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
-
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 -
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 -
Kyburz, California
Hike to Bassi Falls
4.61.22 mi / 194 ft gain109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles re...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail
5.0Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...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
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
5.07 mi / 1600 ft gainThe Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple 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 loa...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike To Bull Run Lake
4.3The hike to Bull Run Lake is about 7.8 miles, roundtrip, and begins at the Stanislaus Meadows Trailhead, located about 10 miles West of Ebbetts Pass. There is plenty of parking near the trailhead, off of the South side of CA 4. The trailhead GPS coordinates are: N38 30.376' / W119 56/617'Once you...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 -
Twin Bridges, California
Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
5.07.4 mi / 4100 ft gainPyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated granite slabs and talus, and the Rocky Canyon route ...Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpacking to Sword Lake
5.0Getting There Take 108 to Pinecrest Lake to pick up a free backcountry permit at the Summit Ranger Station. (If you reach Strawberry you've gone too far.) Continue past Beardsley Lake to Clark's Fork Road on the left. Cross two bridges and Forest Route 6N06 will take you to the trailhead (County ...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 -
Pinecrest, California
Hike to Cleo's Bath
4.56.5 mi / 1263 ft gainThis 6+ mile hike is located at Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest located in Tuolumne County and features a lake, river, forest, waterfall, and swimming hole. It is accessible year-round, in winter there will be snow, and the hike is dog friendly except between May 15th-September ...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Climb Knapsack Crack & Deception at Lover's Leap
If you're just getting into outdoor climbing, it can be pretty daunting. There are so many amazing routes and so much to be worried about. Plus, you need a partner you trust to put the work in with you. To start, read a book or two, and if you can, work with a guide once or twice to make sure you...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Hiking to Ralston Peak
4.07 mi / 2375 ft gainStarting at the lower lot it's less than a mile to access the trail. The hike starts off in shade through a lot of red fir forest and continues at a steady upward route. Approximately 45 mins into the hike you'll come across a sign that says you are entering desolation wilderness. The forest will...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Ropi Lake via Pyramid Creek
4.74.87 mi / 1581 ft gainThe trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee to park in the trailhead parking lot. The hike i...Read more
