Category Archives: Hiking

Back Roads, California Deserts, Campspots, Hiking, Historic Site, Off Road, Trailheads, Trains & Railroads, Washes

Carrizo Gorge Goat Trestle

,Carizzo Gorge

Carrizo Gorge Goat Trestle – via Mortero Wash. Near the south end of Anza Borrego State Park is the infamous ‘goat trestle’, one of the largest wooden rail road trestles in the US.

giant trestle desert

This hike can be reached by driving N on San Diego County Road S2 (from I-8) into Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Near the park boundary keep your eyes peeled for Mortero Canyon Rd (signed) on the left side. This is a sandy, one-lane, dirt road, accessible by passenger car, that leads out to the train tracks & then past to the Mortero Big Boulder campsites. Park at rail road tracks near water tank & start hike from here.

NOTE: Do not be alarmed if you happen to see NUDE hikers coming from the opposite end of this railway, where a nudist resort is located along Interstate 8, called De Anza Springs.

hike bike primitive camp sites

Carrizo Gorge Trestle
Railroad Tunnels, near Anza Borrego Desert

rail road history

San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railroad ­ SD&A/SD&AE

Ground was broken on September 7, 1907 by San Diego’s Mayor, John Forward and the construction of the 140 mile route was completed on November 15, 1919. The first through train was the called the “Golden Spike Limited”, named after the $286 golden spike, which John D Speckels drove into the ground near tunnel #8.

  • The Goat Canyon Trestle was built in 1932 to re-route tracks due to a landslide.
  • Passenger Cars Ran until 1951.
  • The route through Carriso Gorge was closed temporarily by Tropical Storm Kathleen in September of 1976.
  • And was reopened 1981, and then closed again by recurring storms.
  • Kyle Railways ran freight cars until mid 1984.

train

The Carriso Gorge section has fallen into disrepair with two trestles being burned and the collapse of two tunnels as the result of fires. The trestles have been rebuilt and one of the tunnels has been repaired – however,  this scenic section of track is used mostly by hikers and mountain bikers.

Goat Trestle Anza Borrego Desert

Other Facts: Derailed cars are from 1984 and were filled with bags of cement. Laborers were brought in to unload the cement but the cars were left. The Goat Canyon Trestle is 185″ tall and 600″ long. During its use it was the tallest wooden structure in daily use. Hence, this trestle was designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1986. Carrizo means “reed grass” in Spanish. Total cost of construction was $18 million.

In 1979 the SD & AE west of Plaster City was sold to the Metropolitan Transit Development Board for $18.1 million. SD&A was said to stand for “Slow, Dirty and Aggravating” generally because of the high temperatures, smoke and open windowed trains cars.

South end of Anza Borrego State Park
Dispersed camping
Dispersed camping (for free) in the Boulders

califrepublic

see more
RailRoads & Historic Train Towns in California

Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs

Eastern Sierra Lakes

Camping Lakes – Campground Lakes
Lake Eastern Sierra California

There is not enough room on this web site to list every single alpine lake in the majestic Eastern Sierra range, since there are hundreds, but we highlight a few of the hike-in accessible ones & the more popular camping lakes below.

DSCN0100

June Lake Loop is a paved, scenic drive highway that has multiple lakes with cabin rentals, camping, fishing, boat rentals. One of the best places to spend autumn looking for fall colors among the aspens.

DanaMite also knows a picture is worth 1000 words, so just click links for photos & enjoy!!!

convict lake Eastern SierraLone Pine Lakes include –

  • Diaz Lake (on US Hwy 395)
  • Cottonwood Lakes camping (hike in)
  • Lone Pine Lake (hike in)

Onion Valley camping
@ Independence, CA
Kearsarge Lakes include –
(all are hike-in lakes)

 

mountains

Bishop Lakes include – (Hwy 168)

ROCK CREEK CANYON
US 395

Paved road dead ends at over 9000′ elevation
Wilderness Access w/ Trailheads & Parking
NFS Campgrounds
Remote Cabin Resorts

hiker

LAKE CROWLEY CA

CONVICT LAKE CA

Mammoth Lakes include – (Hwy 203)

Walker Lake @ June Lake Loop
Walker Lake @ June Lake CA

June Lake Loop includes – (Hwy 158)

MONO LAKE CA

US 395 @ LEE VINING, CA
Yosemite NP [EAST ENTRANCE]
Tioga Pass Lakes include – (Hwy 120)

califrepublic

LUNDY LAKE CA

Bridgeport, CA

NatGeo Mammoth MapEastern Sierra topographic trail maps to lakes

Mono Maloy

Back Roads, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Trailheads

Mortero Wash

Anza Borrego Desert State Park / Mortero Wash

San Diego Desert Camping

south anzaxterrayellow

Primitive desert car camping close to SD

fireboulders

Interstate 8 EAST from SD / exit Ocotillo. SD county road # S2, the south end near the State Park boundary. Gorgeous every season but summer. Great winter camping close to SoCal.

