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  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail, California

    The Pacific Crest Trail in California is a top pick for outdoor adventures. This long-distance hiking and equestrian trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, offering a scenic journey through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. It's a must-visit for those who enjoy challenging hikes, with a high point at Forester Pass standing at 13,153 feet. Along the trail, you'll encounter the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park, the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, and the unique rock formations of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Other attractions near the trail include the Sequoia National Forest known for its giant sequoia trees. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are waiting for you at the Pacific Crest Trail.

    Top Spots in and near Pacific Crest Trail

    • Mono County, California

      Leavitt Lake in Stanislaus National Forest

      4.0
      7.44 mi / 1385 ft gain
      Situated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to Leavitt Lake, but a high clearance vehicle is requi...
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    • Highway 108, California

      Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

      5.0
      3.6 mi / 1280 ft gain
      Trailhead Coordinates: 38º 19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8897ftThe trail is kind of tricky to find. It is West of the PCT trailhead at Sonora Pass and it is not marked. You park along the side of Hwy 108 and scramble down an embankment where a creek flows at the bottom. Cross this creek and you ...
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    • Highway 108, California

      Hike to Deadman Lake

      6 mi / 1700 ft gain
      Start: 38º19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8879ftPark along Hwy 108, head down the bank and across the stream at the bottom. There you will find the start of the trail.This is a challenging hike without much of an actual trail to follow for the majority of it. The hike is very steep in certain are...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Lower & Upper Relief Valleys and the East Flange Rock

      21.6 mi / 3600 ft gain
      The Lower and Upper Relief Valleys are beautiful alpine valleys cut by Relief Creek in the heart of the Emigrant Wilderness and are an excellent alternative to Yosemite National Park if you're looking for solitude and no crowds. The East Flange Rock juts prominently over Lower Relief and is an ea...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Climb Granite Dome via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes

      25 mi / 5000 ft gain
      Granite Dome is the signature peak in the Emigrant Wilderness, with fantastic views north to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, east to the Hoover Wilderness (Sawtooth Ridge), and south to Yosemite including, on a clear day, Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Range.There are several routes up Granite D...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Camp at Baker Campground

      5.0
      / 6224 ft gain
      Baker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...
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    • Bridgeport, California

      Matterhorn Peak

      5.0
      12.1 mi / 5036 ft gain
      Matterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.
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    • Bridgeport, California

      Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness

      3.0
      Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...
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    • Bridgeport, California

      Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir

      10 mi / 6000 ft gain
      Matterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...
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    • Tuolumne County, California

      Backpack Chewing Gum Lake

      3.3
      4.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
      Chewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...
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    • Tuolumne County, California

      Climb Cracks at the Gianelli Edges

      We first found the Gianelli Edges mentioned in the Climbers Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway. A short 2.5-3 hour drive from our place in Oakland, it's a great spot for a quick single day or overnight climbing excursion. Just head out 120 toward Yosemite and pull off on the 108 toward Burst Rock/G...
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    • Bridgeport, California

      Buckeye Hot Springs

      3.8
      From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.
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    • Arnold, California

      Hiking Disaster Creek

      While this is not a terribly scenic hike, the trees, creek, and terrain are very beautiful, and the entire area is quiet and peaceful. You're likely not to pass a single other person on the hike, which is great for letting dogs off-leash.The trail starts off with a series of switchbacks, which ga...
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    • Bridgeport, California

      Hike to Peeler Lake

      11 mi / 2400 ft gain
      This trip can be done as a day trip or backpacking trip. It is around an 11 mile out-and-back trip.Park at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, CA. There is a $10 fee and it can take a while on busy weekends. A permit is required to stay overnight in Hoover Wilderness. The trailhead can be hard to find; it ...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)

      4.5
      8.34 mi / 705 ft gain
      Start by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance. To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this ro...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Backpack to Chain Lakes

      4.4 mi / 864 ft gain
      This trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...
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    Camping and Lodging in Pacific Crest Trail

    Lower Twin Lakes At Bridgeport
    Bridgeport, California

    Lower Twin Lakes At Bridgeport

    Robinson Creek North
    Twin Lakes Road

    Robinson Creek North

    Paha
    Twin Lakes Road

    Paha

    Honeymoon Flat
    Bridgeport, California

    Honeymoon Flat

    Pioneer Trail
    Pinecrest, California

    Pioneer Trail

    Pinecrest
    Pinecrest, California

    Pinecrest

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Pacific Crest Trail

    Confronting Our Egos through Travel

    Confronting Our Egos through Travel

    Ryan Longnecker

    23 Things I Learned in 23 Days on the John Muir Trail

    23 Things I Learned in 23 Days on the John Muir Trail

    Girls Who Hike

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    AJ Johnson

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    Meghan White

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Hannah Sibley