Sierra Nevada, California
Looking for the best chillin in Sierra Nevada? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Sierra Nevada. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Sierra Nevada
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Pinecrest, California
Climb Granite Dome via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes
25 mi / 5000 ft gainGranite Dome is the signature peak in the Emigrant Wilderness, with fantastic views north to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, east to the Hoover Wilderness (Sawtooth Ridge), and south to Yosemite including, on a clear day, Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Range.There are several routes up Granite D...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Camp at Baker Campground
5.0/ 6224 ft gainBaker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
3.0Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Buckeye Hot Springs
3.8From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Chewing Gum Lake
3.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainChewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)
4.58.34 mi / 705 ft gainStart by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance. To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this ro...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Backpack to Green Lake and Virginia Pass
17 mi / 4452 ft gainDay 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips. However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness. Best...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Chain Lakes
4.4 mi / 864 ft gainThis trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...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 -
Arnold, California
Climb Peep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
7 mi / 1800 ft gainPeep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself. Peep Sight Peak can b...Read more -
Mono County, California
Take in the View at Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake is a family-friendly Lake within a days drive from Reno/ Lake Tahoe area. As you descend Washoe Valley into the Minden area, wonderful open pastures lend itself to gorgeous vistas.Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Junction Campground, Mono County
Junction campground is by far one of my favorite campsites when I am visiting the High Sierra and Tuolumne Meadows. The only downside is, you can only camp certain months; usually from June through October when highway 120 is open. The Junction campground is far away from the crowds of Yosemite...Read more -
37.872112,-119.370472
Hike to Waterwheel Falls
17.32 miWaterwheel Falls may be the most unique waterfall in Yosemite. During high waterflow an extraordinary phenomenon appears as the raging water hits a series of ledges creating a plume, this coupled with strong gust blowing upward create cyclical "waterwheel" effect hence the name. On a good day th...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