Newcastle, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Newcastle, California, offer a variety of scenic attractions. A top pick is the Codfish Falls Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-marked and offers a pleasant walk along the North Fork American River, with opportunities to spot local wildlife. For a more challenging hike, the Lake Clementine Trail offers a 4.5-mile trek with stunning views of the lake and dam. This trail is popular for mountain biking as well. Near Newcastle, the Quarry Road Trails in Auburn offer a network of paths for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with views of the American River and surrounding hills. These must-visit outdoor adventures provide a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Newcastle and its surroundings.
Top Spots in and near Newcastle
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Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead, California
Loch Leven Lakes Trail
4.47.6 mi / 1480 ft gainThe trail is easy to follow for the first half mile until you get to some large slabs of granite. As you continue up the trail look for stacked rocks, these will give you a an easy route as you continue up the mountain. The trail then starts to switch back eventually leading to a small bridge. Af...Read more -
Galt, California
Hike the Cosumnes River Walk Trail
3.1 mi / 16 ft gainThis trail is a short, easy, accessible and beautiful trail for a nice afternoon walk (or photoshoot). I recommend the River Walk Trail (~3 miles). It is flat and easy to walk. There are multiple loops so you can turn back at any time. There are small bridges, access to the water, meadows, e...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Backpack to Lower Rock Lake
3 mi / 713 ft gainThis adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail
4.015 mi / 2200 ft gainAfter driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Swim at Long Lake near Truckee
3.71.5 mi / 100 ft gainThe story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Gertrude Lake Trail
8.28 mi / 1362 ft gainGertrude Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
4.426.28 mi / 5151 ft gainThis 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 past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike Pyramid Peak
5.0Although 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 (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
5.07 mi / 1600 ft gainThe 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 pesky mosquitoes in the summertime. Be sure to loa...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.05.6 mi / 1750 ft gainTo 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 Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail
5.0Starting 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 ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...Read more -
Oroville, California
Feather River Trail Upper Section
3.23 mi / 89 ft gainFeather River Trail Upper Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Oroville, California.Read more
