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Pioneer, California

Pioneer, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures with some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail, known for its scenic views of the Mokelumne River and diverse wildlife. This 29-mile trail is moderately challenging, featuring a mix of flat paths and steep inclines. Along the way, you'll come across unique rock formations and a variety of local flora and fauna. For water-based activities, head over to the nearby Bear River Reservoir for fishing and boating. If you're into bird watching, the nearby Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a great spot. With its rich array of outdoor attractions, Pioneer is a top pick for those seeking fun and adventure.

Top Spots in and near Pioneer

  • 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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  • Placerville, California

    Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge

    5.0
    Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...
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  • Arnold, California

    Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP

    5.0
    1.7 mi / 40 ft gain
    When thinking of the iconic Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, one usually thinks of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. However, there is a often forgotten area of Giant Sierra Redwoods that gets far less traffic than the more popular groves. The North Grove Trail takes you through a grove of over 1...
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  • Pollock Pines, United States

    Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park

    4.0
    The 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...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP

    3.7
    5 mi / 560 ft gain
    The South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...
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  • Angels Camp, California

    Upper Natural Bridge Trail

    1.9 mi / 410 ft gain
    Upper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.
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  • Bear Valley, California

    Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is nestled in the high Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.  It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers.  It boasts 1,900 vertical feet over 1680 acres for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a popular time at Bear Valley.  Most visitors come to ski or snowboard, but...
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  • Bear Valley, California

    Snowshoe Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is a family friendly destination for snowshoeing and snow play.  There are numerous trails to explore while snowshoeing.  Don't be afraid to take a break and start a snowball fight!  There are shops located near the resort to rent snowshoes and other snow play accessories. There are s...
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  • Pioneer, California

    Camping at The Pots

    4.2
    This 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...
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  • Sonora, California

    Bouldering at Columbia College

    Get your hands on some limestone bouldering at this spot. There's actually two locations for bouldering in this area, Columbia College and Columbia State Park (about less than a 10 min. drive from Columbia College), but I made this specific adventure for climbing on the college. GPS Coordinates f...
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  • 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 ...
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  • El Dorado County, California

    Camp at Ice House Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Desolation 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...
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  • Arnold, California

    Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake

    15 mi / 2400 ft gain
    This 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,...
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  • Amador County, California

    Hike to Thunder Mountain at Carson Pass

    7 mi
    The trailhead begins on Rt 88 just past Kirkwood Resort or Silver Lake - depending on which way you are headed. There is plenty of parking but no other amenities. The trail begins at 7,900 ft and climbs steadily up Two Sentinels then along the ridge to Martins Point, ending at the 9,408ft summit ...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Hike Pyramid Peak

    5.0
    Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...
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  • Arnold, California

    Backpack To Wheeler Lake

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...
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Camping and Lodging in Pioneer

Pipi Campground
Somerset, California

Pipi Campground

Capps Crossing
Grizzly Flats, California

Capps Crossing

South Shore Campground
Pioneer, California

South Shore Campground

Bear River Group Campground
Pioneer, California

Bear River Group Campground

Oak Knoll Campground
Valley Springs, California

Oak Knoll Campground

Acorn Campground
Valley Springs, California

Acorn Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Pioneer

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

Morgan Woodhouse

The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

The Outbound Collective

Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

Josiah Roe

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

Glenn Robinson