Bear Valley, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Bear Valley, California, offer an array of outdoor adventures. The top must-visit is the Bear Valley Trail, a moderately challenging 10.5-mile loop. This scenic trail winds through mixed conifer forests, past the sparkling Arch Rock and alongside the rushing Bear Creek. For a shorter, less strenuous hike, try the Earthquake Trail, a 0.6-mile loop with informative signs about the area's geology. For an aquatic adventure, Bear Valley offers kayaking and fishing on Bear Lake, renowned for its clear waters and abundant trout. Nearby, the Arnold Rim Trail offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. A visit to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, just a short drive away, is a must for its towering sequoia trees. These outdoor activities and attractions make Bear Valley a top destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near Bear Valley
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Markleeville, California
Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park
Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake
5.08.71 mi / 971 ft gainThis is an awesome out-and-back hike for the weekend warrior. The trail begins at the western-most point of Caples Lake, and takes you to Emigrant Lake. The first 2/3 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some ...Read more -
Amador County, California
Hike to Thunder Mountain at Carson Pass
7 miThe 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 ...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hiking Disaster Creek
While this is not a terribly scenic hike, the trees, creek, and terrain are very beautiful, and the entire area is quiet and peaceful. You're likely not to pass a single other person on the hike, which is great for letting dogs off-leash.The trail starts off with a series of switchbacks, which ga...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Camp at Baker Campground
5.0/ 6224 ft gainBaker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Lower & Upper Relief Valleys and the East Flange Rock
21.6 mi / 3600 ft gainThe Lower and Upper Relief Valleys are beautiful alpine valleys cut by Relief Creek in the heart of the Emigrant Wilderness and are an excellent alternative to Yosemite National Park if you're looking for solitude and no crowds. The East Flange Rock juts prominently over Lower Relief and is an ea...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Climb Granite Dome via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes
25 mi / 5000 ft gainGranite Dome is the signature peak in the Emigrant Wilderness, with fantastic views north to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, east to the Hoover Wilderness (Sawtooth Ridge), and south to Yosemite including, on a clear day, Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Range.There are several routes up Granite D...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP
5.01.7 mi / 40 ft gainWhen 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Round Lake through Big Meadow
3 mi / 1197 ft gainYou will start out at the Big Meadow trailhead at the Luther Pass parking lot. It's three miles one way. Near the end of the hike just before the lake the rock formations are prime...big trees, a crystal stream. The trail is well defined and easy going even though it's an 1100 foot gain in eleva...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit
17.51 mi / 2949 ft gainTahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
3.75 mi / 560 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Hike to Cleo's Bath
4.56.5 mi / 1263 ft gainThis 6+ mile hike is located at Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest located in Tuolumne County and features a lake, river, forest, waterfall, and swimming hole. It is accessible year-round, in winter there will be snow, and the hike is dog friendly except between May 15th-September ...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Climb Knapsack Crack & Deception at Lover's Leap
If you're just getting into outdoor climbing, it can be pretty daunting. There are so many amazing routes and so much to be worried about. Plus, you need a partner you trust to put the work in with you. To start, read a book or two, and if you can, work with a guide once or twice to make sure you...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Freel Peak
5.07.3 mi / 2474 ft gainMt. Tallac may be one of the Lake Tahoe Basin's most famous peaks to hike because of its fantastic views of Lake Tahoe, but my personal favorite view in Tahoe is from the top of Freel Peak or Jobs Sister. Freel Peak is the tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin at 10,881 feet.From the top of Freel...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Hiking to Ralston Peak
4.07 mi / 2375 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Chewing Gum Lake
3.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainChewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...Read more
