The Best Backpacking in El Dorado County
Looking for the best backpacking in El Dorado County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around El Dorado County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top backpacking spots in and near El Dorado County
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El Dorado County, California
Cronan Ranch to Folsom Point Rec Area via South Fork American River Trail and Brown's Ravine Trail
31.9 mi / 4593 ft gainCronan Ranch to Folsom Point Rec Area via South Fork American River Trail and Brown's Ravine Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Lotus, California.Read more -
Pilot Hill, California
Skunk Hallow via South Fork American River Trail
12.31 mi / 2172 ft gainSkunk Hallow via South Fork American River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Pilot Hill, California.Read more -
El Dorado Hills, California
Darrington Trail to Peninsula
19.41 mi / 2605 ft gainDarrington Trail to Peninsula is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Pilot Hill, California.Read more -
El Dorado Hills, California
Mormon Island Browns Ravine Trail
10.17 mi / 1017 ft gainMormon Island Browns Ravine Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near El Dorado Hills, California.Read more -
Cool, California
Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail
10.99 mi / 1693 ft gainMiddle Fork American River Quarry Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Auburn, California.Read more -
Pollock Pines, California
Robbs Peak and Hut Trail
5.8 mi / 1059 ft gainRobbs Peak and Hut Trail is an out and back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Pollock Pines, CaliforniaRead more -
Kyburz, California
Hike Pyramid Peak
5.0Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Rockbound Pass and Red Peak Stock Trail Loop
15.7 mi / 3097 ft gainRockbound Pass and Red Peak Stock Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, CaliforniaRead more -
Kyburz, California
McConnell Lake Loop Trail
24.67 mi / 4341 ft gainMcConnell Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Lake Lois and Lake Schmidell
16.87 mi / 2680 ft gainLake Lois and Lake Schmidell is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
4.426.28 mi / 5151 ft gainThis 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Lake Schmidell via Blakely Trail (16E07)
16.13 mi / 2615 ft gainLake Schmidell via Blakely Trail (16E07) is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Pollock Pines, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Caples Creek Loop Trail
8.74 mi / 1486 ft gainCaples Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
5.07 mi / 1600 ft gainThe Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams. The marsh-like water is very slow moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime. Be sure to loa...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.05.6 mi / 1750 ft gainTo get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...Read more