Sierra trails

From Happy Isles, this demanding Yosemite route follows the Merced River into the forested canyon of the Mist Trail, passing the spray and granite stairways of Vernal Fall before continuing above the river toward Emerald Pool and the broader waterfall amphitheater around Nevada Fall. Beyond Nevada Fall, the…

Distance: 24.8 Km • Elevation gain: 1,983 m • Maximum elevation: 2,687 m

Starting from Glen Alpine Road near Fallen Leaf Lake, this demanding high-country loop enters the southern Desolation Wilderness beneath Angora Peak and sweeps south and west through granite terrain toward Ralston Peak. The climb gradually opens views across the Echo Lakes country, Fallen Leaf Lake and the…

Distance: 38.6 Km • Elevation gain: 2,956 m • Maximum elevation: 3,034 m

From the Wrights Lake trailhead area, this loop leaves the lakeshore through the inlet meadows and forest, joining the Twin Lakes Trail in the Eldorado National Forest and at the edge of Desolation Wilderness. It then heads toward the Enchanted Pools, where South Fork Silver Creek works through polished…

Distance: 6.4 Km • Elevation gain: 137 m • Maximum elevation: 2,229 m

The hike to Morgan Lakes via the Little Lakes Valley Trail offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. Starting at Mosquito Flat, the trail weaves through a stunning landscape filled with serene alpine lakes like Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake and Box Lake, all framed by towering…

Distance: 7.4 Km • Elevation gain: 323 m • Maximum elevation: 3,382 m

Starting near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley, this route follows the Merced River into the Mist Trail corridor, with early granite scenery and possible views toward Illilouette Fall before reaching the Vernal Fall Footbridge. The ascent then climbs beside Vernal Fall to Emerald Pool and Silver Apron,…

Distance: 26.7 Km • Elevation gain: 2,054 m • Maximum elevation: 2,693 m

The hike to Gilbert Lake and Flower Lake offers a stunning array of alpine landscapes through the John Muir Wilderness, from serene lakes to towering peaks. As you ascend from Onion Valley, the route passes through lush meadows, pine forests, and rocky terrain, providing panoramic views of the Kearsarge…

Distance: 4.1 Km • Elevation gain: 437 m • Maximum elevation: 3,216 m

From the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead beside Tenaya Lake, the route leaves Tioga Road and moves quickly from the open lakeshore into lodgepole forest and granite slabs, following the southbound trail signed for Clouds Rest and Sunrise before climbing away from the basin above Tenaya Creek. Beyond the Sunrise Lakes…

Distance: 19.3 Km • Elevation gain: 881 m • Maximum elevation: 2,991 m

Starting near Yosemite Lodge and the Camp Four area, this demanding route climbs the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail through oak woodland and granite switchbacks, quickly rising above Yosemite Valley toward Columbia Rock, where broad views open over the valley floor, Merced River corridor, Half Dome, and surrounding…

Distance: 14.9 Km • Elevation gain: 2,437 m • Maximum elevation: 2,143 m

Starting at Bald Mountain Parking Area in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, the route follows Mount Umunhum Trail westward through mixed chaparral, knobcone pine, coast live oak, California bay, and madrone, with openings toward Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding ridges. The itinerary then passes the…

Distance: 12.1 Km • Elevation gain: 633 m • Maximum elevation: 1,046 m

The Half Dome hike is a true Yosemite adventure. With breathtaking views of the falls, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada, it rewards those who tackle its challenging terrain. The final ascent up the cable route is thrilling, and while demanding, it’s an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the…

Distance: 26.3 Km • Elevation gain: 1,941 m • Maximum elevation: 2,687 m

Starting at Whitney Portal, a wooded canyon at the end of Whitney Portal Road, the route follows the Mount Whitney Trail past the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek and into the John Muir Wilderness, with granite walls and the Mount Whitney massif framing the ascent. It then climbs through conifer forest on a…

Distance: 4.7 Km • Elevation gain: 549 m • Maximum elevation: 3,067 m

Starting at the Five Lakes Trailhead near Alpine Meadows Road, the route follows the Five Lakes Trail away from the developed valley and climbs through open Sierra slopes, scattered conifers, and granite-studded terrain toward the edge of Tahoe National Forest. The path then enters the Granite Chief…

Distance: 9.9 Km • Elevation gain: 438 m • Maximum elevation: 2,317 m

From Sentinel Dome Trailhead, the loop begins among conifer forest, meadow and open granite before climbing toward Sentinel Dome, where the landscape opens to broad views over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the high Sierra. The route then swings toward Glacier Point, one of Yosemite’s classic overlooks above…

Distance: 21.5 Km • Elevation gain: 1,776 m • Maximum elevation: 2,478 m

From the Glacier Lodge area, this Big Pine Lakes Loop begins along the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail, entering the John Muir Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. The route climbs beside North Fork Big Pine Creek through forest and sagebrush slopes before reaching the higher canyon beneath Mount Alice. The…

Distance: 24.5 Km • Elevation gain: 1,235 m • Maximum elevation: 3,432 m

Starting at Four Mile Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the route joins the Four Mile Trail and begins its steady climb from the valley floor above the Merced River corridor. It first rises through forested slopes near Sentinel Creek, with early views opening toward Sentinel Rock and the meadows of Yosemite…

