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Oakhurst, California

Oakhurst, California, known for its top outdoor adventures, offers one of the best trails for hiking - the Lewis Creek Trail. A must-visit, this scenic trail is moderately challenging, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers. As you traverse the trail, you'll come across two stunning waterfalls - Corlieu and Red Rock. The sight of the cascading water against the backdrop of the Sierra National Forest is truly captivating. The trail also offers views of unique rock formations and lush greenery. If you're lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife. Other outdoor activities in and near Oakhurst include fishing in Bass Lake and exploring the famous Yosemite National Park. So, if you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities, Oakhurst should definitely be on your list.

Top Spots in and near Oakhurst

  • Mariposa County, California

    Olmsted Point

    5.0
    0.4 mi
    Just off the side of the highway, look for the pullout for Olmsted Point on your Map. There is a parking area with about 25 parking spots and the lookout point with the tree is right next to there. Come in the summertime and during a new moon to get the best views of the Milky Way. Never crowded,...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Tenaya Lake

    4.6
    3.08 mi / 0 ft gain
    Tenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others pre...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

    4.7
    18.93 mi / 1775 ft gain
    Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. Once re-connected to the Clo...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop

    22.7 mi / 7000 ft gain
    Start and end this loop from the Sunrise Lakes TH along the Tioga Road, and in between you'll travel over 26 miles through Yosemite's backcountry gaining and losing over 7,000 feet in elevation. Unlike typical mountain summit hikes where it's climb climb climb to the top and then descend, this w...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake

    5.0
    14.5 mi / 1775 ft gain
    The "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Clouds Rest to Half Dome

    18.52 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Because this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation.  There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there.  Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    May Lake Trail

    4.0
    2.34 mi / 489 ft gain
    May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead

    5.55 mi / 2140 ft gain
    The May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute

    6 mi / 3000 ft gain
    This is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...
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  • Wawona, California

    Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park

    This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau

    11.7 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite

    5.0
    13.38 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Beginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead

    4.0
    12.24 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Evolution Valley via Florence Lake

    4.5
    30.36 mi / 3238 ft gain
    You can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Backpack to Crater Lake, Sierra National Forest

    8.4 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Starting at Lake Florence, this hike starts out with a climb up and keeps this up over the next 3 miles. After about 3 miles of climbing you reach another lake, Dutch Lake which provides shade and a nice place to rest. From there it's a relatively flat 1.2 miles in to your destination. Once at Cr...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Devils Postpile Loop

    5.0
    1.28 mi / 243 ft gain
    Devils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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