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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Carson City, Nevada
Kings Canyon Falls
4.00.63 mi / 233 ft gain...Living in California, I know all about waterfalls! For me personally though, no matter the shape or size of the waterfall, it has my interest. Now when it comes to Nevada, I honestly can't think of too many waterfalls off the top of my head, but when you're passing through a town that you're u...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Hike to Secret Cove
5.00.9 mi / 209 ft gainTake a short little hike down from HWY 28 to Secret Cove to relax on the beach on sunbathe on rocks. The water is incredibly clear and has different shades of turquoise. There are many rocks to climb on and the water is great for swimming. It gets crowded early, and is a nude beach, so plan accor...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Relax at Tahoe's Chimney Beach
5.02.2 miLocated on the East Bank of Lake Tahoe along Highway 28, Chimney Beach is a great alternative to the more popular and heavily used beaches which can be quite a challenge to gain access due to the parking limitations during the busy summer months and on weekends.From the parking area on the east s...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Marlette Lake via Chimney Beach Trailhead
4.05.96 mi / 1713 ft gainThis trail starts right off NV28 between Chimney Beach and Great Tahoe Beach. Around 30 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe and the CA/NV border, we arrived close to 10am with plenty of parking available. While it seemed the trail was heavily used by mountain bikes, we encountered zero during our ...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Riverview Park Loop
4.01.64 mi / 23 ft gainRiverview Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Carson City, Nevada.Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Photograph Bonsai Rock
5.0Bonsai Rock is a popular attraction for photographers as it is a unique boulder with tiny trees growing out of it, enclosed next to the shoreline. This makes it a beautiful place to enjoy a scenic sunset, as well as play with some long exposure photography.It's located on the east side of Lake Ta...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
3.0Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Matterhorn Peak
5.012.1 mi / 5036 ft gainMatterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...Read more -
Washoe County, Nevada
Sand Harbor Nature Trail
4.50.54 mi / 33 ft gainWhile Sand Harbor Park is a popular summer destination, the sunsets from this spot are breathtaking year round and you will have less company in the winter. The park is located right off of Highway 28 and has an admission fee of $7. There is a parking lot that fills up quickly in the summer, so a...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Sand Harbor Beach
4.8This is what you would call a family beach. It is clean, beautiful, and well maintained. The admission price for vehicles has gone up quite a bit, but based on the economy and the fact that this park remains clean and glass-free, you really cannot complain. The beach gets pretty crowded and they ...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
SUP from Sand Harbor
4.5My favorite is to take a trip from Sand Harbor State Beach to Thunderbird Lodge along the East Shore in Lake Tahoe. Start by traveling to Sand Harbor State Beach, park in the parking lot and bring your equipment to the sandy shore. Hop on your board and begin heading south along the East Shore...Read more -
Sand Harbor, Nevada
Surf Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor
5.0Surfing Lake Tahoe is a rare opportunity which only happens when there is a lot of wind. It's nothing like surfing in the ocean. There are mountains in the background, the water is fresh, and generally the waves are small. You can see if there are waves on the drive there (if driving counter-cloc...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Peeler Lake
11 mi / 2400 ft gainThis trip can be done as a day trip or backpacking trip. It is around an 11 mile out-and-back trip.Park at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, CA. There is a $10 fee and it can take a while on busy weekends. A permit is required to stay overnight in Hoover Wilderness. The trailhead can be hard to find; it ...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Paddle Commons Beach
5.0Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry
This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...Read more
