Madera County, California
Madera County, California is a great place for exploring and discovering nature. With its stunning landscape and abundant wildlife, this is an area that will captivate and inspire. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, embark on a daring expedition, or simply enjoy the sights, there's something here for everyone. Come see why Madera County, California is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable escape.
Top Spots in and near Madera County
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Mariposa County, California
Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute
6 mi / 3000 ft gainThis is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead
5.55 mi / 1978 ft gainThe May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
5.030.27 mi / 4757 ft gainUnlike most through hikes that require two cars or hitchhiking, you can accomplish this with only one car by using a YART. Another benefit is that by entering in Mammoth, it is usually much easier to get permits as opposed to starting in Yosemite where permits can be harder to get. Then once yo...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau
11.68 mi / 1867 ft gainThe most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack the Shadows of the Minarets Loop
5.016 miAnsel Adams Wilderness is located in Mammoth Lakes, California. The trail to Lake Ediza is frequently traveled and is usually completed as an out-and-back day hike. In the summer, from 7am-7pm the road to the trail head is inaccessible to cars. To reach the trailhead you must take the shuttle fro...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Evolution Valley via Florence Lake
4.530.36 mi / 3238 ft gainYou can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Backpack to Crater Lake, Sierra National Forest
5.08.4 mi / 2100 ft gainStarting at Lake Florence, this hike starts out with a climb up and keeps this up over the next 3 miles. After about 3 miles of climbing you reach another lake, Dutch Lake which provides shade and a nice place to rest. From there it's a relatively flat 1.2 miles in to your destination. Once at Cr...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Merced Grove
5.03.32 mi / 682 ft gainMerced Grove is technically the smallest and most secluded of the three sequoia groves found in Yosemite National Park, which lends itself to be less crowded offering a peaceful solitude hike. The trailhead is located at the Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road. This trail begins by foll...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows
4.013.54 mi / 1804 ft gainStart at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake
5.014.46 mi / 2717 ft gainGarnet Lake is one of the premier stops along the Pacific Crest Trail. However, even if you don't have time for an entire thru-hike (like most of us), this beautiful lake is still easily accessible as an overnight trip! While there are many possible routes for reaching Garnet Lake, the Agnew Me...Read more -
Madera County, California
Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows
5.019.6 mi / 3642 ft gainStart from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set...Read more -
Madera County, California
Climb Mount Ritter
Mt Ritter is a long climb, but it is worth the effort. Start out by establishing camp at Ediza Lake prior to your ascent. The SE Glacier route (first ascent by John Muir) follows the path of least resistance up the SE side of Mt Ritter.The route first gains a broad bench below Ritter and Banner P...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Waugh Lake
5.011 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are several trailheads you can start at to get to the lake, but we chose the River Trail in Agnew Meadows because it was the only trailhead that hadn't met the quota yet. You can check on permit's and trailheads here. If the River Trail is booked other great options are Shadow Creek, Fish C...Read more -
Madera County, California
Cecile Lake via Agnew Meadows
16.11 mi / 2667 ft gainLocated in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Cecile Lake can be reached from a variety of trailheads. I chose to start out in Agnew Meadows. From here, the trail criss-crosses through a serene lowland environment with several crystal clear streams. After passing Olaine Lake, veer left an...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Minaret Vista
Minaret Vista offers stunning panoramic views of the jagged Minarets, which are part of the Ritter Range in Mammoth Lakes, California. This viewpoint can be reached by driving up Minaret Road (Highway 203) to Lookout Point Road. From the viewpoint, you can also see Mount Ritter, standing at 13,15...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
John Muir Trail: Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley
5.051.92 mi / 6952 ft gainCross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you. Planning Plan to hike this from mid July ...Read more
