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  • El Dorado County
  • El Dorado County, California

    El Dorado County, California, is home to some of the top outdoor adventures and must-visit attractions. For hiking aficionados, the Horsetail Falls trail is a popular choice. This 3-mile round trip trail offers scenic views of the beautiful waterfall and the surrounding wilderness. The trail can be challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the views of the falls are well worth the effort. Another excellent trail is the Rubicon Trail, known for its stunning lake views and unique rock formations. This trail stretches 22 miles and is ideal for experienced hikers. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, try fishing in the American River or exploring the historic Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in El Dorado County.

    Top Spots in and near El Dorado County

    • Placerville, California

      Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge

      5.0
      Consumes 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...
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    • Pollock Pines, United States

      Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park

      4.0
      The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well.Along the way, you will see a variety of activities along the lake...
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    • Auburn, California

      Rock Climb at the Quarry

      5.0
      2.6 mi / 800 ft gain
      Many 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 ...
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    • Auburn, California

      Hike the Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA

      4.0
      11 mi
      Parking 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...
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    • Auburn, California

      Hike to the North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

      5.0
      4 mi
      Located 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...
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    • Auburn, California

      Hike Training Hill

      4.5
      4.5 mi / 1126 ft gain
      Training 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...
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    • Foresthill, California

      Rafting the Middle Fork American River

      5.0
      The Middle Fork of the American River is a fun and full day of Class III/IV water rafting. You'll experience "Tunnel Chute". An very narrow 20 foot wide chute that drops you into gold miners tunnel. Other popular drops and rapids include, Kanaka Falls, Chunder, Bus Crash, Parallel Parking, 101 Ai...
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    • Gold River, California

      Hike the American River Parkway: Fair Oaks Bridge to Hazel Ave.

      5.0
      4.7 mi / 249 ft gain
      This area is possibly one of my favorite stretches of trail along the American River Parkway (for my route, click here. On this trail, you'll get great views of the American River, experience lush fern gullies, and depending on the seasons can see all sorts of wildlife, mostly birds along with t...
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    • Jackson, California

      Lake Tabeaud Loop

      2.31 mi / 433 ft gain
      Lake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.
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    • El Dorado County, California

      Camp at Ice House Reservoir

      4.0
      1 mi / 1 ft gain
      Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...
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    • Auburn, California

      Hike around Coon Creek to Hidden Falls

      4.5
      8.4 mi / 968 ft gain
      --Important: 7-day a week parking reservations required until further notice during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow park social distancing measures. Learn more online, https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park -- Not far from California's capital is Hidden Falls Regional Park. The na...
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    • Auburn, California

      Hike the Seven Pools Loop & Vista

      5.0
      4.5 mi / 450 ft gain
      Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the park...
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    • Colfax, California

      Hike to the Jumping Rock on the Bear River

      2 mi / 150 ft gain
      Though 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...
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    • Carmichael, California

      Hike through the Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve

      4.3
      4.48 mi / 161 ft gain
      DetailsEffie Yeaw Nature Preserve is named after Effie Yeaw, a teacher, conservationist and environmental educator who frequented the area on educational nature walks. She was one of the leading forces behind preserving the land now known as The American River Parkway.Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve...
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    • Kyburz, California

      Hike to Bassi Falls

      4.6
      1.22 mi / 194 ft gain
      109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles re...
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    • Colfax, California

      Hike The Historical Stevens Trail

      5.0
      8 mi / 3376 ft gain
      Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, pa...
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    Camping and Lodging in El Dorado County

    Loon Lake Chalet
    El Dorado County, California

    Loon Lake Chalet

    South Fork Group (Ca)
    Pollock Pines, California

    South Fork Group (Ca)

    Ponderosa Cove Campground
    Georgetown, California

    Ponderosa Cove Campground

    Stumpy Meadows
    Wentworth Springs Road

    Stumpy Meadows

    Black Oak
    Wentworth Springs Road

    Black Oak

    Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground
    Pollock Pines, California

    Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground

    Guides, Insights and Stories from El Dorado County

    6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

    6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

    Glenn Robinson

    The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

    The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

    Morgan Woodhouse

    The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

    The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

    Benjamin Canevari

    The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

    The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

    The Outbound Collective

    Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

    Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

    Josiah Roe

    Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

    Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

    Kyle Reader