Outbound Collective logo

Calpine, California

Calpine, California, is home to some of the top outdoor adventures. The Pacific Crest Trail is a must-visit, offering a scenic route that spans over 2,650 miles. It's a challenging trail, ideal for those who enjoy a good workout. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Another highlight is the Sierra Valley Preserve. This scenic spot is perfect for bird-watching and photography. The preserve features wetlands, meadows, and a variety of wildlife. For water activities, the Middle Fork Feather River is a popular spot. It's great for fishing, rafting, and swimming. Near Calpine, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area offers over 50 alpine lakes and a network of trails. It's a great place for camping, fishing, and hiking. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Calpine provide a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Top Spots in and near Calpine

  • Nevada City, California

    Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River

    5.0
    2.74 mi / 1302 ft gain
    There 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
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Washoe County, Nevada

    Sledding Fun for the Whole Family

    5.0
    You can't miss this spot in the open snowfields of Tahoe Meadows. This area is not privately owned or maintained, which is perfect. It is a short drive up the Mt. Rose Highway from Reno and Sparks and there is plenty of free parking (except on super-busy days) right next to the sledding slopes an...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Mt. Rose Summit Loop

    5.0
    10.74 mi / 2392 ft gain
    This challenging hike offers great views of the greater Tahoe area. The first part of the hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, but once you pass that, you'll be doing a decent climb to the summit. During the summer months, you'll want to get an early start as there can be a decent crowd head...
    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
  • Reno, Nevada

    Huffaker Park Lookout Trail

    4.0
    1.88 mi / 308 ft gain
    Huffaker Park Lookout Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Reno, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Sparks, Nevada

    Sparks Marina Loop

    3.0
    1.94 mi / 30 ft gain
    Sparks Marina Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Sparks, Nevada

    Stand-Up Paddleboard at the Sparks Marina

    5.0
    The Sparks Marina, just minutes from downtown Reno, is a convenient and fun place to learn how to SUP or to spend an afternoon out on the lake. The Sparks Marina Park has ample parking and several places to put in, but there are also numerous others around the marina, including a lovely inlet on ...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Rattle Snake Mountain

    4.0
    1.49 mi / 371 ft gain
    Rattle Snake Mountain is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Reno, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Bike or Take a Stroll along the Tahoe East Shore Trail

    5.0
    2.75 mi / 300 ft gain
    Lake Tahoe's East Shore Trail is a wide paved walking and cycling path running between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park. Opened in 2019, the path lies completely separate from the road, sometimes hovering well above it on the mountainside, and other times running parallel to it on a bri...
    Read more
  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Monkey Rock

    4.7
    2.64 mi / 463 ft gain
    Monkey Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Highland Loop Trail

    2.37 mi / 453 ft gain
    Hidden Valley Park is a large, 480-acre regional park in southeast Reno, of which 65 acres are developed that features an extensive trail network along with equestrian grounds, a dog park, playground, and numerous other features. The Highland Loop Trail is a great way to experience the park and ...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Hidden Valley County Park Loop

    4.0
    4.23 mi / 1207 ft gain
    This is the hidden sight of Hidden Valley. Head south down Hidden Valley Drive from Mira Loma and turn right on Mia Vista Drive until you get to the parking lot for Hidden Valley Regional Park. Watch out for wild horses on all roads leading in and throughout your hike. There are hundreds of trail...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Damonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop

    5.0
    0.4 mi / 33 ft gain
    Damonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sparks, Nevada.
    Read more