This  dirt road is located in a desert wash area, which starts west – off the paved road S2. The signed white desert wash is a suitable drive for passenger cars (most years). But you best have 4×4 if the rain gets going good. Low riders should watch for the ridge lines – as they are naturally rockier places and could take out an oil pan of a mini SUV (at a high rate of speed).

mortero campsThe giant boulders garden at the far end of this route have nice views of the Imperial desert floor. Better from the top of the boulders too; numerous primitive camp sites are tucked into the coves, surrounding the big boulders.

No toilets; no shade; no water; minimal vegetation. At night the stars are heavenly, but you can see city lights from Calexico and Mexicali.

train

GOAT TRESTLE?

From this area you can hike or mountain bike up to the “old goat trestle” and numerous historic train tunnels @ Carrizo Gorge Goat Trestle (not to be confused w/ the wildflower destination called Carizo Plains in Kern Co). BRING A HARD COPY topographic MAP of this area, if you wish to explore past camp. Moderate hike, an all day adventure. Bring lunch and water!

bike on railroad

Tom Harrison Anza MAPSAN DIEGO Backcountry Map
this waterproof map has the entire State Park covered with all back roads, trailheads, campgrounds and railroad tracks

artistsview

bouldertents

When you decide to stop the car, look around for the best spot. Park off the road way and preferably in a turn out or camp spot. Turn off the engine, get out of the automobile, stretch your legs, breathe, look, close your eyes – tight and breathe deeply, then open and look around you again. This particular place is special, you can just feel it. Walking around the boulder area, be cautious of snakes.

On the boulders – closely examine them, climb on them, get to the top; you will find (Native American) Indian grinding holes called mortars or morteros.

gethigher

great side trip option: Across the paved road (SD County Road S2) on the opposite side of the valley is a nice hike to Sand Dollar Hill. (I’m sure this isn’t the real name). Dirt road leads up to a dirt parking area for hikers. Busy lil place sometimes. These desert dirt hills have wind caves and chunks of sand dollars scattered all over them. The real ocean floor way out here, east in the Anza SD desert… how cool is that?

great side trip option: Canon Sin Nombre is just up the road a piece, N on S2, on the EAST side of the road. Amazing viewpoint turn out, right on the highway, overlooking the impressive topography and badlands. If you have a high clearance SUV or any truck you can drive down into the sandy tight, rocky wash. It meets back up with another main wash way back there.

Tons to explore back here. Off roader should think Tread Lightly on this turf and primitive car campers should use a Leave No Trace approach. White sand, deep sand, caves, smoke trees, and the best slot canyon climbing & hiking this side of the Anza Borrego State Park.

desert views

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

Trinity Alps Wilderness

NorCal Mountains – Trinity Alps Wilderness

Sapphire Lake -- Suicide Ridge -- Trinity Alps

525,627 acres

North of Weaverville & Lewiston, about 10 miles
West of Trinity Lake & Redding, CA
Headwaters of the Trinity River & the Salmon River

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Thompson Peak – 9002′ elevation
Trinity Mountain – 6094′
Granite Peak – 8091′

Trinity is NorCal’s jewel of alpine lakes and granite peaks – many above 8000′ elevation, about 40 miles inland from the ocean. Trinity is located in between the infamous redwood coast and the I-5 corridor. Rivers, creeks, lakes, and trails into the high elevations regions, bqckpackers and equestrian campers alike.

trinityalps_lgHiking trailheads are accessed from all sides -On the east side you have Trinity Lake & Trinity River w/ Highway 3 running lengthwise in a north-south direction. Hwy 299 runs east-west along the south side of the wilderness. Klamath River Hwy 96 lies on the west side of the wilderness. Salmon River, Scott Mountains and Cecilville are north of the alps.

Both the small Russian Wilderness & the larger Marble Mountain Wilderness are located to the north of Trinity Alps, along with rural towns near the Scott Mountains and the Salmon River. Castle Crags Wilderness is to the eastern side, near Interstate 5.

towns nearby –

camp

Campgrounds near Trinity Alps Wilderness

hike

Trinity Alps Trailheads

lake

Waterfalls & Lakes near Trinity

NFS


View Larger Map

The mountainous area is quite unique, as exposed granite mountain peaks and alpine lakes are pretty rare in the coastal Cascade ranges. The only other spot in California that has an 8000′ peak nearing the coast is just north of Los Angeles – Los Padres’s Mount Abel & Mount Pinos peaks, both over 8000′ in elevation.

