Oakhurst, California
Oakhurst, California, known for its top outdoor adventures, offers one of the best trails for hiking - the Lewis Creek Trail. A must-visit, this scenic trail is moderately challenging, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers. As you traverse the trail, you'll come across two stunning waterfalls - Corlieu and Red Rock. The sight of the cascading water against the backdrop of the Sierra National Forest is truly captivating. The trail also offers views of unique rock formations and lush greenery. If you're lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife. Other outdoor activities in and near Oakhurst include fishing in Bass Lake and exploring the famous Yosemite National Park. So, if you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities, Oakhurst should definitely be on your list.
Top Spots in and near Oakhurst
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Tuolumne County, California
Middle Gaylor Lake
1.46 mi / 764 ft gainThe main trail to the Middle Gaylor Lake is about 1.5 miles round-trip, but if you’re looking for more adventure, you can hike a little further to Upper Gaylor Lake (which will add a mile to your trip) or continue on to the Great Sierra Mine (which will add 2 miles to your trip). The Gaylor Lake...Read more -
Twain Harte-Tuolumne City, California
Mount Dana
5.04.89 mi / 2979 ft gainThere's something special about the landscape that Yosemite National Park offers, and the scenery around Mount Dana is no different. The trail begins at the Tioga Gate entrance to Yosemite with the trailhead at the north end of the small parking lot south of the gate. It winds through the ponds,...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Hike to Upper Sardine Lake
Directions (from south of June Lake): 395 northTurn right onto the 158Keep right at fork onto Parker Lake Rd and go about 0.5 milesTurn right at first right and head all the way to the top until you hit a parking lot/camping ground/trail head From North of June Lake: 395 southTurn left at 158Keep...Read more -
June Lake, California
Parker Lake Trail
5.03.55 mi / 584 ft gainParker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb the Third Pillar of Dana
From Highway 120 (Tioga Road) you can park at the lot just above Tioga Lake. Another mile up the road is the Yosemite entrance, so if you hit that, you've gone too far. Follow the trail around the south side of the lake and into Glacier Canyon. After about 2 miles you'll start scrambling on the N...Read more -
June Lake, California
Obsidian Dome West Loop
6.03 mi / 732.94 ft gainThe Obsidian Dome Trailhead provides access to a large network of winter hiking trails through Inyo National Forest. These are marked trails that are groomed on an intermittent basis by the National Forest Service. To find the trailhead and parking area, drive north on highway 395 from Mammoth La...Read more -
Mono County, California
Fishing at Convict Lake
4.3Many people come to Convict lake for the fishing. Convict is located only 2 miles off the main highway in the Eastern Sierras. The lake is clear and pristine with beautiful views. There are various ways to fish here; some rent out boats or bring their own and cruise around the lake fishing. O...Read more -
Mono County, California
Summit Mount Baldwin (12,614')
15 mi / 5000 ft gainDirections The hike for Mount Baldwin starts at the Convict Lake trailhead. The turn off for Convict lake is about 4.5 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes exit along the 395 and roughly 35 miles North of Bishop, CA. Take this exit and follow the road West towards the mountains. Turn right at the ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Convict Lake Loop
4.92.46 mi / 56 ft gainIn 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison and were ambushed near the lake by a posse who had tracked them down. The inmates escaped the shoot out after killing two of the men in the posse and the lake now had a name – Convict Lake. You won’t witness a wild west shootout here, but if you ...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Junction Campground, Mono County
Junction campground is by far one of my favorite campsites when I am visiting the High Sierra and Tuolumne Meadows. The only downside is, you can only camp certain months; usually from June through October when highway 120 is open. The Junction campground is far away from the crowds of Yosemite...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
20 Lakes Basin Loop
5.07.81 mi / 915 ft gainThis trail is overall very easy to hike, but the 9.1mi distance at a 10,000ft altitude is what makes it a bit of a doozy for people who aren't frequent hikers. That said, if you are a relatively in-shape individual, you should have no problem with this trail. Remember to take frequent water bre...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb North Peak via the NW Ridge
DirectionsAlthough North Peak lies right on the border of Yosemite, the hike starts just outside the park at the Saddle Bag Lake trail-head. There are also some campsites here if you wish to spend the night, but I think they are usually in high demand and hard to come by. To get to Saddlebag Lak...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Red Slate Mountain via McGee Creek
18.99 mi / 5440.73 ft gainI would recommend you spend the night in the area to acclimatize, since the trailhead does start at ~8,000ft and you will be hiking up to ~10,500ft at the end of the first day and climbing up to 13,100ft on the second day. One option would be to reserve a spot at the nearby McGee Creek Campground...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Steelhead Lake via McGee Creek
5.011.36 mi / 2536.09 ft gainWhether you’re looking for a dayhike near Mammoth Lakes, planning a backpacking trip along the JMT, or have a few extra hours to spare on a cross-California road trip, this is an easy and popular trail choice for killer mountain views. I was delighted to discover that this is one of the most eas...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
McGee Creek
5.03.68 mi / 728 ft gainMcGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offer...Read more
