Pinecrest, California
Looking for the best hiking in Pinecrest? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Pinecrest. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Pinecrest
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Kyburz, California
Twin and Island Lakes
5.06.26 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple of 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 pesky mosquitoes in the summertime. Be sure to ...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.05.6 mi / 1750 ft gainTo 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 Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Gertrude Lake Trail
8.28 mi / 1362 ft gainGertrude Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
4.426.28 mi / 5151 ft gainThis 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 past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness
8.66 mi / 1919 ft gainThe easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake
4.85.29 mi / 725 ft gainPark your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.07.96 mi / 1496 ft gainStarting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.011 mi / 1600 ft gainThis hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...Read more -
Pollock Pines, United States
Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park
4.0The 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, you will see a variety of activities along the lake...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park
Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness
5.0Mount 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 wave poised to crash down into the Desolation Vall...Read more -
El Dorado County, California
Camp at Ice House Reservoir
4.01 mi / 1 ft gainDesolation 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 lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead
24.64 mi / 5453 ft gainHiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls
4.39.2 mi / 2300 ft gainMany visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Backpack to Johnson Lake
24 mi / 4500 ft gainYour trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and ...Read more