TRINITY ALPS TOPO MAP

camp

The USDA map for Trinity Alps Wilderness was outta print for nearly 2 years and it has recently been updated and reprinted. New edition released in 2013 and now available at the Total Escape map store. Printed on waterproof map paper and updated in 2012.

Creeks, Fishing, Groves, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing

California Aspens

AspenGroves

Aspen Groves are easy to recognize with their thick stands. White trunks with dark knots, slender, with oval shaped leaves. Growing in a network of roots, which are found lining creeks, alpine lakes, or spilling out from higher elevations, along  scenic canyons.

The unique round leaves which can turn spectacular colors in the fall season. The fluttering and flapping of the oval-shaped, thick, green leaf is a sure sign of summer. When breezes get cooler, Autumn is only a few weeks away and as quick as the cold comes in, what a short and special show they put on.

autumncabin
Green Creek historic cabin, on the Eastern Sierra

California Fall Colors

Aspen trees can be found at higher mountain elevations in California, usually above 4000′ – all the way up to about 10,000′ or higher, depending on the mountain range and local water flows. Groves have an extensive root systems underground, so they often withstand wildfires and can come back after the rest of the forest is gone.

Beavers build dams in creeks around aspen trees, fishermen and campers love to camp next to aspens, and lovers carve their initials into their white bark. These trees do indeed take a beating, from all angles, winter weather included… so stop from cutting them!

carvings

fishing creeks mountain biking stargaze Picnic Camp Hiking horseback back roads mountains

  • BIKE
  • CAMP
  • FISH
  • HIKE
  • KAYAK
  • PICNIC

summer and autumn

These deciduous trees are naked half the year, typically from November to April, as winter buries them in snow and ice. Time is of the essence, limited to Summer and Autumn – to enjoy their shade and the beauty of the groves. Scenic meadows and fishing creeks are just an added bonus for searching out the aspen.

Aspens can be found in hidden canyons, primarily along the Eastern Sierra US Hwy 395 and surrounding mountain lakes. Some Sierra Passes have decent displays of color as well – like Carson Pass Hwy 88 and Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Hwy 120.

Below is a list of Total Escape’s favorite aspen areas of California

ASPENDELL
BAKER CREEK (4×4)
BIG PINE CANYON – NORTH FORK TRAIL

BISHOP CREEK
BLUE LAKES, CARSON PASS
BLUE LAKE, MODOC

CONVICT LAKE, US 395
COTTONWOOD CREEK @ ANCIENT BRISTLECONES
COYOTE FLAT (4×4)

CROCKER @ LAKE DAVIS
CROWLEY LAKE, US 395

DUNDERBERG MEADOW

EAGLE LAKE @
ASPEN GROVE CAMPGROUND

GREEN CREEK ROAD, US 395
HASKINS VALLEY @ BUCKS LAKE
HILTON CREEK, US 395
HOPE VALLEY
JUNE LAKE LOOP

LAKE SABRINA
LAKE TAHOE
LAUREL LAKES ROAD, US 395
LEE VINING CANYON
LUNDY LAKE, US 395

MAMMOTH LAKES, US 395

MCCLOUD CREEK @ ALGOMA
MCGEE CREEK, US 395

MILL CREEK to MINERAL, CA
HWY 172 LOOP aspensofmineral1000

MODOC NF @ BLUE LAKE
NORTH LAKE, ASPENDELL @ BISHOP

ONION VALLEY @ INDEPENDENCE
PARKER LAKE RD @ JUNE LAKE LOOP
PINE CREEK ROAD, BISHOP

PLUMAS-EUREKA STATE PARK
@ UPPER JAMISON CREEK CAMPGROUND

PLUMAS EUREKA

QUAKING ASPEN CAMP, GIANT SEQUOIA

RED’S MEADOW, MAMMOTH
ROCK CREEK ROAD @ US HWY 395

ROSS CAMPGROUND, PLUMAS NF

SPALDING, CA @ EAGLE LAKE

TOM’S PLACE, US 395
TWIN LAKES @ BRIDGEPORT
VIRGINIA LAKES, US 395

WISHON RESERVOIR

aspentips
Aspen Tips @ Eagle Lake California

 

aspenwall
Green Creek Camping

Autumn Camping in California

 

amigoaspens
Laurel Lake Road @ 9000′ – Eastern Sierra, California

 

aspensplit

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Deserts, Campgrounds, Campsites, Creeks, Equestrian, Hiking, Historic Site, Landmark, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Washes, Wildflowers

Vallecito – Anza Borrego

Vallecito Park, San Diego Desert

Anza Borrego Desert

Great Overland Stagecoach Route of 1849

East San Diego County Road S2 winds thru the lower passes & washes of Anza Borrego Desert State Park. On the edge of the State Park boundary Vallecito is a small campground & park, but it was a stage coach route in the 1800’s.

