Pacific Crest Trail, California
Looking for the best hiking in Pacific Crest Trail? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Pacific Crest Trail. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Pacific Crest Trail
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Echo Lake, California
Backpack to the "Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness
4.710.5 mi / 1522 ft gainAlthough this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...Read more -
Angels Camp, California
Upper Natural Bridge Trail
1.9 mi / 410 ft gainUpper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Hiking to Ralston Peak
4.07 mi / 2375 ft gainStarting at the lower lot it's less than a mile to access the trail. The hike starts off in shade through a lot of red fir forest and continues at a steady upward route. Approximately 45 mins into the hike you'll come across a sign that says you are entering desolation wilderness. The forest will...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake
4.023 mi / 880 ft gainLMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit
3.5 mi / 1900 ft gainFor this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Ropi Lake via Pyramid Creek
4.74.87 mi / 1581 ft gainThe trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee to park in the trailhead parking lot. The hike i...Read more -
Twin Bridges, United States
Hike Horsetail Falls
4.22.8 mi / 700 ft gainGreat views are waiting for you at the top of Horsetail Falls. Pyramid Creek flows down the steep, glacier carved granite faces of Desolation Wilderness to create this awesome waterfall that is estimated to be about 800 feet tall. You will follow Pyramid Creek up the granite rocks to the top of t...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
5.07.4 mi / 4100 ft gainPyramid 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 granite slabs and talus, and the Rocky Canyon route ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Inyo Craters Trail
4.01.51 mi / 253 ft gainInyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Fish Camp, California
Hike through Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point
6 mi / 1200 ft gainThere is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the parki...Read more