El Dorado County, California
Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near El Dorado County
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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 -
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 -
Echo Lake, California
Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness
3.7Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Ski Ralston Peak
5.0Ralston Peak is a classic south Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding area, and is excellent for hiking in the summer, too. Please note, however, that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is dangerous – make sure you know the conditions and have avalanche equipment.There are two main appr...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
"Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness
4.710.5 mi / 1522 ft gainAlthough this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Lake Aloha
4.012.34 mi / 1552 ft gainYou'll start the hike at the Echo Lakes trailhead, just off of Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe. The trail meanders past Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, slowly gaining altitude as you pass a smattering of summer cabins. The climb is enough to make you feel it, but before you know it, it's over. Once cresti...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Explore the Alpine Lakes of Desolation Wilderness
5.0This incredible hike offers you the opportunity to visit the heart of desolation without climbing more than about 600 feet of elevation. Begin at the boat taxi at Lower Echo Lake. The taxi costs $12/person each way and is $5 each-way for your furry friend. The taxi leaves the dock at frequent int...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike the Echo Lake Trail
4.05 mi / 688 ft gainThe Echo Lakes Trail goes through California's Desolation Wilderness and features incredible views. This trail is rated as moderate, and is best for excited beginners or intermediate hikers. This hike takes roughly 3.5-4 hours. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is best used fr...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit
3.5 mi / 1900 ft gainFor this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail
7.21 mi / 1424 ft gainD.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
3.75 mi / 560 ft gainThe South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike Mount Tallac
4.99.5 mi / 3255 ft gainThe classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike The Sisters in the Mokelumnee Wilderness
8 mi / 2500 ft gainThe Sisters offer a great day hike with fun scrambling and beautiful views of the Northern Sierra, Lake Tahoe, the Mokelumnee Wilderness, and the Carson River Canyon.The trail to The Sisters begins at Woods Lake (38.6855° N, 120.0095° W), at the end of Woods Lake Road off Highway 88, 1.5 miles we...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop
6.6 mi / 1272 ft gainThis hike begins near the Woods Lake campground. Start off by hiking towards Winnemucca Lake. You will begin your journey going through the forest beside a crystal-clear stream. Soon the trail opens up to become more open, full of all colours of wild flowers. You follow this breathtaking trail up...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