California Historic Marker #304

Vallecito

VALLECITO STAGE STOP – A 1934 reconstruction of Vallecito Stage Station (originally built in 1852) on the eastern slopes of the mountains in the high desert. A super important stop on the first official transcontinental route, serving ‘The Jackass Mail‘, the Butterfield Overland Stage Line, and the southern emigrant caravans.

backpacking, birdwatching, camping, cycling, hiking, mountain biking, off roading, stargazing, wildflowers

camp

 

Vallecito Campground
elev. 1555′
camp sites: 44
overnight fee
first come, first serve
reservations accepted
Campfire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, & historic buildings; 22 sites are tents only. RV 40′ limit; Additional 8 equestrian campsites w/ corrals. No RV hookups, no dump station. No piped water. No gasoline, no store, no amenities. No firewood, no collecting of firewood. No shade trees, just tall desert brush. Arrive adequately prepared for real desert roughin it.

RV

Vallecito Stage Station County Park
760-765-1188
37349 Great Southern Overland Stage Route
County Road S2 @ mile marker 34.7
About 3.5 mi NW of Agua Caliente Hot Springs

Closed during the hottest months of summer: JUNE-AUG. Open seasonally: Labor Day weekend through the fall, winter and spring, up until the last week in May. 

camptruck

see also – Oriflamme Canyon / Mason Valley Truck Trail

muck to stagecoachA neighboring and very rural stage coach stop is further down a long wash, to the south east. Getting there usually requires 4×4, since you must ford a muddy desert wash w/ creek & deep holes. There are no signs out in this sandy desert wash, so you best have a good map and a compass.

The Old Carrizo Stage Station site is accessible by 4 different dirt roads (desert washes) way off the paved highway. None of these are well signed at the highway: Vallecito Creek, Willow Creek near Mountain Palm Springs, Carrizo Creek near Bow Willow, and Canyon sin Nombre.

Agua Caliente, Bow Willow Campground, Canebrake, Sweeney Pass,  the badlands overlook, mud caves and slot canyons are all located south of Vallecito. California SR 78 and Blair Valley are north of Vallecito.

Vallecito Creek

San Diego Desert MapVallecito is located at the apex of the gap in the Carrizo Badlands created by Carrizo Creek and its wash in its lower reach, to which Vallecito Creek is a tributary. Once a seasonal village of the native Kumeyaay people, on a trail across the desert from the Colorado River, this oasis, became a crucial stopping place for Spanish and then Mexican travelers to recover from the desert crossing between Sonora and New Mexico to California. The non native settlement of the site began in 1850, as a camp with a one room sod warehouse as the U.S. Army Depot Vallecito for the supply of Fort Yuma. It was later increased in size and became a store, a stage station, and a ranch house. read more on wiki

find maps for this desert region –

Anza Borrego Desert Map

San Diego Backcountry Map

Cleveland National Forest Atlas

dark skies anza

califrepublic

Another Vallecito, California?

Yep! Small community of about 400 folks in the western Sierra Nevada  foothills. Gold Rush Country, mining region. Up off the Historic 49 and it used to be called Murphy’s Old Diggings.

see Gold Country Maps

4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, Equestrian, Hiking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Trailheads, Wilderness

Kaiser Wilderness

China Peak Hiking
Hiking near China Peak – summer 2002

22,700 acres
Kaiser Pass Road
Sierra National Forest

2020 wildfire: CREEK FIRE
has burnt the majority of this wilderness, roads, trails, lake shores and most campgrounds

Central Sierra Nevada Mountains/ Kaiser Pass & Kaiser Peak / Highway 168

One of the best cell phone coverage areas for any California Wilderness location, this central Sierra region is located south of Yosemite National Park and known primarily for Shaver Lake.

California Hwy 168, along with Dinkey Creek Road (southward) and Kaiser Pass Road (northward) leads off in all splintered directions to secluded campsites, rivers, creeks, lakes, developed campgrounds and amazing forest scenery. Off road trails and hiking trails, everywhere back here! But it is best to have several good maps for cross reference.

