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
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Nevada City, California
Hike the Diggins Loop Trail
5.02.7 miCheck in and pay for your parking or present California State Parks Pass at the museum building in North Bloomfield. After paying for parking there are several different options to get onto the Diggins Loop trail. Access to the Diggins Loop trail can be found by the Park Headcounters by jumping...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Grouse Lake Trail
4.811.43 mi / 2283 ft gainIt 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...Read more -
Nevada City, CaliforniaTake a Family Ride
4.8Well if you start at Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Roads then you will see the canal at the top of Gracie Rd. Hop onto the berm of the canal and head north {upstream}. The trail is dirt and about 4 ft wide in the beginning and widens to 6 to 8 ft for most the way . Continue upstream on the canal and...Read more -
Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
5.04.2 mi / 639 ft gainSouth Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.Read more -
Nevada City, California
Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River
5.02.74 mi / 1302 ft gainThere are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba Ri...Read more -
Colfax, California
Hike to the Jumping Rock on the Bear River
2 mi / 150 ft gainThough lesser known than its neighbors the Yuba and the American, the Bear River still features fantastic hiking, swimming, river-raft, tubing, and rock-jumping but without the crowds.A local favorite spot, the "Jumping Rock" near the Dog Bar Crossing, provides an excellent hike with several swim...Read more -
Frazier Creek Road, California
Frazier Falls
4.01.06 mi / 79 ft gainFrazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months. To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Gra...Read more -
Placerville, California
Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
5.0Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...Read more -
Plumas County, California
Little Jamison Falls
3.01.89 mi / 495 ft gainTo get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...Read more -
Grass Valley, California
Photograph a Sunset on Wolf Mountain
5.0While all of the hiking trails to the Wolf Mountain summit cross private land, Wolf Mountain Road provides public access to several excellent viewpoints overlooking the Central Valley and the nearby ruins of old radio towers.To get there take McCourtney Road west from CA Highway 49/20 and go 3.2 ...Read more -
Auburn, California
North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine
4.94.43 mi / 968 ft gainLocated only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...Read more -
Auburn, California
Rock Climb at the Quarry
5.02.6 mi / 800 ft gainMany thanks to the Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS) and the Access Fund for their hard work in re-opening this location to make it climbing-legal. Where to Park:Put in "Parking lot for the Quarry Trail, California 193, Auburn, CA 95603"This is the designated parking lot ...Read more -
Auburn, California
Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA
3.511.13 mi / 1870 ft gainParking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00. Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge. From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Hike the Independence Trail
4.5Starting from the free easy access parking lot right off highway 49 you head left up the trail. You will notice two trails side by side, one wider path for wheelchair access and another slightly narrower path for hikers on foot.The trail is set on the cliff side overlooking the South Fork of the ...Read more -
Auburn, California
Training Hill
4.54.51 mi / 1070 ft gainTraining Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon. The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River. Training Hill is r...Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley
5.0Bear 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...Read more
