The Best Backpacking in El Dorado County

Cronan 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.

Skunk Hallow via South Fork American River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Pilot Hill, California.

Darrington Trail to Peninsula is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Pilot Hill, California.

Mormon Island Browns Ravine Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near El Dorado Hills, California.

Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Auburn, California.

Robbs Peak and Hut Trail is an out and back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Pollock Pines, California

Red Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Twin Bridges, California.

Although 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...

Rockbound Pass and Red Peak Stock Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California

McConnell Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.

Lake Lois and Lake Schmidell is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Kyburz, California.

This 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...

Lake Schmidell via Blakely Trail (16E07) is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Pollock Pines, California.

Caples Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Kyburz, California.

The 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...

To 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...