Pinecrest, California
Pinecrest, California, is a great destination for outdoor adventures. From scenic hikes to must-visit trails, the area offers plenty of options for those looking to explore the great outdoors. For the best trails, visitors should check out the Pinecrest Trail, which is a 4.5-mile loop through the forest and meadows. The trail offers stunning views and is a great spot for bird watching. Another popular outdoor activity in the area is fishing. The nearby Pinecrest Lake is a great spot for anglers of all levels, with plenty of trout and bass to be caught. Pinecrest also offers plenty of opportunities for camping, with several campgrounds located in the area. For those looking for a more scenic experience, the nearby Sequoia National Park is a must-visit. Here, visitors can explore the giant sequoias, take in stunning views, and hike through the park's many trails. No matter what type of outdoor activity you're looking for, Pinecrest, California, has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Pinecrest
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Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
4.22.67 mi / 653 ft gainThe Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of three sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This particular grove has gorgeous forest scenery and provides great solitude compared to the crowded Yosemite Valley. The trail used to be an old road offering a wide path with a gradual descent, makin...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Crane Flat Campground
Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite
5.013.38 mi / 2200 ft gainBeginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Matterhorn Peak
5.012.1 mi / 5036 ft gainMatterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.Read more -
Pioneer, California
Hike to Granite Lake
Take the road to Kit Carson Lodge. When the road turns to dirt, take this one-lane dirt road as far as you can go. The road terminates into a round parking area, however, as of the writing of this post, there was a large tree blocking the road about 250 ft before the end.The Trailhead is clearly ...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn 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...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
3.0Barney 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...Read more -
Pioneer, California
Camping at The Pots
4.2This fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small water falls. The area is located next to Silver L...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park
Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike The Sisters in the Mokelumnee Wilderness
8 mi / 2500 ft gainThe Sisters offer a great day hike with fun scrambling and beautiful views of the Northern Sierra, Lake Tahoe, the Mokelumnee Wilderness, and the Carson River Canyon.The trail to The Sisters begins at Woods Lake (38.6855° N, 120.0095° W), at the end of Woods Lake Road off Highway 88, 1.5 miles we...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop
6.6 mi / 1272 ft gainThis hike begins near the Woods Lake campground. Start off by hiking towards Winnemucca Lake. You will begin your journey going through the forest beside a crystal-clear stream. Soon the trail opens up to become more open, full of all colours of wild flowers. You follow this breathtaking trail up...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike to Round Top Peak
5.09 mi / 1821 ft gainThis hike begins at Carson Pass which is accessible from Highway 88. The trail leaves from the parking lot (parking requires a fee of $5) and is easy to follow. After about a mile, you'll pass Frog Lake on the left, which is a nice place to stop for a quick snack.Continue along the trail and stay...Read more -
Coleville, California
Hike to Tamarack Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
4.010 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trailhead begins at the end of Golden Gate Rd in Coleville, Ca on highway 396. There are very limited signs, so maps are necessary! Depending on how fast of a hiker you are, you can most likely reach the lake in 6 hours with minimal breaks. If you cannot start in the morning, there are beauti...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail
10.5 mi / 1257 ft gainMeiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kirkwood, California.Read more -
Markleeville, California
Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake
5.08.71 mi / 971 ft gainThis is an awesome out-and-back hike for the weekend warrior. The trail begins at the western-most point of Caples Lake, and takes you to Emigrant Lake. The first 2/3 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some ...Read more
