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Shaver Lake, California

Shaver Lake, California has it all for outdoor adventurers. With its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, it offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities in the area. From scenic hikes to whitewater rafting, there's something for everyone. For hikers, there's the popular Shaver Lake Trail, which offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a more challenging trek, try the Dinkey Creek Trail, which winds through lush forests and offers stunning views. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery. For those seeking a more exciting adventure, try whitewater rafting on the Kings River. No matter what type of outdoor activity you choose, Shaver Lake is sure to be an unforgettable destination.

Top Spots in and near Shaver Lake

  • Shaver Lake, California

    Balsam Forebay

    4.0
    1.05 mi / 62 ft gain
    Access to the forebay starts at the trail head from the parking lot 6,700 ft up, also from the parking lot there is access to two different sets of boulder patches separate from the ones encountered along the hike in.  Hike Start the 1 mile out and back hike from the parking lot following the t...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Hike to George Lake

    9.2 mi / 1050 ft gain
    The hike to George Lake starts out about 4 miles after you turn off 168 onto Kaiser Pass Rd. You'll want to park at the parking lot right before Badger Flat Campground. The parking lot is easy to notice and it is located on the right hand side of the road, two pit toilets and bear lockers are loc...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Hike to White Bark VIsta

    2.3 mi / 462 ft gain
    A short 1 mile hike in from Kaiser Pass will lead you to the top of a ridge line with incredible views toward the east. There are two pit toilets located at the top of Kaiser Pass. If you have a high clearance, 4x4/AWD vehicle you can probably drive to this location. (I made it up here in a stock...
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  • Friant, California

    Pincushion Peak

    2.49 mi / 1043 ft gain
    Head North on Friant Rd. It will begin to head East, becoming Millerton Rd. Stay on Millerton Rd for 4.2 mi. Turn left onto Sky Harbor Rd (street JUST before Table Mountain Casino). Follow Sky Harbor Rd for 5.8 miles to the end of the road. Parking is available along the road. There are port a po...
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Camp at Voyager Rock Campground

    4.0
    The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...
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  • Bass Lake, California

    Climb and Camp at Shuteye Ridge

    5.0
    The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest t...
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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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  • Bass Lake, California

    Camp at Greys Mountain Campground

    / 5293 ft gain
    From Greys Mountain Campground, Sierra National Forest is your oyster! Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and (sometimes) potable wate...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Camp at Nelder Grove Campground in Sierra National Forest

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    Sites are located along Willow Creek with plenty of shape. Right out of the campground you can hike nearby Bull Buck Trail and discover the giant sequoia trees. This is a first-come first-serve campground so arrive early.Directions: Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ran...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Hike the Shadow of the Giants Trail

    4.0
    1.1 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove. Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area take ...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    John Muir Trail: Camping at Bear Creek

    The trail follows the creek for a few miles as it cascades forming very tempting pools and places to lay out. Try to resist jumping in the first pool you see and setting up camp. Although you really can't go wrong, some of the sweetest and deepest pools come after passing by a few smaller pools. ...
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  • Hume, California

    Camp at Princess Campground

    Situated just off the stretch of road that connects the two sections of Kings Canyon, Princess Campground is the perfect home base for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. In addition to its central location, it takes reservations, so you can book a roomy spot well in advance o...
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  • Madera County, California

    Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake

    4.0
    23 mi / 880 ft gain
    LMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...
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  • Hume, California

    Walk the General Grant Tree Trail

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    The trailhead starts at the back of the parking area, a sign will direct you.This short yet beautiful walk will lead you past amazing sights.  Starting counter clockwise you will quickly pass the Fallen Monarch.  Feel free to walk inside this massive fallen tree.  As you continue you soon reach G...
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  • Hume, California

    General Grant Loop Trail

    0.58 mi / 171 ft gain
    General Grant Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cedar Grove, California.
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Camping and Lodging in Shaver Lake

Dinkey Creek
Shaver Lake, California

Dinkey Creek

Rock Creek (Sierra Natl Fores)
Bass Lake, California

Rock Creek (Sierra Natl Fores)

Deer Creek
Lakeshore, California

Deer Creek

Lower Billy Creek
Lakeshore, California

Lower Billy Creek

Kinnikinnick
Lakeshore, California

Kinnikinnick

Catavee
Lakeshore, California

Catavee

Guides, Insights and Stories from Shaver Lake

On the John Muir Trail Northbound with MT Sobek

On the John Muir Trail Northbound with MT Sobek

Sonja Saxe

Drinkin’ from the Devil's Punchbowl

Drinkin’ from the Devil's Punchbowl

Masa Kato

5 Must-Do Hikes in the California Redwoods

5 Must-Do Hikes in the California Redwoods

The Outbound Collective

8 Incredible Snowshoeing Adventures in the Sierra

8 Incredible Snowshoeing Adventures in the Sierra

The Outbound Collective

8 of My Favorite Campsites in California

8 of My Favorite Campsites in California

Will Cebron

8 Perfect Spots For Beach Camping In Southern California

8 Perfect Spots For Beach Camping In Southern California

Jamie Fleck