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
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Mono County, California
Rock Climbing at Clark Canyon
5.0Good quality volcanic tuff? That may somewhat of a contradiction, but nevertheless, Clark Canyon is indeed one of the best pocketed playgrounds in the Mammoth area.Be advised, however, that it is a little tricky getting there, and in certain spots you may need high clearance (a Prius won't make i...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Ralston Peak Trail
4.05.96 mi / 2740 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
4.84.87 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
Horsetail Falls
4.13.93 mi / 1417 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 ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Minaret Vista
Minaret Vista offers stunning panoramic views of the jagged Minarets, which are part of the Ritter Range in Mammoth Lakes, California. This viewpoint can be reached by driving up Minaret Road (Highway 203) to Lookout Point Road. From the viewpoint, you can also see Mount Ritter, standing at 13,15...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
5.06.31 mi / 3953 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
4.51.51 mi / 253 ft gainInyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Aloha and Lake Lucile Loop
5.08.6 mi / 1342 ft gainThis incredible hike offers you the opportunity to visit the heart of desolation without climbing more than about 600 feet of elevation. Begin at the boat taxi at Lower Echo Lake. The taxi costs $12/person each way and is $8 each-way for your furry friend. The taxi leaves the dock at frequent int...Read more -
Fish Camp, California
Wawona Point via Mariposa Grove
6.86 mi / 1486 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 park...Read more -
Madera County, California
Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
5.04.53 mi / 509 ft gainIf you do this once the shuttles are running from Mammoth Mountain, you'll want to park at the Mammoth Mountain Inn and took the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus to the trailhead closest to Devils Postpile. It was a short and easy hike, about 0.5 miles to the base. While many walked past Devils Postpile a...Read more