This Sierra National Forest region includes all hydroelectric dams and lakes surrounding Shaver and Huntington Lake, including Florence Lake, Ward Lake, Edison Lake, Mammoth Pool, Courtright Reservoir and Wishon Reservoir.

Dusy Ershim Trail 4×4 travels past Kaiser Peak and the cell phone towers. Several primitive camp sites with views on ridge. Numerous developed NFS Campgrounds out this way along Kaiser Pass Road.

Trailheads for horseback, hiking, backpackers, mountaineers, rock climbers. Snowmobiles love this amazing route when the snow is deep; some west coast winters can be better than others. Know before you go!

Kaiser Wilderness are granite mountain peaks, near Huntington Lake & the China Peak ski resort, formerly called Sierra Summit Ski;  One lane narrow backcountry paved roads: Kaiser Pass Road 80 (east of Huntington Lake) and Stump Springs Road 5 is West Kaiser (west of Huntington Lake)

Views in 2002
Sierra Views in 2002
WhiteFir Camp
White Fir Campsite
China Peak Hike Map
China Peak Hike w/ Map

hiker

Sierra National Forest

Kaiser Pass Road, elevation 9184′

25 mph – pothole paved, barely maintained one lane road, 20+ miles. Kaiser Pass is closed in winter months, but accessible by snow-mobile.

snowmo

recreation –
sierra National Forest map

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • creeks
  • cross country ski
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • lakes
  • mountain biking
  • mountaineering
  • picnicking
  • rock climbing
  • rivers
  • snow mobiling
  • snow skiing

Sierra Topo Maps

Sierra Map Tom Harrison
Sierra NF Map USDA
Kaiser Wilderness Map
Ansel Adams Wilderness USDA
Ansel Adams Trail Map
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness USDA
Dinkey Lakes Trail Map
John Muir Trail Maps
Mono Divide High Country
NatGeo Mono / Mammoth Map

surrounding wilderness and forest lands –

Ansel Adams Wilderness
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
Inyo National Forest
John Muir Wilderness
Kings Canyon NP
Sierra National Forest
Yosemite National Park

National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

USDA Sierra NF

More Kaiser Wilderness Info & Links –

sierrawild.gov/wilderness/kaiser
summitpost.org/kaiser-peak
Kaiser Wilderness Wiki
San Joaquin River
Don’t Tell Anyone Campsites
Mono Hot Springs

kaiserpass
View from Kaiser Pass Trail – Huntington Lake in far back left

 

Backpacking, California Coast, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Group Campgrounds, Groves, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas, Redwoods, Trailheads

Samuel P Taylor Campground

San Francisco Redwoods Camping

Samuel P Taylor State Park
Samuel P Taylor Campground

San Francisco Redwood State Park

SamP is one of the large redwood parks north of San Francisco, CA. Coastal redwoods can be found in the mountains above Santa Cruz, as well as on the Point Reyes peninsula in Marin County. Hiking in the region is amazing w/ enchanted forests, dramatic fog, waterfalls, numerous trails in every direction.

califrepublic

One of the best developed campgrounds in the region for car camping and RV campers.

Consisting of several camp loops, a group camp site, a horse camp and hike-in or bike-in camp sites. There are even cabin rentals in the park. This park has several camp sites that can accommodate visitors with disabilities. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months. Be prepared to pay hefty fees for overnight use.

RVMax RV Camper Length: 31′
Max Trailer Length: 27′

  • Creekside Loop
  • Orchard Hill Loop
  • Madrone Group Site
  • Madrone Cabins
  • Horse Camp
  • Hike & Bike in Sites
    (8 person max)

Marin Redwoods
CA State Park

Samuel P Taylor State Park
59 developed campsites
+ cabin rentals
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
415-488-9897

15 miles W of San Rafael, CA

Samuel P Taylor

camp

hiker

nearby towns:

State Park link

nearby parks:

  • Mount Tamalpais State Park
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Tomales Bay State Park

Bridge

Back Roads, Groves, Hiking, Sightseeing, Trailheads

21S94 – Sequoia NF

sequoia groves

Sequoia Groves: Forest Rd# 21S94
Sequoia National Forest

Windy Gap

SEPT 2021: Closed due to the Windy Fire

This impressive backcountry route is inside the newly formed Giant Sequoia National Monument. From the Western Divide Highway this graded route leads from an area North of the Trail of 100 Giants to the back edge of the Tule Indian Reservation. The 20 mile route turns north towards Coy Flat Campground (20 spots @ 5000′) & then meets up with Camp Nelson, California.

