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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South Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaCliff Jumping Paradise
4.5If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Chain Lakes
4.4 mi / 864 ft gainThis trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bike to Star Lake
5.021 mi / 2300 ft gainStart out at the top of Corral Loop, in South Lake Tahoe, and begin the climb up Armstrong Pass. After the 4 mile ride up, you reach the split to either Mr. Toads or Star Lake. Continue another 2.5 miles up the steep and sandy climb to the saddle just below Freel Peak, the tallest peak in the bas...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail
5.0Starting 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...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.05.6 mi / 1750 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Hike to Twin and Island Lakes
5.07 mi / 1600 ft gainThe Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple 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 loa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness
8.66 mi / 1919 ft gainThe easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake
4.85.29 mi / 725 ft gainPark your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.07.96 mi / 1496 ft gainStarting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.011 mi / 1600 ft gainThis hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Gertrude Lake Trail
8.28 mi / 1362 ft gainGertrude Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.Read more -
Kyburz, California
Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass
4.426.28 mi / 5151 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness
5.0Mount 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...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 -
Coleville, California
Hike to Tamarack Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
4.010 mi / 2000 ft gainThe 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...Read more
