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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Mammoth Lakes, California
Cross Country Skiing at Mammoth Mountain
5.0Slip away to a scenic winter wonderland. Leave it all behind and explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin on Nordic skis or snowshoes. Rentals, lessons and guided tours are available from Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center so you can experience the serene beauty of alpine lakes and ancient forests on over ...Read more -
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley
5.030.82 mi / 6109 ft gainYosemite is an iconic park, and if you are looking for isolation with spectacular views of the backcountry this trip is for you. The trail itself is approximately 33 miles and can be done in 3-4 days, but I recommend a 6 day hike to enjoy the scenery and to have the opportunity to soak in each lo...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Scramble Yosemite's Cathedral Peak
3.0Start at Toulumne Meadows (8000 ft), and take the John Muir Trail, on the south side of Tioga Road. After about 1 mile, an unmarked trail will appear on your left – it is a less-traveled path, primarily taken by climbers. This trail will lead you away from Cathedral Lake to the back of Cathedral ...Read more -
Wawona, California
Cathedral Lakes
4.89.04 mi / 1581 ft gainStarting at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead near the Tuolumne Meadows parking lot (if parking is full at the TH), this trail wanders through the classic High Sierra forest with large white granite boulders and pine trees. After approximately 4 miles of quiet solitude in the forest, you will reach ...Read more -
Wawona, California
Pothole Dome
5.01.01 mi / 220 ft gainGetting There From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, head west on Tioga Road/ Hwy 120 towards Tenaya Lake. You'll only travel about 1 mile down the road until you see Tuolumne Meadows open up again on your right, and there will be a very large gravel pull out where you can park. Pothole Dome ...Read more -
Crowley Lake, California
Emerald Lake
4.01.76 mi / 417 ft gainEmerald lake is a relatively short 1.7 mile out-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the parking lot and trailhead. There is also overflow parking at the upper lot for Duck Lake and Skelton Lake. The trail has a decent amount of uphill, but you should arrive shortly (<30 mins) at your de...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Tulomne Meadows to Donohue Pass via JMT
5.027.56 mi / 2953 ft gainDonohue Pass lies on the border of Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) route through this pass at 11,056 ft. A challenging but beautiful hike that starts from Tuolumne Meadows and follows the JMT for 12.5 miles t...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Boothe Lake
5.016.83 mi / 1854 ft gainStarting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack to Nelson Lake
17 mi / 1000 ft gainHead to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail
4.89.29 mi / 1880 ft gainThe Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Arrowhead Lake
5.02.25 mi / 538 ft gainIf you make your way to the Goldwater Campground there is plenty of parking. The trailhead you take leads to many lakes but the Duck Pass trailhead is the on you want to take. This is a easy trail to follow and walk with very little obstacles. You follow it along for around a mile and you won't ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Pika Lake via Duck Pass Trail
5.09.41 mi / 1880 ft gainAs many of the other hikes start in this area, you start at the Goldwater Creek Campground where there is plenty of parking and restrooms. You will take the Duck Pass Trailhead for this hike. • I wanted to point out that this is not the easiest hike to do as a day hike. Many people do overnighte...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Skelton Lake Trail
5.03.2 mi / 804 ft gainThe hike to Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA starts off at the Duck Lake Pass trailhead just past Lake Mary. The hike starts off with quite a few switchbacks as you climb through the John Muir Wilderness. About one mile up the trail, you'll see an option to veer off to Arrowhead Lake. Continue o...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Heart Lake
5.02.11 mi / 492 ft gainYou will see a couple of trailheads starting by parking at the Coldwater Creek Campground parking lot. This one is specifically marked Heart Lake. There will be a couple of forks in the trail, but if you stay right and on the more obvious path, you will be up to Heart Lake in no time. (Going left...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Panorama Dome
4.00.91 mi / 259 ft gainThis is a great short hike, located near the turn off for Twin Lakes. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the lakes basin, the town, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains. There was a little snow left at the top, when we hiked it over Memorial Day weekend. Eve...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground
5.0Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash! More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more
