Kirkwood

Kirkwood

The ski bus to Kirkwood from the Bay Area

Round-trip bus from San Jose, San Francisco and Walnut Creek to Kirkwood, Highway 88, about 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. A 7,800-foot base, deep snow and steep terrain, far enough off the main roads that the crowds thin out.

Bus only, $109 round trip. Kirkwood trips on sale are listed at the bottom of this page.

Summit
9,805 ft
Base
7,800 ft
 
 
 
Kirkwood, to scaleGolden Gate Bridge towers, 746 ft each

2,005 feet of vertical. Stack two Golden Gate Bridge towers and you still need another 513 feet.

Kirkwood by the numbers

2,300skiable acres
86trails
13lifts
354"average snowfall a year

Terrain mix

 
 
 
 
12% beginner
30% intermediate
38% advanced
20% expert

Riding to Kirkwood with us

Ride up, typical pickup times
4:00amSan Jose Park n Ride
5:00amSan Francisco, 16th St
5:30amWalnut Creek Park n Ride
Bus leaves Kirkwood at 4:30pm sharp
Ride home, typical drop-off times
7:45 to 8:00pmWalnut Creek
8:30 to 8:45pmSan Francisco
9:15 to 9:30pmSan Jose

Each trip page lists that trip's exact pickup times. Drop-off times depend on traffic.

5,409riders on 88 trips to Kirkwood with us since 2018Sundaysour most common day for Kirkwood tripsEpic Passworks here, so pass holders only need the bus

Good to know

  • Kirkwood sits on its own off Highway 88, with no town nearby. Everything you need for the day is at the base area.
  • Timber Creek is the beginner area, with rentals and lessons in one spot.
  • 8 restaurants and 5 lodges on the mountain. The Kirkwood Inn dates to 1864.
  • Lift tickets, rentals and lessons are not included. Buy tickets and book lessons with Kirkwood. For rentals, use rentskis.com or Last Minute Gear.

Mountain stats: Vail Resorts, Kirkwood winter tip sheet, checked for the 2026-27 season. Rider counts: Tahoe Ski Trips records.