Emigrant Gap, California
Emigrant Gap, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the scenic Snow Mountain hiking trail. This moderate difficulty trail winds through lush forests and past sparkling creeks, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail also features unique rock formations that add an extra layer of interest to the hike. For those interested in water activities, Bear River is nearby and perfect for a refreshing dip or a peaceful canoe ride. In winter, the area transforms into a playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Emigrant Gap is a prime location for anyone seeking diverse and scenic outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Emigrant Gap
-
Soda Springs, California
Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut
5.08 miThe Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
5.011.6 mi / 1800 ft gainDrive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...Read more -
Truckee, California
Hike the Truckee Tunnels
5.0To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...Read more -
Colfax, California
Hike The Historical Stevens Trail
5.08 mi / 3376 ft gainBest 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...Read more -
39.333252,-120.289482Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek
A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...Read more -
Foresthill, California
Rafting the Middle Fork American River
5.0The 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...Read more -
Truckee, California
Donner Lake Public Docks
4.5In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail
5.09 mi / 1365 ft gainSierra Buttes Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Sierra City, California
Paddle Lower Sardine Lake
5.0Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground. It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in genera...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sardine Lakes
1.32 mi / 253 ft gainSardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Truckee, CaliforniaThe Five Lakes Hike
4.0The Five Lakes Trail is located in the Granite Chief Wilderness in between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley ski resorts and is easily accessible at the intersection of Alpine Meadows and Deer Park roads. The 5-mile moderate trail ascends approximately 900-1000 ft. along granite canyons and pine f...Read more -
Truckee, California
Ski Outer Outer Limits at Alpine Meadows
Starting off of Lakeview chair at Alpine Meadows, head to the far right towards the sign for Outer Limits run. Traverse across the run and past the Ski Area Boundary signs on the far side. Continue through the trees where you will find a series of clearings generally full of untracked powder. The...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Relax at Sand Pond
5.0Sand Pond is a great place to relax after a day of hiking or paddling. It's located between Sardine Lake Campground and Lower Sardine Lake and is an easy 10 min walk from the campground. Sand Pond has beautiful views of the mountains and is a great place to watch the sunset. There are small fish ...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Camp at Sardine Lake Campground
5.0This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake. There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sard...Read more -
Calpine, CaliforniaGold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi
If you never travel north of the Tahoe Basin into the Sierra Valley and beyond, you should. It is gorgeous, peaceful country, with wide open spaces and, compared to Tahoe, relatively uncrowded roads. This loops takes us from Bassett’s Station toward Sattley, north on 89, a brief stop to regroup i...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes
4.86.19 mi / 3333 ft gainThe Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...Read more
