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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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dog Lake Loop
3.03.71 mi / 740 ft gainThis 3.7 mile roundtrip hike begins at the center of Tuolumne Meadows (shuttle stop #2) at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin trailhead parking lot. There are restrooms and picnic tables at the east side of the lot, there you will also find the trailhead to Dog Lake. The trail begins at 8,500 ft and c...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Junction Campground, Mono County
Junction campground is by far one of my favorite campsites when I am visiting the High Sierra and Tuolumne Meadows. The only downside is, you can only camp certain months; usually from June through October when highway 120 is open. The Junction campground is far away from the crowds of Yosemite...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
May Lake Trail
4.02.34 mi / 489 ft gainMay Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead
5.55 mi / 2140 ft gainThe May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute
6 mi / 3000 ft gainThis is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows
5.0Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of near...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Backpack to Fletcher Lake and Summit Vogelsang Peak
19.06 miBefore you head out for the trip, you’ll need to get a wilderness permit. You can get one online from the Yosemite website or pick one up at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center or from the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley. Go to Yosemite and take Highway 120 up to Tuolumne Meadows. You ca...Read more -
37.876736,-119.346085
Glen Aulin
4.812.19 mi / 600 ft gainStart your hike to this waterfall oasis in the heart of the sierra at the parking lot for the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits along the beautifully winding Tuolumne River. White Cascade an 80ft waterfall sits at the edge of camp and provides an excellent swim...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground
5.0Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash! More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack to Nelson Lake
17 mi / 1000 ft gainHead to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau
11.7 mi / 1800 ft gainThe most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake
5.0Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy wat...Read more -
Wawona, California
Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park
This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...Read more -
Arnold, California
Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake
15 mi / 2400 ft gainThis is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake
5.014.5 mi / 1775 ft gainThe "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest to Half Dome
18.52 mi / 4000 ft gainBecause this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...Read more
