Placer County, California
Placer County, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities are plentiful here. One must-visit is the Stevens Trail, a scenic 9-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the American River Canyon. The trail is moderately difficult with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the sight of the river, waterfalls, and wildflowers make it worth the effort. For those interested in rock formations, the Donner Summit Canyon trail is a great choice. It features intriguing granite formations and views of Donner Lake. If you're up for a challenge, the 6.9-mile round trip hike to Shirley Canyon is a must. You'll pass by rushing streams, waterfalls, and have a panoramic view of Squaw Valley. Remember to pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake! These are just a few of the best outdoor activities in Placer County, California.
Top Spots in and near Placer County
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Reno, Nevada
Dorostkar Park Nature Trail
3.01.48 mi / 39 ft gainDorostkar Park Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Arnold, California
Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake
15 mi / 2400 ft gainThis is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpack To Wheeler Lake
5.07.8 mi / 1000 ft gainThe trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...Read more -
Roseville, California
Explore The Solo Tree
3.0Disclaimer: This tree is on private property. If you choose to proceed, please check in with the property owner and proceed respectfully.The Solo Tree (often referred to as #thatrosevillesolotree on Instagram) has become a very popular photography spot in the Roseville area.Drive as far west as y...Read more -
Jackson, California
Lake Tabeaud Loop
2.31 mi / 433 ft gainLake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Upper Chalk Creek Trail
4.01.44 mi / 121 ft gainUpper Chalk Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Gold River, California
Hike the American River Parkway: Fair Oaks Bridge to Hazel Ave.
5.04.7 mi / 249 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike To Bull Run Lake
4.3The hike to Bull Run Lake is about 7.8 miles, roundtrip, and begins at the Stanislaus Meadows Trailhead, located about 10 miles West of Ebbetts Pass. There is plenty of parking near the trailhead, off of the South side of CA 4. The trailhead GPS coordinates are: N38 30.376' / W119 56/617'Once you...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Quail Run and Flume Trail Loop
4.01.45 mi / 128 ft gainQuail Run and Flume Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Peavine Peak Trail
3.08.89 mi / 2913 ft gainPeavine Peak Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Arnold, California
Climb Lookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
5.04 mi / 1900 ft gainLookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself.Lookout Peak can be done ...Read more -
Arnold, California
Climb Peep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
7 mi / 1800 ft gainPeep Sight Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself. Peep Sight Peak can b...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Anderson Park Loop
4.01.64 mi / 92 ft gainAnderson Park Loop is a popular trail for walking or running tucked away in a quiet neighborhood near Reno, Nevada. The trail loops around a pasture and connects up to Bartley Ranch for a longer or more scenic route. Take in scenic views of the surrounding mountains, but there may be some traf...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Oxbow Nature Study Area Nature Trail
4.00.77 mi / 23 ft gainOxbow Nature Study Area Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Plumas County, California
Hike to Little Jamison Falls
3.02 mi / 500 ft gainTo get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Huffaker Park Lookout Trail
4.01.88 mi / 308 ft gainHuffaker Park Lookout Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Reno, Nevada.Read more
