Benton, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Benton, California offer a unique blend of scenic beauty and physical challenge. One of the top trails to explore is the Benton Hot Springs Loop. This 5-mile trail is moderately difficult and rewards hikers with views of the stunning White Mountains and the Owens Valley. Along the trail, you'll encounter unique rock formations and the bubbling Benton Hot Springs, a must-visit attraction. For those seeking more outdoor adventures, the nearby Fish Slough Petroglyphs are a fascinating site of ancient art etched into volcanic rock. Benton, California is a gem for those who appreciate scenic landscapes and the joy of outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Benton
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Bishop, California
Backpack into the Palisades from Bishop Pass
18 mi / 4000 ft gainDrive up to the trailhead near South Lake from the town of Bishop (you can get directions at the Ranger Station when you get a permit). The hike goes from approximately 9,000 ft. to 13,000 ft. over the course of 9 miles.The first approximately 6 miles are on trail to the top of Bishop Pass. From ...Read more -
Silver Peak, Nevada
Explore the Ghost Town of Blair, Nevada
During a boom in gold mining around the towns of Tonopah and Goldfield, Nevada, a mining town called Silver Peak was established about 25 miles west of Goldfield. Land speculators purchased much of the area surrounding Silver Peak, and when the Pittsburg-Silver Peak Gold Mining Company sought a s...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail
52.67 mi / 9173 ft gainBishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Treasure Lakes Trail
5.05.79 mi / 1375 ft gainThe Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...Read more -
Bishop, California
Evolution Basin via South Lake
35.66 mi / 7769 ft gainIt’s been called the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of the entire 211-mile John Muir Trail. Whatever superlatives are used to describe it, Evolution Basin is undoubtedly one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever explore. There is a small catch, though: There is no easy ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bishop Pass Trail
5.011.13 mi / 2165 ft gainTo get to the hike drive twenty miles west from the town of Bishop, California up Hwy 168 to South Lake. There are two parking lots but make sure to get there early because later in the day it's harder to get a spot. The trail starts from South Lake at an an elevation of 9,750 feet. Initially ...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek
10.5 mi / 1234 ft gainKeep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Virginia Lakes Trail
4.09.22 mi / 2464 ft gainIf you are looking for a hike with a view every half mile or so, then Virginia Lakes Trail is one to mark on your must-see list. You start at the parking lot near the first lake where bathrooms are available onsite. Try to hike right before the first snow in November so you can see the fall col...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Snowshoe to Cooney Lake
3.5 miWhen it's winter time, one of the best things you can do is experience the snow in the Eastern Sierra! If you've ever been hiking and/or backpacking in the Sierra, you know it's one of the most beautiful mountainous ranges in the US. Driving up the Hwy 395 North past Conway Summit, turn left on ...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: McClure Meadows
The transition from mostly sheer granite slopes to open grassy space is a welcomed one. Set up along the creek meandering through Evolution Basin and explore the area. You won't tire your legs out because it's pretty flat. Whip out your camera to catch some amazing reflections of the Sierra in th...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Evolution Valley via Florence Lake
4.530.36 mi / 3238 ft gainYou can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Backpack to Crater Lake, Sierra National Forest
8.4 mi / 2100 ft gainStarting at Lake Florence, this hike starts out with a climb up and keeps this up over the next 3 miles. After about 3 miles of climbing you reach another lake, Dutch Lake which provides shade and a nice place to rest. From there it's a relatively flat 1.2 miles in to your destination. Once at Cr...Read more -
37.876736,-119.346085
Glen Aulin
4.812.19 mi / 600 ft gainStart your hike to this waterfall oasis in the heart of the sierra at the parking lot for the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits along the beautifully winding Tuolumne River. White Cascade an 80ft waterfall sits at the edge of camp and provides an excellent swim...Read more -
Bishop, California
First and Second Lake via Big Pine Creek North Fork
5.09.57 mi / 2392 ft gainThe North Fork of Big Pine Creek is often cited as having the most unbelievable scenery reachable in a single day. And it's hard to disagree. The Big Pine Creek North Fork trail is just minutes outside of Big Pine off the 395. If going in the winter, access to the trailhead can be closed off, so...Read more -
Big Pine, California
Fourth Lake via Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail
4.012.6 mi / 3205 ft gainFrom Big Pine, you'll turn onto Crocker St. to head towards the mountains. Once you are about 11 miles down the road you will see a sign and a turnoff on the right for trailhead parking. That is where you are going to want to park if you are staying overnight but you can continue to where the roa...Read more -
Bishop, California
Big Pine Lakes via North Fork Trail
5.012.69 mi / 3196 ft gainThe North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail offers some of the best high alpine scenery in the Sierras. As the peaks of the Palisades pierce the sky with its craggy span of summits you will find it is as picturesque and dramatic as any in California. Nestled beneath these giant peaks are the glacier scou...Read more
