagecoach stop. In the late 19th century, this stop served numerous travelers through the Sierra. Together, the trail and the station tell two stories: a route through the mountains and a place that served travelers on their journeys through the Sierra.

Getting Here and the Regional Landscape

CA-88 leads to Kirkwood and can remain dangerous during and after winter storms. Check current conditions with Caltrans before setting out.

Alpine County

In Alpine County, historic Highway 88 connects Kirkwood and Hope Valley. It was the route taken by explorers, emigrants, and gold seekers; both places offer visitors in Alpine County opportunities for recreation, scenic views, and historic landmarks. Also in Alpine County, the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway winds through glacier-carved valleys and canyons, past ancient volcanic peaks and rugged, snow-covered granite ridges. For hikes in the county, the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce shop offers detailed topographic and hiking maps; visitor offerings may change.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Alpine Village.

Go to the main travel overview: Alpine County.