Placerville, California
Placerville, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. One of the best trails and outdoor activities in the area is the El Dorado Trail. This multi-purpose trail stretches for 35 miles, offering scenic views of rolling hills, and passing through historic mining towns. The trail is a mix of paved and dirt paths, making it suitable for a variety of fitness levels. For a unique outdoor attraction, visit the Gold Bug Park and Mine. Here, you can explore a real gold mine and learn about the area's rich history. For water activities, the South Fork American River offers rafting and kayaking opportunities. These are must-visit outdoor activities when in Placerville.
Top Spots in and near Placerville
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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 -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Lake Tahoe’s Inspiration Point
4.7Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake. Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee. It is very easy to get to, and its high va...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Emerald Bay
4.31.84 mi / 358 ft gainThe View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take the quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspecti...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay
4.5There is a reason Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world and that is because of its stunning beauty! I am sure you have experienced it during the day, but the bay really comes alive at night. The Milky Way reaches over all of Emerald Bay and it is a sight to see! Head out...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Cascade Falls
4.81.32 mi / 98 ft gainStarting out at the Bayview Trailhead you will make your way out through the campground towards the trail. Once you find the trail it is a simple way to the falls. It starts out as a wide trail and winds through the pine and fir trees. You will come to some stone steps as the trail narrows for th...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
4.513 mi / 1500 ft gainGet ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the v...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.05 miThis wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes
3.010.14 mi / 2316 ft gainThe hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim in Granite Lake
5.01.25 mi / 900 ft gainGranite Lake is a pristine alpine lake near Lake Tahoe just off the Highway 89 above Emerald Bay. To get there park at the Bayview Campground Trailhead, which can be pretty crowded in peak season so get there early. The trail begins with an split: right takes you into the Desolation Wilderness (a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Maggie's Peaks
5.03.85 mi / 1663 ft gainThis hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
5.0Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaCliff Jumping Paradise
4.5If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP
5.01.7 mi / 40 ft gainWhen 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...Read more -
Placer County, California
Paddle Lake Valley Reservoir
A perfect adventure spot off Highway 80, Lake Valley Reservoir offers paddlers prime parking and a paved boat launch to push off on a mountain lake with an island for picnicking. Lake speed is 10 mph so fishing boats with outboards are allowed but they have to take it slow. Post launch, head le...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Boulder at D.L. Bliss State Park
This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session i...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail
7.21 mi / 1424 ft gainD.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.Read more
