Top Adventures in Pacific
Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park
The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well.Along the way, y...
Camp at Ice House Reservoir
Desolation 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 lake...
1 miles
1 ft gain
Climb Phantom Spires
Phantom Spires is a rock climbing area west of south Lake Tahoe consisting of granitic rock formations, or spires, among low scrub and old burned pines. Various sport and trad routes have been established, mostly single-pitch, though some might be...
Hike to Bassi Falls
109' 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 rura...
Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing s...
Hike Pyramid Peak
Although 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 (...
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
This 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 pas...
26 miles
1700 ft gain
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
The 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 p...
7 miles
1600 ft gain
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
To 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 Strawberr...
5.6 miles
1750 ft gain
Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail
Starting 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...
Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness
Mount Price (9,975') is the second highest summit in the Desolation Wilderness, standing just eight feet lower than Pyramid Peak to the south. In between these two peaks stands Mount Agassiz (9,967'), whose overhanging summit resembles a granite ...
Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
Pyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated gr...
7.4 miles
4100 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Pollock Pines, California
South Fork Group (Ca)
Overview South Fork is the largest group campground in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, nestled in the vast expanse of the Eldorado National Forest. The remote location affords visitors a true ou... -
Pollock Pines, California
Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground
Overview This site remains closed due to storm damage. No reopening date has been set at this time. Bridal Veil Group Campsite and Picnic Area is located on the South Fork of the American River. ... -
Pacific House, California
Gerle Creek
Overview Gerle Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork among a lush forest of hardwoods. The area provides lots of opportunity for fishing and water play. Hiking and biking... -
Pollock Pines, California
Silver Creek Group Campground
Overview Silver Creek, located in the Crystal Basin area, offers a fun atmosphere with beautiful scenery for group gatherings. The Ice House Reservoir is less than 2 miles away, providing fun optio... -
Grizzly Flats, California
Capps Crossing
Overview Capps Crossing is located on the North Fork of the Cosumnes River. The campground is located in a forested area and is well shaded during the day. Hiking trails and rock climbing areas a... -
Kyburz, California
Sunset Union Valley
Overview Sunset Campground is situated on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir, among the towering cedar and ponderosa pines of Eldorado National Forest. Aptly named, the campground is a fantastic ...
