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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

  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Photographing Valley View

    4.5
    Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parkin...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Hike to Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail

    4.0
    16.07 mi / 5568 ft gain
    A Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Lower Yosemite Falls

    4.8
    1.16 mi
    At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. The falls consists of three sections: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. At 320 feet, Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular attractions at Yosemite National Park. This 1-mile loop is a leisurely walk wi...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Photograph Moonbows at Yosemite Falls

    1 mi
    In spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Yosemite Point

    5.0
    7.35 mi / 4354 ft gain
    Starting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails.  Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary.  The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail

    4.0
    18 mi / 5200 ft gain
    One ofthe most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of YosemiteValley. This is an alternative to the often crowdedMist, Panorama or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit tohike Half Dome this is great choice. Some of the highlights include hiking tothe top of Nort...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    El Capitan Trail

    5.0
    14.68 mi / 5052 ft gain
    Start on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP

    4.5
    Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls

    12.6 mi / 3779 ft gain
    Get a permit.  Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center.  Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister!  Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4.  Eagle Pe...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Rock Climb in Camp 4

    5.0
    Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...
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  • 37.741904,-119.601967

    Upper Yosemite Falls

    4.7
    5.98 mi / 2700 ft gain
    You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Bridalveil Fall

    3.8
    1.2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Since most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just about a 10 minute walk to the falls.If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Bike Yosemite Valley

    4.0
    12 mi
    Bringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Rock Climb Penthouse Cracks, Yosemite NP

    The Penthouse Cracks in Yosemite Valley are a great introduction to crack climbing, in a safe environment. With fixed protection above the routes, you are able to safely top rope these climbs. Featuring a 5.8, two 5.10 climbs, and a 5.11, everyone can find something fun to try.Park at Yosemite Lo...
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  • Yosemite Village, California

    Watch the Sunset in El Capitan Meadow

    After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss).Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage.  With these items in hand, walk over to the eas...
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  • Jackson, California

    Lake Tabeaud Loop

    2.31 mi / 433 ft gain
    Lake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.
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