Colfax, California
Colfax, California offers some of the top trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Stevens Trail, a scenic 9-mile round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of the American River. Known for its wildflowers and unique rock formations, it's a moderate difficulty trail that's perfect for a day hike. For a shorter trek, try the Colfax Trail. This 3-mile trail follows an old railroad grade with views of the city and surrounding hills. For water-based outdoor adventures, Rollins Lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Nearby, Bear River Park offers a sandy beach and picnic areas. Whether you're a hiker or boater, Colfax offers some of the best outdoor activities for all.
Top Spots in and near Colfax
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South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall
5.0Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop
4.42.39 mi / 617 ft gainEagle Falls Trail is located off Highway 89 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Eagle Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in Lake Tahoe because of its beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush green scenery, and trees. Alongside one of the bluest pristine...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead
4.59.18 mi / 2251 ft gainHiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Lake Trail
4.02.35 mi / 571 ft gainThe trailhead starts (and ends) by the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, and goes west. The trail is well-marked and composed of mostly granite steps. Once you get to the lake, you can swim: it's cold but beautiful. If you keep following the path to the wooded areas (to the left), there are s...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls Vista Loop
0.56 mi / 138 ft gainEagle falls is a short walk from the main Emerald Bay vista point. The top of the falls are cool to look at themselves, with great views of the lake.Read more -
Plumas County, California
Hike to Little Jamison Falls
3.02 mi / 500 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 -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Emerald Bay
4.31.84 mi / 358 ft gainThe View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take the quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspecti...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay
4.5There is a reason Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world and that is because of its stunning beauty! I am sure you have experienced it during the day, but the bay really comes alive at night. The Milky Way reaches over all of Emerald Bay and it is a sight to see! Head out...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Boulder at D.L. Bliss State Park
This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session i...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park
4.82.3 mi / 505 ft gainThe Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...Read more -
Oroville, California
Hike to Hollow Falls
5.01 miThe first step of this fun little hike is to park at the handy parking lot located at 2488 Cherokee Rd., Oroville, CA up on Table Mountain. Many people park here for the hike to the more well-known Phantom Falls, which is a much longer hike than the one to Hollow Falls. From the lot, look for an ...Read more -
Oroville, California
Hike to Phantom Falls
4.64.2 mi / 850 ft gainDropping off a 135 ft cliff is a very well hidden waterfall with no trails leading to it. But if you do find it, it is an epic natural wonder.It is best to come here in the winter months, after a lot of rain. But it is also well worth coming in the spring when the wildflowers on Table Mountain ar...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Rubicon Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThe Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. You can start at either point. I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle. Also, there is more available parking at Bliss. Park your c...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Lake Tahoe’s Inspiration Point
4.7Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake. Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee. It is very easy to get to, and its high va...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
5.0Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Maggie's Peaks
5.03.85 mi / 1663 ft gainThis hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping a...Read more
