Sierra County, California, United States trails

From Happy Isles, this demanding Yosemite route follows the Merced River into the forested canyon of the Mist Trail, passing the spray and granite stairways of Vernal Fall before continuing above the river toward Emerald Pool and the broader waterfall amphitheater around Nevada Fall. Beyond Nevada Fall, the…

Distance: 15.4 mi • Elevation gain: 6,506 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,816 ft

Starting near Yosemite Lodge and the Camp Four area, this demanding route climbs the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail through oak woodland and granite switchbacks, quickly rising above Yosemite Valley toward Columbia Rock, where broad views open over the valley floor, Merced River corridor, Half Dome, and surrounding…

Distance: 9.3 mi • Elevation gain: 7,995 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,031 ft

From the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead beside Tenaya Lake, the route leaves Tioga Road and moves quickly from the open lakeshore into lodgepole forest and granite slabs, following the southbound trail signed for Clouds Rest and Sunrise before climbing away from the basin above Tenaya Creek. Beyond the Sunrise Lakes…

Distance: 12.0 mi • Elevation gain: 2,890 ft • Maximum elevation: 9,813 ft

The Half Dome hike is a true Yosemite adventure. With breathtaking views of the falls, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada, it rewards those who tackle its challenging terrain. The final ascent up the cable route is thrilling, and while demanding, it’s an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the…

Distance: 16.3 mi • Elevation gain: 6,368 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,816 ft

The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. As you ascend the trail, you'll be treated to ever-changing views of Yosemite Valley, including dramatic overlooks of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall, with distant glimpses of the Sierra…

Distance: 10.3 mi • Elevation gain: 5,262 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,208 ft

The route to Castle Peak in Tahoe National Forest offers a scenic and moderate challenge for hikers, with expansive views of the Sierra Nevada's rugged terrain. The trail weaves through a mixture of rocky ridgelines, alpine meadows, and forested paths, revealing picturesque vistas of distant peaks such as…

Distance: 5.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,900 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,986 ft

The hike to Gilbert Lake and Flower Lake offers a stunning array of alpine landscapes through the John Muir Wilderness, from serene lakes to towering peaks. As you ascend from Onion Valley, the route passes through lush meadows, pine forests, and rocky terrain, providing panoramic views of the Kearsarge…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,434 ft • Maximum elevation: 10,551 ft

The hike to Morgan Lakes via the Little Lakes Valley Trail offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. Starting at Mosquito Flat, the trail weaves through a stunning landscape filled with serene alpine lakes like Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake and Box Lake, all framed by towering…

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,060 ft • Maximum elevation: 11,096 ft

The Andesite Peak Loop in the Tahoe National Forest, is a diverse and rewarding hike. Along the way, you'll traverse through lush meadows, ascend rocky ridgelines, and enjoy sweeping views of surrounding peaks like Castle Peak, with its volcanic features from ancient eruptions. The route provides an…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 915 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,064 ft

The Mount Umunhum Trail via the Guadalupe Creek Overlook offers hikers a varied and rewarding experience, showcasing a range of ecosystems from oak woodlands to chaparral scrub. Along the route, visitors are treated to expansive views of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, with notable…

Distance: 7.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,962 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,438 ft

The Pyramid Peak Trail in Eldorado National Forest offers a challenging and rewarding hike, leading to impressive views of the surrounding wilderness. Along the route, hikers encounter a mix of alpine terrain, including meadows, ponds, and the dramatic rock formations typical of the Sierra Nevada. The trail's…

Distance: 6.4 mi • Elevation gain: 3,944 ft • Maximum elevation: 9,957 ft

The Mount Wilson Trail in the Angeles National Forest offers hikers a challenging ascent through diverse ecosystems, including shaded woodlands and rugged canyons. Along the route, one can observe the historic ruins of Orchard Camp, a popular resort from the 1890s to the 1930s. Upon reaching the summit, hikers…

Distance: 14.3 mi • Elevation gain: 6,001 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,663 ft

Loop hike to Boccardo Peak and Eagle Rock via Penitencia Creek Trail, North Rim Trail, Eagle Rock Trail, Todd L. Quick Trail and Boccardo Loop Trail in the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and the Alum Rock Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Rock #Nature #Forest #Park

Distance: 7.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,952 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,883 ft

Mountain Bike loop along the North Yuba River and on the Fiddle Creek Ridge in the Tahoe National Forest. #MTB #Loop #River #Canyon #Forest #Mountain #Nature

Distance: 19.9 mi • Elevation gain: 6,076 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,111 ft

Hike to Mount Umunhum via Mount Umunhum Trail and Guadalupe Creek Overlook in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Overlook

Distance: 7.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,077 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,432 ft

Hike to Mount Wilson from Sierra Madre via Mount Wilson Trail in Angeles National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Angeles

Distance: 7.1 mi • Elevation gain: 5,597 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,640 ft

Hike to Hite Cove along South Fork Merced River via Hites Cove Trail in the Sierra National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #River #Forest #Nature

Distance: 7.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,205 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,713 ft

Hike to Jones Peak by the Balley Canyon Trail in the Angeles National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature #Canyon #Angeles

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 2,638 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,294 ft

Distance: 1.9 mi • Elevation gain: 591 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,417 ft

Distance: 0.9 mi • Elevation gain: 36 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,473 ft