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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Galt, California
Hike the Cosumnes River Walk Trail
3.1 mi / 16 ft gainThis trail is a short, easy, accessible and beautiful trail for a nice afternoon walk (or photoshoot). I recommend the River Walk Trail (~3 miles). It is flat and easy to walk. There are multiple loops so you can turn back at any time. There are small bridges, access to the water, meadows, e...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park
Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Backpack to Lower Rock Lake
3 mi / 713 ft gainThis adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop
3.76 mi / 492 ft gainBurton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking. Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Hike the Truckee Tunnels
5.0To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach
A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Ski or Snowboard Heavenly
5.0One of the more beautiful resorts in Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding and skiing. Heavenly is situated in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada. This ski resort has an amazing view of the lake while going down, as well as one of the largest total areas to ski in Lake Tahoe. This ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bike the Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trail
4.5Starting at the top of Stagecoach Lift on Heavenly Resort this trail wraps around the north slope down to the bottom of town at the casinos. It has amazing view all the way down as you make your way down the woods up top and then cruise through the burn area near the gondola fire down to the bott...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak
5 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Summit Castle Peak
4.06 mi / 1800 ft gainThe trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut
5.08 miThe Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...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 -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
5.011.6 mi / 1800 ft gainDrive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...Read more -
Stateline, Nevada
Hike the Lam Watah Trail
5.02.2 mi / 85 ft gainLam Watah Trail is a 2.2 mile out and back hike, that will take you through Lam Watah meadows and ends at Nevada Beach. I did the hike in December and although the best time to do it is May through October, I think it had more charm during the winter time. The trail head begins from the parking ...Read more -
Stateline, Nevada
Stroll through Rabe Meadows
1.5 miRabe Meadows is a tranquil and peaceful stroll next to Burke Creek as it flows to Lake Tahoe and Nevada Beach State Park. Very easy 1.5 mile paved trail. Perfect when there isn't any snow and a short easy hike is in need. Take in the scenery and peacefulness and be happy to be outside.Read more -
Truckee, California
Donner Lake Public Docks
4.5In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...Read more
