snowshoe trip near Sacramento/Tahoe? (

I just moved to Sacramento and have a friend visiting next week who really wants to do a 3-4 day backcountry snowshoe trip while he is visiting. Being new to the area, I am not yet familiar with good places to go. Any suggestions?...preferably nothing technical and someplace where navigating the trails in winter isn't too difficult.

Desolation Wilderness would be a nice area. Probably won't be that hard to navigate, but don't know what the "trails" will be like. Not sure anywhere in the Tahoe area will have trails for a 3-4 day trip though.

Welcome to the central valley! I guess you missed having me to climb with.

I'm only a little bit more established than you, but sounds like a fun trip.

Andesite Ridge Loop: backcountryskitours.com/pag…

Can be stretched to 2 days when snowshoeing. I would say this loop would be a good local first go.

Use the Peter Grubb Hut (If it is re-opened yet) to make it an overnighter:

sierraclub.org/outings/lodg…

Echo pass to carson pass via rim trail, echo lake to dicks peak to hwy 89 via Maggie's or eagle lake trailhead.. Both would be 2-3 days pace dependent I think but require car shuttle/hitching.
I doubt the trails are packed beyond a few miles, bring a map. Maybe hike a big loop off carson pass if you want something less committing... There are many options into desolation from echo lakes or pyramid peak trailheads up to aloha lake.. Tallac to dicks via the ridges and back out to fallen leaf lake would be a good circuit too but more challenging/technical...

A friend and I did Carson Pass to some lake a while ago. If the snow is pretty dense, there won't even be a trail so just look at a topo and figure out where you want to go (check for avi conditions before heading to some place remote).

Also, you need a sno-park permit to park at the trailheads. Since you're going for a couple days, you should probably get a season pass (25 bones).

Also Alpine Lake area near Bear Valley. During the winter, Highway 4 is closed shortly after Bear Valley. You'll need Sno-Park permits and you can park along the road near the gate. I've been on several winter trips up there and it's beautiful.