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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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 -
Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
5.04.2 mi / 639 ft gainSouth Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.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 -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Chillin at Lake Tahoe's Kiva Beach
4.7Kiva is a secluded sandy crescent beach flanked by a beautiful meadow and mountain backdrop. This beach is rarely crowded and has free parking unlike other beaches in Tahoe. Kiva is a great place to bring dogs and is actually well known as a dog beach. Kiva is also accessible from the bike trail...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Kiva Beach to Emerald Bay
4.0Grab your paddleboard or rent one from Baldwin Beach, and head out along the southwest shores of Lake Tahoe towards Emerald Bay. Enjoy the pristine blue water and keep your head up for the occasional osprey or bald eagle.Once you make it to the bay, there are plenty of places to go. You can relax...Read more -
Emigrant Gap, California
Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail
5.06.41 mi / 1522 ft gainLoch Leven Viewpoint Trail is an out-and-back trail to a viewpoint of the Loch Leven Lakes that is moderately difficult located near Truckee, California. This trail is just under 6.5 miles. If you're willing to add a little more than a mile to your adventure, you can head all the way to Upper Loc...Read more -
Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead, California
Loch Leven Lakes Trail
4.47.6 mi / 1480 ft gainThe trail is easy to follow for the first half mile until you get to some large slabs of granite. As you continue up the trail look for stacked rocks, these will give you a an easy route as you continue up the mountain. The trail then starts to switch back eventually leading to a small bridge. Af...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Bowman Road and Meadow Lake Road to Henness Pass
3.035.45 mi / 4895 ft gainBowman Road and Meadow Lake Road to Henness Pass is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Alta, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Round Lake through Big Meadow
3 mi / 1197 ft gainYou will start out at the Big Meadow trailhead at the Luther Pass parking lot. It's three miles one way. Near the end of the hike just before the lake the rock formations are prime...big trees, a crystal stream. The trail is well defined and easy going even though it's an 1100 foot gain in eleva...Read more -
Homewood, California
Eagle Rock
4.00.84 mi / 105 ft gainStarting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit
17.51 mi / 2949 ft gainTahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Winter Paddle From Camp Richardson to Kiva Beach
Starting at Camp Rich you might get some weird looks at the start, but it is all worth it! As you look out at the lake all you see is the beautiful crystal clear water reflecting the gorgeous snow covered mountains. As you throw your board in the water you begin your paddle along the shoreline. T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail
10.5 mi / 1257 ft gainMeiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kirkwood, California.Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike to Round Top Peak
5.09 mi / 1821 ft gainThis hike begins at Carson Pass which is accessible from Highway 88. The trail leaves from the parking lot (parking requires a fee of $5) and is easy to follow. After about a mile, you'll pass Frog Lake on the left, which is a nice place to stop for a quick snack.Continue along the trail and stay...Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley
5.0Bear 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...Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Snowshoe Bear Valley
5.0Bear 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...Read more
