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
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South Lake Tahoe, California
Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes
3.010.14 mi / 2316 ft gainThe hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim in Granite Lake
5.01.25 mi / 900 ft gainGranite Lake is a pristine alpine lake near Lake Tahoe just off the Highway 89 above Emerald Bay. To get there park at the Bayview Campground Trailhead, which can be pretty crowded in peak season so get there early. The trail begins with an split: right takes you into the Desolation Wilderness (a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Maggie's Peaks
5.03.85 mi / 1663 ft gainThis hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle
4.0The drive to the location of Vikingsholm was beautiful with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, when approached from South Lake Tahoe. The hike down the hill to see this gem was worth it but could be hard for some (because the only return is up this somewhat steep path with switchbac...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
5.0Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Castle Rock via Tahoe Rim Trail
5.01.79 mi / 407 ft gainCastle Rock via Tahoe Rim Trail (The Bench) is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Zephyr Cove, Nevada.Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Chewing Gum Lake
3.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainChewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Climb Cracks at the Gianelli Edges
We first found the Gianelli Edges mentioned in the Climbers Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway. A short 2.5-3 hour drive from our place in Oakland, it's a great spot for a quick single day or overnight climbing excursion. Just head out 120 toward Yosemite and pull off on the 108 toward Burst Rock/G...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Lake Tahoe’s Inspiration Point
4.7Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake. Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee. It is very easy to get to, and its high va...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop
4.42.39 mi / 617 ft gainEagle Falls Trail is located off Highway 89 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Eagle Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in Lake Tahoe because of its beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush green scenery, and trees. Alongside one of the bluest pristine...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead
4.59.18 mi / 2251 ft gainHiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Lake Trail
4.02.35 mi / 571 ft gainThe trailhead starts (and ends) by the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, and goes west. The trail is well-marked and composed of mostly granite steps. Once you get to the lake, you can swim: it's cold but beautiful. If you keep following the path to the wooded areas (to the left), there are s...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls Vista Loop
0.56 mi / 138 ft gainEagle falls is a short walk from the main Emerald Bay vista point. The top of the falls are cool to look at themselves, with great views of the lake.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall
5.0Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb at Eagle Lake Cliffs
4 miTo Access Eagle Lake Cliffs Crag, head to the West Shore of South Lake Tahoe. You’ll want to park at Emerald Bay Parking Lot and head to the trail register. It’s almost always packed, so come early, or plan to park on the road and walk. Sign yourself and your party number in for the day access pa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Emerald Bay
4.31.84 mi / 358 ft gainThe View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take a quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspective...Read more