The Summit National Recreation Trail cuts right thru this region & there are many dirt roads meandering off of the main route# 21S94.

There are a few hidden Sequoia groves back here, great for day trips & picnic spots:

  • Peyrone Grove (via road# 22S91)
  • South Peyrone Grove (via road# 22S03 & trail #31E41)
  • Red Hill Grove

hiker

pinetree

nearby towns:

Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Hiking, Ski XC, Snow, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

14S11 – Sequoia NF

trails to meadow

Big Meadows Road: Sequoia Forest Rd# 14S11

SEPT 2021: Closed due to the KNP Complex Fire

GIANT SEQUOIA: in between Sequoia & Kings Canyon, inside Sequoia NF

Sequoia Meadows

This chunk of National Forest land is perfectly located in between 2 very popular National Parks – Kings Canyon and Sequoia. This primary paved road leads to some great camping, a perfect option for NOT camping inside the crowed National Parks.

Turn east off of Sequoia ‘Generals Highway’ 198, on to the well signed Big Meadow Rd. There is primitive camping all over this area & a few developed campgrounds along this route. Motorhomes be warned: the road narrows to one lane with no “turn outs” or U turn spots for the last 10 miles (on a steep cliff w/ large overhanging rocks)

SEE CAMPING PHOTOS

campIn the first few miles, the dispersed camp sites on the right side have great views & some situated on fairly flat granite slabs, perfect for astronomer campers or adventurous RVs. To the left side of the road is more primitive style campsites in wooded areas. The whole area is also a very popular cross country ski & snowmobiling spot for winter recreation. Hunters also like these camps during hunting season (in September).

horseback

There is a developed Horse Camp on the left side of the road for equestrian campers. This camp is located across from the biggest meadow and may be the first place you notice on this drive.


Buck Rock Campground (7600′ elevation, 5 spots) & Big Meadows Campground (7600′ elevation, 25 spots) are both family style camps, perfect for those who want picnic tables, plus bathroom nearby. Sorry no flush toilets out here, only pit toilets.

 

Sequoia maps

Buck Rock Fire Lookout Tower @ 8500′ elevation – is located to the north on Forest Rd # 14S02. It’s a great spot for some impressive views – if you aren’t afraid of heights. To reach the tower you must climb several flights of steel steps. This place is worth a stop if planning a sightseeing day.

Big Meadows Guard Station @ 7500′ elevation (also known as Big Meadows Cabin), is located next to the BIG MEADOW and is available for rent on a weekend basis from the NFS. Hiking Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing Big Meadows Creek are favorite activities to be enjoyed.

Big Meadows Road is long & narrow – 12+ miles. RVs are not recommended beyond the Big Meadow Campground, as the road is one lane in some spots & it skirts a cliff edge. The views are incredible the farther you go & many creeks feed the region.

The narrow, long paved road eventually forks off into several smaller dirt roads back near Horse Corral Meadow. Way back here, the dirt roads lead out to trail heads for backpacking, horse packing or day hiking in Jennie Lakes & Monarch Wilderness. Backcountry access to either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park! Have a good map if you plan to venture out this far. Pay attention & don’t get lost.

GPS would be helpful in this area. Some of the smaller of the dirt roads are not even on the NFS maps. Make sure to GPS way-point your favorite camp site, so you can find in next time…. in the dark.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest MAP

nearby services:

Sequoia Groves

see all – Big Meadows in California 

Marvin Pass Trailhead

Groves, Hiking, Sightseeing

Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia Grove

seqAmigos

The Western Divide Highway, at 6000 feet elevation, connects the Kern River Valley w/ granite peaks, dome rock, aspen groves & the Giant Sequoia trees! This is one of the southernmost Sequoia groves in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The easy hike is more of a nature trail, wheel chair accessible & approximately 1 mile long. Large Sequoia trees, picnic grounds, near campground.

SEPT 2021: Closed due to the Windy Fire

On busy weekends and holidays the rangers charge a “day use” parking fee, for those wishing to park in the paved parking lots. Avoid this fee by finding additional parking along the highway. Only a few good free parking spots along this busy 3 mile stretch of highway, and don’t forget to park all the way off the pavement.

SOUTHERN SIERRA: Great destination for camping families & sightseers traveling through the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains.

Western Divide Campgrounds

The USDA National Forest Campground across the road from the Trail of One Hundred Giants is called Redwood Meadow Campground. There is also a separate parking lot for the picnic grounds w/ a similar name.

