Top Adventures in Kyburz
Climb Phantom Spires
Phantom Spires is a rock climbing area west of south Lake Tahoe consisting of granitic rock formations, or spires, among low scrub and old burned pines. Various sport and trad routes have been established, mostly single-pitch, though some might be...
Hike Pyramid Peak
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 (...
Camp at Ice House Reservoir
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 lake...
1 miles
1 ft gain
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
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 pas...
26 miles
1700 ft gain
Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail
Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot...
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
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 Strawberr...
5.6 miles
1750 ft gain
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
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 p...
7 miles
1600 ft gain
Hike to Bassi Falls
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 rura...
Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
Pyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated gr...
7.4 miles
4100 ft gain
Hike Horsetail Falls
Great views are waiting for you at the top of Horsetail Falls. Pyramid Creek flows down the steep, glacier carved granite faces of Desolation Wilderness to create this awesome waterfall that is estimated to be about 800 feet tall.
You will follow ...
2.8 miles
700 ft gain
Backpack to Ropi Lake
The trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee...
5.6 miles
1900 ft gain
Hiking to Ralston Peak
Starting at the lower lot it's less than a mile to access the trail. The hike starts off in shade through a lot of red fir forest and continues at a steady upward route. Approximately 45 mins into the hike you'll come across a sign that says you a...
7 miles
2375 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Silver Fork Road
Harvey West Cabin
Overview The Harvey West Cabin is located on the Silver Fork of the American River. The cabin is easily access from Silver Fork Road. The cabin has beds for 12 and can accommodate an additional e... -
Pollock Pines, California
Silver Creek Group Campground
Overview Silver Creek, located in the Crystal Basin area, offers a fun atmosphere with beautiful scenery for group gatherings. The Ice House Reservoir is less than 2 miles away, providing fun optio... -
Kyburz, California
Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground
Overview The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is available to visitors travelling with equestrian or packstock animals. The campground is situated near the Wrights Lake Campground in a grassy, o... -
Kyburz, California
Wrights Lake
Overview Wrights Lake Campground is situated in the timber belt, close to the lake shore, looking up at the majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. The area is well-kn... -
Ice House Road
Big Silver Group
Overview Big Silver Group Campground offers tent and RV camping for up to 50 guests. The campground is located 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 16 miles north on Ice House Road, east ... -
Kyburz, California
Fashoda
Overview Fashoda Campground, located on a peninsula of the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir, is an incredibly scenic place to camp. The lake area is a hub for activities like swimming, sailin...
