Owens River, California

Looking for the best hiking in Owens River? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Owens River. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Owens River

  • 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...
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  • Madera County, California

    Backpack to Waugh Lake

    5.0
    11 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There 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...
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  • Madera County, California

    Cecile Lake via Agnew Meadows

    16.11 mi / 2667 ft gain
    Located 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...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows

    5.0
    30.27 mi / 4757 ft gain
    Unlike 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...
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  • Hume, California

    Big Stump Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.71 mi / 305 ft gain
    Big Stump Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Dunlap, California.
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park

    4.5
    10.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Begin this hike at the Alta Peak Trailhead in the Sequoia National Park. The trail initially takes you east-southeast through a loosely forested area that is stark and arid. Around 1.5 miles in you'll cross a small creek, but this creek may dry up in the late spring/summer. Shortly after the cree...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake

    30 mi / 8000 ft gain
    This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail

    5.0
    12.04 mi / 3346.46 ft gain
    The Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike.  For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake.  As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...
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  • Benton, California

    Photograph Wild Mustangs in Mono County

    Since these are wild horses, tracking them can be difficult. However, they tend to play and graze in a certain field in Mono County, right outside of Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite! From CA-395 turn onto CA-120 towards Mono Lake. Take this road for 21 miles until you reach Dobie Meadows Road, a one l...
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