This snowshoe route gives a taste of wilderness, which is not often readily accessible in winter. The route is the same as in summer, except that Forest Road 9030 is not plowed, so this adds another 2.5 miles to the trip (the road portion is skiable.) The road and trail are relatively wide and have a gentle grade and avalanche danger is low, except for the area around Talapus Lake. Views from Talapus Lake of Bandera Mtn and its talus slopes are quite nice (when it's not snowing, of course.) It's always a good idea to assume that the lake ice is not safe to travel on. If FR 9031 is not plowed, park at the plow turn-around near the exit ramp.