Also nearby is Long Meadow, Long Meadow Group Camp, Peppermint Campground, Holey Meadow Group Camp and past Ponderosa. Quaking Aspen Campground and Quaking Aspen has a NFS Cabin Rental too.

Down near Camp Nelson, CA is the Coy Flat Campground.

Giant Sequoia National Monument has numerous dirt back roads for free, primitive, car camping. You’ll need a good topo map to find the best ones. Some roads may be muddy, overgrown or extremely rocky, depending on recent weather. Know you vehicles limitations. There is no tow truck service available way back here in the boonies.

Trail of 100 Giants Photos

All Redwood Groves in California

 

nearby towns –

Sequoia National Forest Map
Sequoia National Forest Map		 Golden Trout Wilderness Trail Map
Golden Trout Wilderness Trail Map

Hidden Groves near Ponderosa CA

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Rivers, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

22S82 – Sequoia NF

Forks of the Kern: Forest Rd# 22S82 – Lloyds Meadow Road
Jerky Meadow Trailhead, Sequoia National Forest

SEPT 2021: Closed due to the Windy Fire

Driving north on Sierra Hwy N of Kernville, California; Passing Fairview & the Johnsondale bridge; After the R Ranch @ Johnsondale, take the right fork off the main highway, which goes deep into Kern River Gorge. This narrow & winding paved road skirts the Upper Kern River Gorge & the impressive Rincon Fault. Numerous primitive camp site can be found on dirt roads off this paved route. The pavement dead ends at Jerky Meadow trail head, which accesses the Golden Trout Wilderness & the Great Western Divide. Backpackers can get to the high country Sierra Nevada & Mineral King in Sequoia National Park from these trails.

Forks of the Kern

Boy Scout Camp Whitsett is one of the first places you pass, near Sentinel Peak.

The Western Divide Hwy runs parallel to road 22S82; way up above it @ 7000′ elevation – with destinations like Dome Rock & the Needles (2 very cool granite features) that overlook this Kern Gorge. The small community of Ponderosa, CA is also up there, along with the quaking aspen groves & the Trail of 100 Giants. Forest Rd# 22S02 connects paved route 22S82 to the Giant Sequoia highway above.

There are many primitive camp areas way above Kern River Gorge – all located on the right side of this road 22S82. Look for small signs for CAMP AREA #1-6. Camps 1-3 are great for RV campers with creeks & dense forests. Long Meadow Creek is one of the first of many streams, you will cross as driving this paved, winding, canyon route. Camp areas #4, 5, & 6 are the best bet for seclusion, plus awesome hiking trails to falls, granite pools & the impressive Kern gorge. Swimming holes are plentiful. Fishing can be decent at times. Many waterfalls can be found in this region as the tributary streams fall towards the deep granite gorge in the Sierra Nevada range. All roads off of 22S82 are dirt roads & most are passenger car accessible. Wetter months could be challenging. Some routes back here are considered to be 4×4 routes tho, so know your vehicles limitations. High clearance is needed to reach some camp sites. Summers can be busy.

This area was burnt from recent wildfires in 2002-2005, but the primitive, dispersed campsites near the streams are full of vegetation & making a nice comeback. Alder Creek runs down from the Sequoias, into Dry Meadow Creek nearby.

Lower Peppermint Campground @ 5300′ elevation, on the west side of the road, is the only developed camp ground on this main forest road. Lower Peppermint has 17 spots, piped water, & picnic tables. Peppermint Meadows & Peppermint Creek are adjacent to the camp area.

Lloyd Meadows @ Sequoia Forest Road# 20S67 – is the Forks of the Kern Trailhead & the dirt road that accesses it, is very popular among equestrian campers. Freeman Creek joins Lloyd Meadows Creek near Pyles Camp. There is a small developed campground called “Forks of the Kern”. Steep trail leads down to the granite gorge where Little Kern River meets the main Kern River; Rattlesnake Creek & Ninemile Creek also join the Kern River in this 10 mile stretch. Kern Hot Springs requires a backpacking trip.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest MAP

GOLDEN TROUT Wilderness MAP USDA
GOLDEN TROUT MAP (Tom Harrison)

Closest small towns are:

Campgrounds, Campsites, Hiking, Native American, Picnic Areas, Viewpoints, Wilderness

Los Coyotes

los coyotes SD

Los Coyotes Camping
Los Coyotes Reservation Campground

North County San Diego
Camping SD

Way out there, on your way to the Borrego desert, past Warner Springs somewhere is this little gem of a location. Near the southern slopes of Palomar Mountain, on the edge of Cleveland National Forest.

