Nevada County, California
Looking for the best hiking in Nevada County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Nevada County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Nevada County
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Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak
5 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Summit Castle Peak
4.06 mi / 1800 ft gainThe trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...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 -
Kyburz, California
Hike to Bassi Falls
4.61.22 mi / 194 ft gain109' 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 rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles re...Read more -
Truckee, California
The 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 -
El Dorado County, California
Camp at Ice House Reservoir
4.01 mi / 1 ft gainDesolation 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 lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...Read more -
Frazier Creek Road, California
Frazier Falls
4.01.06 mi / 79 ft gainFrazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months. To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Gra...Read more -
Plumas County, California
Hike to Little Jamison Falls
3.02 mi / 500 ft gainTo get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...Read more -
39.333252,-120.289482
Donner 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 -
Olympic Valley, California
Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes
6 mi / 1000 ft gainThis hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...Read more -
Olympic Valley, California
Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail
3.6 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash.Read more