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
-
Nevada City, California
Hike the Diggins Loop Trail
5.02.7 miCheck in and pay for your parking or present California State Parks Pass at the museum building in North Bloomfield. After paying for parking there are several different options to get onto the Diggins Loop trail. Access to the Diggins Loop trail can be found by the Park Headcounters by jumping...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Kayak Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place for kayaking for both beginners are more advance kayakers. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the nort...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Camp at Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Explore Emerald Bay by Boat from Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities including a boat ride across Lake Tahoe to explore Emerald Bay. To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe and turn left into the Zephyr Cove...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Stand Up Paddle Board Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to do stand up paddle board. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the northern end of the beach there ar...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Wake Board Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Wake Surf Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Catch a Sunset at Cave Rock
4.70.8 mi / 127 ft gainThis short hike is just off of highway 50 and provides one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 50 past Zephyr cove until you see Cave Rock Drive. Take this road until it dead ends and park in the small gravel lot. After following the trail out of the park...Read more -
Zephyr Cove, Nevada
Photograph Zephyr Cove at Sunset
5.0After pulling into the parking it is only a a few minute walk right down to the beach. This place is incredible for sunrise and and sunset. The water is so calm because its tucked back in the cove which gives awesome reflections of the sky in the water. Make sure to bring a tripod and neutral den...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Walk to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout site
5.01.8 mi / 340 ft gainThe hike up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout above Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay area is somewhat of a misnomer, as the fire lookout no longer exists. Instead, the path, which follows a paved forest road, up to the site where the tower once stood will bring hikers to a panoramic viewpoint that l...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Quick Hike and Photo Op at Stateline
5.02 miThis quick 2-mile RT hike takes you to a lookout point above the Stateline of California and Nevada. The road to the lookout is paved so beginners can make the trek to the top in the summer; winter covers the road with snow, so snowshoes or boots are recommended. The lookout offers spectacular vi...Read more -
Grass Valley, California
Photograph a Sunset on Wolf Mountain
5.0While all of the hiking trails to the Wolf Mountain summit cross private land, Wolf Mountain Road provides public access to several excellent viewpoints overlooking the Central Valley and the nearby ruins of old radio towers.To get there take McCourtney Road west from CA Highway 49/20 and go 3.2 ...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River
5.02.74 mi / 1302 ft gainThere are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba Ri...Read more -
Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
5.04.2 mi / 639 ft gainSouth Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bike the Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trail
4.5Starting at the top of Stagecoach Lift on Heavenly Resort this trail wraps around the north slope down to the bottom of town at the casinos. It has amazing view all the way down as you make your way down the woods up top and then cruise through the burn area near the gondola fire down to the bott...Read more -
Stateline, Nevada
Hike the Lam Watah Trail
5.02.2 mi / 85 ft gainLam Watah Trail is a 2.2 mile out and back hike, that will take you through Lam Watah meadows and ends at Nevada Beach. I did the hike in December and although the best time to do it is May through October, I think it had more charm during the winter time. The trail head begins from the parking ...Read more
