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
D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail
5.07.21 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 -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle
4.0The drive to the location of Vikingsholm was beautiful with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, when approached from South Lake Tahoe. The hike down the hill to see this gem was worth it but could be hard for some (because the only return is up this somewhat steep path with switchbac...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.0Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Ski Ralston Peak
5.0Ralston Peak is a classic south Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding area, and is excellent for hiking in the summer, too. Please note, however, that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is dangerous – make sure you know the conditions and have avalanche equipment.There are two main appr...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
"Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness
4.710.5 mi / 1522 ft gainAlthough this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe to Ralston Peak
5.0This loop is best accomplished in 2 days, spending a night at either Ralston, Tamarack, or Cagwin Lake. Although this route is similar to hiking Ralston Peak in the summer, the trails are completely covered by snow so solid navigation skills are necessary. A map is required to find the best possi...Read more -
Echo Lake, CaliforniaPCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80
5.062.03 mi / 10394 ft gainPCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80 is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Lake Aloha via Echo Lakes
4.312.34 mi / 1552 ft gainYou'll start the hike at the Echo Lakes trailhead, just off of Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe. The trail meanders past Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, slowly gaining altitude as you pass a smattering of summer cabins. The climb is enough to make you feel it, but before you know it, it's over. Once cresti...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Emerald Pools
3.50.68 mi / 49 ft gainEmerald Pools is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Emigrant Gap, California.Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Echo Lakes Trail
4.05.07 mi / 440 ft gainThe Echo Lakes Trail goes through California's Desolation Wilderness and features incredible views. This trail is rated as moderate, and is best for excited beginners or intermediate hikers. This hike takes roughly 3.5-4 hours. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is best used fr...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Mount Tallac
4.99.23 mi / 3244.75 ft gainThe classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking ...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit
3.5 mi / 1900 ft gainFor this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry
This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Backpack to Crag Lake
4.011.1 mi / 1220 ft gainDay 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike. Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Hike the Independence Trail
4.5Starting from the free easy access parking lot right off highway 49 you head left up the trail. You will notice two trails side by side, one wider path for wheelchair access and another slightly narrower path for hikers on foot.The trail is set on the cliff side overlooking the South Fork of the ...Read more
