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  • Alpine Meadows
  • Alpine Meadows, California

    The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Alpine Meadows, California, are a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. A top choice is the Five Lakes Trail, a moderate 5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of granite peaks and five beautiful alpine lakes. This trail is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and bird watching. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance trail extending over 2,650 miles, also passes through Alpine Meadows, offering a more challenging hike with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Another nearby attraction is the Truckee River, perfect for whitewater rafting and fishing. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the Donner Summit is just a short drive away. These outdoor activities make Alpine Meadows a top destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

    Top Spots in and near Alpine Meadows

    • Olympic Valley, California

      Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes

      6 mi / 1000 ft gain
      This hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...
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    • Olympic Valley, California

      Hike the Thunder Mountain Trail

      5.0
      3.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
      The Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Squaw may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain T...
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    • Olympic Valley, California

      Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail

      3.6 mi / 2109 ft gain
      This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash. 
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    • 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...
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    • Truckee, California

      The Five Lakes Hike

      4.0
      The Five Lakes Trail is located in the Granite Chief Wilderness in between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley ski resorts and is easily accessible at the intersection of Alpine Meadows and Deer Park roads. The 5-mile moderate trail ascends approximately 900-1000 ft. along granite canyons and pine f...
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    • Truckee, California

      Ski Outer Outer Limits at Alpine Meadows

      Starting off of Lakeview chair at Alpine Meadows, head to the far right towards the sign for Outer Limits run. Traverse across the run and past the Ski Area Boundary signs on the far side. Continue through the trees where you will find a series of clearings generally full of untracked powder. The...
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    • Tahoe City, California

      Paddle Commons Beach

      5.0
      Commons 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...
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    • Tahoe City, California

      Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

      3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
      Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
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    • Homewood, California

      Eagle Rock

      4.0
      0.84 mi / 105 ft gain
      Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...
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    • Tahoe City, California

      Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach

      A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...
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    • Tahoe City, California

      Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

      5.0
      6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
      The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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    • Carnelian Bay, California

      Explore Carnelian Bay

      5.0
      Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less cr...
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    • Truckee, California

      China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

      4.6
      3.11 mi
      This is a casual hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native Americans Park at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park Visitor Center and walk west towards the lake. Cross the...
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    • Truckee, California

      Donner Lake Public Docks

      4.5
      In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...
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    • Truckee, California

      Ski and Snowboard Northstar

      3.5
      Northstar California, previously known as Northstar-at-Tahoe, is located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its laid back atmosphere coupled with high-end luxury accommodations, shopping and dining.The resort is home to i...
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    • Truckee, California

      Hike the Truckee Tunnels

      5.0
      To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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    Camping and Lodging in Alpine Meadows

    William Kent Campground
    Tahoe City, California

    William Kent Campground

    Goose Meadows
    Truckee, California

    Goose Meadows

    Kaspian Campground
    Homewood, California

    Kaspian Campground

    Lakeside (Truckee)
    Unnamed Road

    Lakeside (Truckee)

    Granite Flat (California)
    Truckee, California

    Granite Flat (California)

    Gates Group
    French Meadows Road

    Gates Group

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Alpine Meadows

    Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

    Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

    Kristi Teplitz

    Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

    Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

    Kristi Teplitz

    Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

    Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

    Michael McSherry

    The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

    The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

    Kristi Teplitz

    Lake Life Essentials

    Lake Life Essentials

    Kristi Teplitz

    La Sportiva Women's Skwama Climbing Shoe Review

    La Sportiva Women's Skwama Climbing Shoe Review

    Kristi Teplitz