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Alpine County, California

Alpine County, California, is home to some of the top trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Mokelumne Wilderness hiking trail. This scenic route spans 42 miles, offering awe-striking views of granite peaks and alpine lakes. The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, you'll pass by Frog Lake, a beautiful water body nestled among towering pines. Don't miss the chance to spot unique rock formations, a testament to the area's rich geological history. For those seeking a more relaxed outdoor adventure, fishing in the Carson River is another popular attraction. Known for its abundance of trout, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Choose Alpine County for your next outdoor adventure, and you won't be disappointed.

Top Spots in and near Alpine County

  • Markleeville, California

    Backpack to Grouse Lake

    4.7
    11.43 mi / 2283 ft gain
    It is a 6 mile hike to Grouse Lake. You begin at the trailhead which is right by Damsite Campground at Upper Blue Lake. Park in the dirt parking area and then cross the metal footbridge, and you will see the trailhead marker on your left. The trail takes you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Follow...
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  • Arnold, California

    Climb Lookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

    5.0
    4 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Lookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself.Lookout Peak can be done ...
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  • Arnold, California

    Climb Peep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

    7 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Peep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself. Peep Sight Peak can b...
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  • Markleeville, California

    Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park

    Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...
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  • Arnold, California

    Hike To Bull Run Lake

    4.3
    The hike to Bull Run Lake is about 7.8 miles, roundtrip, and begins at the Stanislaus Meadows Trailhead, located about 10 miles West of Ebbetts Pass. There is plenty of parking near the trailhead, off of the South side of CA 4. The trailhead GPS coordinates are: N38 30.376' / W119 56/617'Once you...
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  • Arnold, California

    Upper Gardner Meadow via Highland Lakes Trail

    3.96 mi / 364 ft gain
    Upper Gardner Meadow via Highland Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Markleeville, California.
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  • Arnold, California

    Backpack To Wheeler Lake

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...
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  • Alpine County, California

    Hike to Round Top Peak

    5.0
    9 mi / 1821 ft gain
    This hike begins at Carson Pass which is accessible from Highway 88. The trail leaves from the parking lot (parking requires a fee of $5) and is easy to follow. After about a mile, you'll pass Frog Lake on the left, which is a nice place to stop for a quick snack.Continue along the trail and stay...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail

    10.5 mi / 1257 ft gain
    Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kirkwood, California.
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  • Alpine County, California

    Hike The Sisters in the Mokelumnee Wilderness

    8 mi / 2500 ft gain
    The Sisters offer a great day hike with fun scrambling and beautiful views of the Northern Sierra, Lake Tahoe, the Mokelumnee Wilderness, and the Carson River Canyon.The trail to The Sisters begins at Woods Lake (38.6855° N, 120.0095° W), at the end of Woods Lake Road off Highway 88, 1.5 miles we...
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  • Alpine County, California

    Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop

    6.6 mi / 1272 ft gain
    This hike begins near the Woods Lake campground. Start off by hiking towards Winnemucca Lake. You will begin your journey going through the forest beside a crystal-clear stream. Soon the trail opens up to become more open, full of all colours of wild flowers. You follow this breathtaking trail up...
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  • Arnold, California

    Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake

    15 mi / 2400 ft gain
    This is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...
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  • Bear Valley, California

    Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is nestled in the high Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.  It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers.  It boasts 1,900 vertical feet over 1680 acres for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a popular time at Bear Valley.  Most visitors come to ski or snowboard, but...
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  • Bear Valley, California

    Snowshoe Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is a family friendly destination for snowshoeing and snow play.  There are numerous trails to explore while snowshoeing.  Don't be afraid to take a break and start a snowball fight!  There are shops located near the resort to rent snowshoes and other snow play accessories. There are s...
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  • Markleeville, California

    Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake

    5.0
    8.71 mi / 971 ft gain
    This is an awesome out-and-back hike for the weekend warrior. The trail begins at the western-most point of Caples Lake, and takes you to Emigrant Lake. The first 2/3 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some ...
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  • Pioneer, California

    Hike to Granite Lake

    Take the road to Kit Carson Lodge. When the road turns to dirt, take this one-lane dirt road as far as you can go. The road terminates into a round parking area, however, as of the writing of this post, there was a large tree blocking the road about 250 ft before the end.The Trailhead is clearly ...
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Camping and Lodging in Alpine County

Silver Creek
Alpine State Highway

Silver Creek

(Lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground
Arnold, California

(Lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground

(Lake Alpine)  Silver Tip Campground
Alpine State Highway

(Lake Alpine) Silver Tip Campground

Indian Creek Campground (Ca)
Markleeville, California

Indian Creek Campground (Ca)

Bear Valley Resort Glamping
Bear Valley, California

Bear Valley Resort Glamping

From $129 / night

Kit Carson Campground
Kit Carson Campground Road

Kit Carson Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Alpine County

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