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Amador County, California

Amador County, California boasts some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit spot is the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail. This scenic trail is moderately challenging, perfect for hikers seeking a good workout amidst natural beauty. It passes through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky terrains, offering stunning views of the Mokelumne River. Another top trail is the Cosumnes River Walk, ideal for bird-watching and peaceful strolls. For water-based adventures, Lake Tabeaud is a prime spot for fishing and boating. Near the county, the Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano offers guided tours for those interested in geology and spelunking. These outdoor adventures in and near Amador County are sure to satisfy any active traveler.

Top Spots in and near Amador County

  • Jackson, California

    Lake Tabeaud Loop

    2.31 mi / 433 ft gain
    Lake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.
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  • Placerville, California

    Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge

    5.0
    Consumes 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...
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  • Pollock Pines, United States

    Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park

    4.0
    The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well.Along the way, you will see a variety of activities along the lake...
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  • Arnold, California

    Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP

    5.0
    1.7 mi / 40 ft gain
    When thinking of the iconic Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, one usually thinks of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. However, there is a often forgotten area of Giant Sierra Redwoods that gets far less traffic than the more popular groves. The North Grove Trail takes you through a grove of over 1...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP

    3.7
    5 mi / 560 ft gain
    The South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...
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  • El Dorado County, California

    Camp at Ice House Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...
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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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  • Pioneer, California

    Camping at The Pots

    4.2
    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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  • Angels Camp, California

    Upper Natural Bridge Trail

    1.9 mi / 410 ft gain
    Upper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.
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  • Pioneer, California

    Hike to Granite Lake

    Take 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 clearly ...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Hike to Bassi Falls

    4.6
    1.22 mi / 194 ft gain
    109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles re...
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  • Gold River, California

    Hike the American River Parkway: Fair Oaks Bridge to Hazel Ave.

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 249 ft gain
    This area is possibly one of my favorite stretches of trail along the American River Parkway (for my route, click here. On this trail, you'll get great views of the American River, experience lush fern gullies, and depending on the seasons can see all sorts of wildlife, mostly birds along with t...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Gertrude Lake Trail

    8.28 mi / 1362 ft gain
    Gertrude Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.
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  • Amador County, California

    Hike to Thunder Mountain at Carson Pass

    7 mi
    The trailhead begins on Rt 88 just past Kirkwood Resort or Silver Lake - depending on which way you are headed. There is plenty of parking but no other amenities. The trail begins at 7,900 ft and climbs steadily up Two Sentinels then along the ridge to Martins Point, ending at the 9,408ft summit ...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass

    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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  • Bear Valley, California

    Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is nestled in the high Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.  It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers.  It boasts 1,900 vertical feet over 1680 acres for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a popular time at Bear Valley.  Most visitors come to ski or snowboard, but...
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Camping and Lodging in Amador County

Pipi Campground
Somerset, California

Pipi Campground

Loon Lake Chalet
El Dorado County, California

Loon Lake Chalet

Capps Crossing
Grizzly Flats, California

Capps Crossing

South Fork Group (Ca)
Pollock Pines, California

South Fork Group (Ca)

Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground
Pollock Pines, California

Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground

Oak Knoll Campground
Valley Springs, California

Oak Knoll Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Amador County

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

Morgan Woodhouse

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

Glenn Robinson

The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

The Best Photography Locations near South Lake Tahoe

The Outbound Collective

Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake

Josiah Roe