There's something about doing something for the first time that hits different. My first snow camping trip near South Lake Tahoe? It delivered on every level, including a few levels I didn't ask for.

Black SUV parked in snowy winter landscape with tall pine trees and mountain backdrop at sunset.
Modified Toyota 4Runner with off-road tires and custom front bumper parked in snowy forest during golden sunset.
A black Lexus SUV navigates through deep snow in a winter forest landscape with evergreen trees at sunset.

The Trail: Where Confidence Goes to Die


Let me set the scene: fresh snow, beautiful mountain views, and me thinking I had this handled. Spoiler alert: I did not.


The snow trails humbled me real quick. Got stuck not once, but twice. Spent quality time with my recovery gear while questioning my life choices. And the sliding? Oh, the sliding. That moment when your rig starts drifting and your brain says "we're fine" while your hands grip the wheel like it owes you money. Equal parts terrifying and absolutely thrilling. The kind of adrenaline rush you can't buy.

A brown SUV drives through a snowy mountain landscape with dramatic snow-capped peaks in the background.
A teal BMW SUV drives through a snowy forest landscape with tall pine trees and winter scenery.
A close-up sequence showing a vehicle's rear bumper and tow hitch being attached in snowy winter conditions.
A black pickup truck drives through a snowy mountain forest landscape with sunlight streaming through the trees.

The Gear Betrayal


Now let me tell you about the EcoFlow Wave 3. Great little unit... until you actually need it.


Turns out, the heater mode straight up refuses to work below 40 degrees. You know, exactly when you need heat the most. So there I was in my rooftop tent, temps dropping, staring at this thing like it personally wronged me. Spoiler: it did.


Lesson learned the hard way. A diesel heater is next on the list. Something that actually works when it's cold outside. Revolutionary concept, I know.


A black truck's tailgate is shown in multiple positions demonstrating its multi-function opening capabilities in snowy conditions.
A snowy parking lot surrounded by evergreen trees with multiple cars parked in a row on a winter day.
Four sequential shots of an off-road vehicle driving through deep snow with chunky tires and rugged suspension.
Person in winter attire sits in the open trunk of a car parked in snowy winter conditions.
Black off-road truck driving through deep snow with large rugged tires against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
A snowy forest landscape with tall evergreen trees casting long shadows in winter sunlight.

The Verdict


Despite freezing my ass off and playing tow-truck driver for myself multiple times, this trip was absolutely legendary. The challenge, the views, the rush of conquering (or at least surviving) the snow. All of it.


Would I do it again? Already planning the next one.


Just with a real heater this time.

Black SUV parked in snowy mountain terrain surrounded by tall pine trees and snow-covered slopes at sunset.
Black off-road truck parked in deep snow with mountains and evergreen trees in the winter landscape.
Person in black jacket using phone while sitting on snowy mountain slope with evergreen trees in background.
Off-road vehicle with roof rack and gear navigating through snowy mountain terrain with evergreen trees in background.
A German Shepherd dog runs through deep snow in a scenic mountain forest setting with evergreen trees in winter.
Black SUV driving through deep snow on a forest road during winter with tall evergreen trees in the background.
A black Jeep drives through a snowy forest trail during a winter adventure in the mountains.
Black Toyota 4Runner SUV driving through deep snow in a forest with tall evergreen trees in winter conditions.
A silver SUV parked on a snowy mountain road with rugged snow-capped peaks in the background at sunset.
Cans of Almanac Beer Co. craft beer nestled in fresh white snow during winter.
A dark green SUV parked in a snowy mountain forest with sunlight streaming through evergreen trees.
A person lies back in deep snow making a snow angel with their arms and legs spread out in winter.
A person in a blue winter jacket laughs joyfully outdoors in a snowy setting with someone visible in the background.
Two people playfully throw snow at each other in a winter landscape while wearing dark winter coats.
A person wearing a black winter coat laughs joyfully while playing in the snow on a bright winter day.
Several SUVs and vehicles parked in a snowy forest parking area surrounded by tall evergreen trees.