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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

  • Hume, California

    Hike and Fish Hume Lake

    2.7
    3.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    This spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are lo...
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  • Hume, California

    Camp at Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park

    Sunset Campground is minutes away from the King's Canyon National Park entrance. There are a total of 150 sites (2 group campsites) at this campground which can be reserved here. There are several bathroom, water faucets and even an amphitheater. Each campsite comes with a bear locker, picnic tab...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    John Muir Trail: McClure Meadows

    The transition from mostly sheer granite slopes to open grassy space is a welcomed one. Set up along the creek meandering through Evolution Basin and explore the area. You won't tire your legs out because it's pretty flat. Whip out your camera to catch some amazing reflections of the Sierra in th...
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  • Fish Camp, California

    Hike through Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point

    6 mi / 1200 ft gain
    There is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the parki...
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  • Hume, California

    Big Stump Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.71 mi / 305 ft gain
    Big Stump Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Dunlap, California.
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  • Wawona, California

    Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

    1.29 mi / 121 ft gain
    The hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or ...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Hike the Sugar Bowl Loop in Kings Canyon NP

    4.5
    6.5 mi / 1480 ft gain
    First and foremost, to get to this trailhead you need to drive down a 2-mile, one lane dirt road that is quite steep. It is highly recommended you do this in an AWD or 4WD vehicle, especially since the road can be muddy from snowmelt or after a recent rain. We have a 2WD car but used chains for e...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Crescent Lake

    20 mi / 4100 ft gain
    Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always ...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

    24.64 mi / 5453 ft gain
    Hiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls

    4.3
    9.2 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Many visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Johnson Lake

    24 mi / 4500 ft gain
    Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and ...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    John Muir Trail: Camping at Lake Virginia

    5.0
    You'll find an ample supply of warm, sunny campsites here. After a tough climb leading up to this area, a plunge in the cold water and sunbathing on the warm granite surrounding the lake is just what the doctor ordered. This is one of the sites that you want to plan around - even if you arrive at...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

    Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Hike to the Summit of Big Baldy, Kings Canyon National Park

    4.5
    5 mi / 650 ft gain
    This short and easy trail to the summit of Big Baldy in Kings Canyon National Park is not to be missed if you are in the area.The trail winds through forest and boulders as it climbs the north shoulder of Big Baldy. When you think you have reached the end, and you see people sitting down with the...
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  • Crowley Lake, California

    Emerald Lake

    4.0
    1.76 mi / 417 ft gain
    Emerald lake is a relatively short 1.7 mile out-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the parking lot and trailhead. There is also overflow parking at the upper lot for Duck Lake and Skelton Lake.  The trail has a decent amount of uphill, but you should arrive shortly (<30 mins) at your de...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail

    4.7
    9.29 mi / 1880 ft gain
    The Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...
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