Distance: 7.7 Km • Elevation gain: 1,250 m • Maximum elevation: 2,197 m

Starting near Upper Penitencia Creek, this loop follows the Penitencia Creek Trail through Alum Rock Park’s canyon setting before climbing onto the North Rim Trail, where the route opens toward Eagle Rock and broader views over San José and the South Bay foothills. From Eagle Rock, the hike continues onto…

Distance: 12.3 Km • Elevation gain: 595 m • Maximum elevation: 574 m

The Pyramid Peak Trail in Eldorado National Forest offers a challenging and rewarding hike, leading to impressive views of the surrounding wilderness. Along the route, hikers encounter a mix of alpine terrain, including meadows, ponds, and the dramatic rock formations typical of the Sierra Nevada. The trail's…

Distance: 10.3 Km • Elevation gain: 1,202 m • Maximum elevation: 3,035 m

The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. As you ascend the trail, you'll be treated to ever-changing views of Yosemite Valley, including dramatic overlooks of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall, with distant glimpses of the Sierra…

Distance: 16.6 Km • Elevation gain: 1,604 m • Maximum elevation: 2,197 m

The route to Castle Peak in Tahoe National Forest offers a scenic and moderate challenge for hikers, with expansive views of the Sierra Nevada's rugged terrain. The trail weaves through a mixture of rocky ridgelines, alpine meadows, and forested paths, revealing picturesque vistas of distant peaks such as…

Distance: 9.6 Km • Elevation gain: 579 m • Maximum elevation: 2,739 m

The Mount Umunhum Trail via the Guadalupe Creek Overlook offers hikers a varied and rewarding experience, showcasing a range of ecosystems from oak woodlands to chaparral scrub. Along the route, visitors are treated to expansive views of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, with notable…

Distance: 12.7 Km • Elevation gain: 598 m • Maximum elevation: 1,048 m

The Mount Wilson Trail in the Angeles National Forest offers hikers a challenging ascent through diverse ecosystems, including shaded woodlands and rugged canyons. Along the route, one can observe the historic ruins of Orchard Camp, a popular resort from the 1890s to the 1930s. Upon reaching the summit, hikers…

Distance: 23.0 Km • Elevation gain: 1,829 m • Maximum elevation: 1,726 m

The Andesite Peak Loop in the Tahoe National Forest, is a diverse and rewarding hike. Along the way, you'll traverse through lush meadows, ascend rocky ridgelines, and enjoy sweeping views of surrounding peaks like Castle Peak, with its volcanic features from ancient eruptions. The route provides an…

Distance: 7.7 Km • Elevation gain: 279 m • Maximum elevation: 2,458 m

The Monkey Rock Trail via Tunnel Creek Road in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a scenic, moderately challenging hike that offers hikers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. As you ascend, the trail provides expansive views of Lake Tahoe's azure waters framed by the surrounding Sierra Nevada…

Distance: 4.2 Km • Elevation gain: 155 m • Maximum elevation: 2,061 m

Hike on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail from Crater Lake to Canada Border through Oregon and Washington along the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. #Hiking #Mountain #SierraNevada #Cascade #Nature #Forest #Park #PCT

Distance: 1,198.3 Km • Elevation gain: 44,308 m • Maximum elevation: 2,307 m

The Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park offers a breathtaking journey through the Chisos Mountains, with sweeping views of Juniper Canyon, Casa Grande, and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. As you ascend, the trail weaves through fragrant pine and oak forests, occasionally opening to dramatic vistas of…

Distance: 7.6 Km • Elevation gain: 344 m • Maximum elevation: 2,077 m

Distance: 7.3 Km • Elevation gain: 238 m • Maximum elevation: 2,162 m

Loop hike in the Garden Canyon via the Tinker Pond in the Coronado National Forest. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #Mountain #Forest #Lake

Distance: 9.8 Km • Elevation gain: 392 m • Maximum elevation: 1,728 m

Hike to Mount Wilson from Sierra Madre via Mount Wilson Trail in Angeles National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Angeles

Distance: 11.4 Km • Elevation gain: 1,706 m • Maximum elevation: 1,719 m

Hike to Jones Peak by the Balley Canyon Trail in the Angeles National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature #Canyon #Angeles

Distance: 5.2 Km • Elevation gain: 804 m • Maximum elevation: 1,004 m

Mountain Bike loop along the North Yuba River and on the Fiddle Creek Ridge in the Tahoe National Forest. #MTB #Loop #River #Canyon #Forest #Mountain #Nature

Distance: 32.0 Km • Elevation gain: 1,852 m • Maximum elevation: 1,253 m

Hike to Hite Cove along South Fork Merced River via Hites Cove Trail in the Sierra National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #River #Forest #Nature

Distance: 12.0 Km • Elevation gain: 672 m • Maximum elevation: 522 m

Sierra Ancha Wilderness

Distance: 20.2 Km • Elevation gain: 1,133 m • Maximum elevation: 2,290 m

Sierra Ancha Wilderness

Distance: 22.5 Km • Elevation gain: 1,068 m • Maximum elevation: 2,359 m

Distance: 10.8 Km • Elevation gain: 299 m • Maximum elevation: 2,177 m

Distance: 7.1 Km • Elevation gain: 222 m • Maximum elevation: 1,690 m

Distance: 3.1 Km • Elevation gain: 180 m • Maximum elevation: 432 m

Distance: 1.4 Km • Elevation gain: 11 m • Maximum elevation: 449 m

Distance: 17.2 Km • Elevation gain: 1,010 m • Maximum elevation: 3,472 m

Distance: 22.3 Km • Elevation gain: 1,319 m • Maximum elevation: 1,817 m