Tuolumne County, California

The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well. Along the way, you will see a variety of activities along the la...

Situated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to Leavitt Lake, but a high clearance vehicle is requi...

Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...

Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...

Kiva is a secluded sandy crescent beach flanked by a beautiful meadow and mountain backdrop. This beach is rarely crowded and has free parking unlike other beaches in Tahoe. Kiva is a great place to bring dogs and is actually well known as a dog beach. Kiva is also accessible from the bike trail...

Grab your paddleboard or rent one from Baldwin Beach, and head out along the southwest shores of Lake Tahoe towards Emerald Bay. Enjoy the pristine blue water and keep your head up for the occasional osprey or bald eagle.Once you make it to the bay, there are plenty of places to go. You can relax...

Baldwin Beach offers a half mile of views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. People come to this beach to relax and picnic. This is also a popular launch spot for those kayaking or stand up paddling to Emerald Bay.  This beach is on national forest land and has a parking fee of $8.00...

The View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take a quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspective...