Sonora, California
Sonora, California is a top spot for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The must-visit Dragoon Gulch Trail is a scenic 2.5-mile loop with moderate difficulty. It offers views of oak woodlands, unique rock formations, and a seasonal creek. For a more challenging hike, the Table Mountain Trail offers a steep climb with rewarding views of the Sierra Nevada and a stunning waterfall. The nearby New Melones Lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and camping. Yosemite National Park, a short drive from Sonora, offers world-renowned hiking trails, towering cliffs, and the iconic Half Dome. These outdoor attractions make Sonora a top destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
Top Spots in and near Sonora
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Tuolumne Meadows, California
Sierra Point via Happy Isle
5.01.44 mi / 1007 ft gainThe unmaintained trail is initially hard to find if you’re not familiar with its location. Here are the instructions: From Happy Isle, start on the JMT trail heading towards Vernal Falls. Shortly after passing a sign indicating the start of the John Muir Trail, you'll come to another sign o...Read more -
Mariposa, California
Panorama Trail
4.816.87 mi / 5184 ft gainThe Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...Read more -
Mono County, California
Leavitt Lake in Stanislaus National Forest
4.07.44 mi / 1385 ft gainSituated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to Leavitt Lake, but a high clearance vehicle is requi...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake
32 mi / 2400 ft gainThe hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park
Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...Read more -
Pioneer, California
Granite Lake Trail
2.45 mi / 321.52 ft gainTake the road to Kit Carson Lodge. When the road turns to dirt, take this one-lane dirt road as far as you can go. The road terminates into a round parking area, however, as of the writing of this post, there was a large tree blocking the road about 250 ft before the end. The Trailhead is clearl...Read more -
Mariposa County, CaliforniaMount Watkins
6.22 mi / 1089 ft gainThis is a moderate hike out to an overlook of Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and the east end of Yosemite Valley. There is some parking on both sides of the road about 1.5 miles west of Olmsted Point. One side is gravel with parking for ~6 vehicles and offers bear boxes for food while the other is a pa...Read more -
Pioneer, California
The Potholes ("The Pots")
4.41.53 mi / 121 ft gainThis fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small water falls. The area is located next to Silver L...Read more -
Placerville, California
Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
5.0Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
May Lake Trail
4.02.34 mi / 489 ft gainMay Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute
6 mi / 3000 ft gainThis is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead
5.55 mi / 1978 ft gainThe May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...Read more
