Gardnerville, Nevada

Looking for the best backpacking in Gardnerville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Gardnerville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Gardnerville

  • Twin Bridges, California

    Hiking to Ralston Peak

    4.0
    7 mi / 2375 ft gain
    Starting at the lower lot it's less than a mile to access the trail. The hike starts off in shade through a lot of red fir forest and continues at a steady upward route. Approximately 45 mins into the hike you'll come across a sign that says you are entering desolation wilderness. The forest will...
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  • Twin Bridges, California

    Ropi Lake via Pyramid Creek

    4.7
    4.87 mi / 1581 ft gain
    The trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee to park in the trailhead parking lot. The hike i...
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  • Twin Bridges, California

    Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    Mount Price (9,975') is the second highest summit in the Desolation Wilderness, standing just eight feet lower than Pyramid Peak to the south. In between these two peaks stands Mount Agassiz (9,967'), whose overhanging summit resembles a granite wave poised to crash down into the Desolation Vall...
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  • Twin Bridges, California

    Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon

    5.0
    7.4 mi / 4100 ft gain
    Pyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated granite slabs and talus, and the Rocky Canyon route ...
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  • Markleeville, California

    Backpack to Grouse Lake

    4.7
    11.43 mi / 2283 ft gain
    It is a 6 mile hike to Grouse Lake. You begin at the trailhead which is right by Damsite Campground at Upper Blue Lake. Park in the dirt parking area and then cross the metal footbridge, and you will see the trailhead marker on your left. The trail takes you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Follow...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 1785 ft gain
    Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Twin and Island Lakes

    5.0
    6.26 mi / 1237 ft gain
    The Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple of bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams.  The marsh-like water is very slow-moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime.  Be sure to ...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Smith Lake

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 1785 ft gain
    To get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass Loop

    4.4
    26.28 mi / 5151 ft gain
    This 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...
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  • Pioneer, California

    The Potholes ("The Pots")

    4.2
    1.53 mi / 121 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Hike Pyramid Peak

    5.0
    Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

    This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
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  • Coleville, California

    Hike to Tamarack Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

    4.0
    10 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The trailhead begins at the end of Golden Gate Rd in Coleville, Ca on highway 396. There are very limited signs, so maps are necessary! Depending on how fast of a hiker you are, you can most likely reach the lake in 6 hours with minimal breaks. If you cannot start in the morning, there are beauti...
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  • Arnold, California

    Hike To Bull Run Lake

    4.3
    The 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...
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  • Arnold, California

    Backpack To Wheeler Lake

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...
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  • Arnold, California

    Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake

    15 mi / 2400 ft gain
    This is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...
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