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Sierraville, California

Sierraville, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Pacific Crest Trail, a top-rated hiking trail, offers scenic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This challenging trail is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. It features a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky terrains. Another gem is the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, a short drive from Sierraville. This area is dotted with over 20 small lakes, perfect for fishing and boating. For cyclists, the Downieville Downhill bike trail offers a unique blend of steep descents and technical rock features. Whether you're hiking, biking, or fishing, Sierraville offers a plethora of outdoor activities.

Top Spots in and near Sierraville

  • Calpine, California

    Camp at the Calpine Fire Lookout

    5.0
    I think all explorers agree there is nothing more serene than being surrounded by nothing but wilderness. If you are one of these said explorers, a trip to Calpine's fire lookout is a must.Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 and is one of 3 remaining examples of th...
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  • Calpine, California

    Gold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi

    If you never travel north of the Tahoe Basin into the Sierra Valley and beyond, you should. It is gorgeous, peaceful country, with wide open spaces and, compared to Tahoe, relatively uncrowded roads. This loops takes us from Bassett’s Station toward Sattley, north on 89, a brief stop to regroup i...
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  • Sierra City, California

    Camp at Sardine Lake Campground

    5.0
    This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake.  There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sard...
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  • Sierra City, California

    Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes

    4.8
    6.19 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...
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  • Calpine, California

    Camp at Salmon Creek Campground

    Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn f...
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  • Sierra City, California

    Relax at Sand Pond

    5.0
    Sand Pond is a great place to relax after a day of hiking or paddling. It's located between Sardine Lake Campground and Lower Sardine Lake and is an easy 10 min walk from the campground. Sand Pond has beautiful views of the mountains and is a great place to watch the sunset. There are small fish ...
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  • Sierra City, California

    Paddle Lower Sardine Lake

    5.0
    Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground.  It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in genera...
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  • Sierra City, California

    Sardine Lakes

    1.32 mi / 253 ft gain
    Sardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.
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  • Sierra City, California

    Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail

    5.09 mi / 1365 ft gain
    Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sierra City, California.
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  • Truckee, California

    Mt. Judah Loop Trail

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain
    A wonderful hike in Lake Tahoe is the Mt. Judah Loop Trail that offers sweeping views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains on the North Shore. As a resident on the North Shore, many of my recreational activities favor this side of the Lake but there are marvelous hikes in ...
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  • Truckee, California

    Cross-Country Ski to Drifter Hut

    3.0
    9.6 mi / 980 ft gain
    Set out from the Tahoe Donner Cross Country center in Truckee at 6,650 feet elevation. Day passes range from $12 to $34, depending on time of day and skier age, and provide access to over 100 kilometers of groomed trails. Leaving the day lodge, there are multiple options for skiing up to Drifter ...
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  • Frazier Creek Road, California

    Hike to Frazier Falls

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Frazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months.To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Graea...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Summit Castle Peak

    4.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

    5.0
    8 mi
    The 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...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Sierraville

Cold Creek
Sierraville, California

Cold Creek

Yuba Pass Campground
Calpine, California

Yuba Pass Campground

Calpine Lookout
Calpine Co Road

Calpine Lookout

Upper Little Truckee
Loyalton, California

Upper Little Truckee

Lower Little Truckee
Loyalton, California

Lower Little Truckee

Chapman
Calpine, California

Chapman

Guides, Insights and Stories from Sierraville

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Mike Fennell

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Mike Fennell

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Kristi Teplitz

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Kristi Teplitz

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Michael McSherry

The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

Kristi Teplitz