Snowshoe to Scotts Lake from Luther Pass, then back in the Sierras

SUMMARY
On this out and back snowshoe hike in the high Sierras, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, we will snowshoe to Scotts Lake from Luther Pass, then snowshoe back to Luther Pass for about 4.5 miles with an overall elevation gain of about 400 feet. Also, we will take in the views of Hope Valley to the east and contour the eastern slopes of Waterhouse Peak during the snowshoe hike.

MEETING TIMES AND PLACES
For carpooling, meet 7:15am at Iron Point Park & Ride next to light rail station in Folsom, and address is 150 Iron Point Rd, Folsom, CA 95630. Please pay carpool driver the current price of gas per gallon.

For those meeting directly at the trailhead, meet 9:00am at a small plowed parking lot at Luther Pass on CA HWY 89, and one of the Google GPS coordinates for locating the plowed parking lot/turnout is 38.787958,-119.946526.

SNOWSHOE HIKE INFORMATION AND ESSENTIALS
SNOWSHOE HIKE LEVEL: Moderate due to some hills and high altitude.

DISTANCE: About 4.5 miles roundtrip, up to 2.3 miles out, then up to 2.3 miles back.

ELEVATION: Mostly level terrain with some hills, about 400 feet cumulative.

SNOWSHOE HIKE ROUTE: We will start the snowshoe hike from Luther Pass, then snowshoe about 400 ft on Old Luther Pass Rd, then turn right and snowshoe on the Scotts Lake - Luther Connector Trail for about 1.8 miles, then turn right and snowshoe about 1/3 of a mile on Scotts Lake Rd to Scotts Lake. After spending some time and having lunch at Scotts Lake, then will snowshoe about 1/3 of a mile on Scotts Lake Rd, then turn left and snowshoe on the Scotts Lake - Luther Connector Trail for about 1.8 miles, then turn left and snowshoe on Old Luther Pass Rd for about 400 ft back to the starting point.

SNOWSHOE HIKE ESSENTIALS: Bring snowshoes, ski poles, waterproof jecket and pants/gaiters, waterproof boots, warm clothing made out of wool or polypro (no cotton), sun protection gear (hat, sunglasses, etc) , lots of water, snacks/small lunch, something waterproof to sit on during lunch if needed, electrolytes, first aid kit, and AllTrails or Gaia apps to help stay on trails or map/compass if needed.