Los Coyotes Band of Indians Tribal Campground

open to the public

Great rural location, in-route to many destinations in Southern Cal. Temecula wine country, Warner Springs, Culp Valley, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs.

Campground is a popular spot with locals, so note that some weekends can get rowdy. Ask about a more secluded camp site option if needed. There is plenty of primitive land out here.

Oak trees and boulder hills, dirt roads, near Hot Springs Mountain. North San Diego County.

Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla & Cupeño Indians

Warner Springs, CA 92086
RECREATIONAL# 760-782-0712
ADMIN# 760-782-0711

payherebooth

snowx
Hot Springs Mountain SD
Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas, Snow, Trailheads, Wilderness

Silver Lake @ Lassen

Lassen Camp Site

AUG 2021

both lakes listed below CLOSED, due to wildfire 

Lassen Volcanic National Park is CLOSED also.

Silver Lake @ Lassen

(Lassen Co)

6400′ elev. inside Lassen National Forest
East of Lassen National Park

Silver Lake Road #10
20 miles off Highway 89. Northbound, outside of Westwood @ Lake Almanor, take County Road A21 to County Road 110 (Silver Lake Rd)

a21sign

Dirt road boat ramp @ southern end of lake. Winter weather & snow closes this area annually, so this lake is mainly a summertime destination. Mid-week tends to be less popular for those seeking seclusion.

  • backpacking
  • fishing
  • camping
  • canoe
  • hiking
  • kayaking

Hiking trails lead to Caribou Lake, Emerald Lake, Betty Lake, Trail Lake, Shotoverin Lake & Caribou Wilderness.

campground

Silver Bowl Campground NFS

• Elevation: 6400′
• Number of Sites: 18
• Vehicle Accessibility: small RV
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilet: Vault
• Water: piped/potable
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: Caribou Wilderness

Lassen National Forest
Lassen National Forest
Almanor Ranger District
900 East Highway 36
Chester, CA 96020
530-258-2141

silverlassen

2 Silver Lake in East Lassen? Surely.

Only 12 miles apart. As the crow flies.

Largest is Silver Lake, south of Caribou Lake, Lassen National Forest. East of the National Park, accessible by vehicle. The popular one that is mentioned above.

camp

Small Silver Lake at 6600′ elevation, is a hike-in only lake. Inside Lassen National Park, west of Snag Lake and the Fantastic Lava Beds.

hiker

See all Silver Lakes in California

Backpacking, Campgrounds, Fishing, Hiking, Hot Springs, Snow, Trailheads, XC Ski Areas

Grover Hot Springs

Grover Drive

Grover Hot Springs Park

JULY 2021 State Park CLOSED due to the wildfire, Tamarack Fire.

California State Park
Sierra Hot Spring Camping Resort
open all year

California State Park RV Winter Camping State Park Winter Camping Hot Springs XC Ski Winter Camping Tahoe Ski Camping Tahoe Snow Camping

Meadow Entrance

South of Lake Tahoe, hidden in a forest meadow near the small town of Markleeville, sits this super scenic, year-round camping resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Popular place for senior travelers, RV campers, families, snow skiers, and tourists.

No lodging available, no cabins. Only Campground Camping – Reservations are recommended. This is a popular destination for the Eastern Sierra Tahoe region. May thru September are peak season. During mid-winter a portion of the campsites are closed and the remainder may be on a first come, first serve basis. State Park is located 4 miles west of Markleeville, at the end of Hot Springs Road.

camping
fishing
hiking
hot springs
cross country skiing
stargazing

RV Camping

grover springs in the sierra

Camping and Day Use
530-694-2248

Pool Information
530-694-2249

California State Park
California State Park

Piped water, flush toilets, showers, this is luxury camping by State Park standards. Hiking, fishing, stargazing. Quite an ideal spot, especially if you visit during a slow time. Surrounded by mountains that top 10,000′ elevation, expect to see some snow in the winter months.

SwimSuits Required

The hot pool resort is open to the public for day soaking w/ a fee. Wheelchair accessible areas. The pool hours tend to fluctuate with the seasons, so be prepared for anything. Even a snow storm!

Grover Hot Spring Campground

• Elevation: 5800′
• Number of Sites: 75
• Vehicle Access: RV 27′ max
• Campsites Reservation: Yes
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Length of Stay: 10 Days
• Season: Open all year
• Trailheads: Carson River

GROVER HOT SPRINGS SP Winter Camping Hot Springs

pool hours

hot pools

meadow views

4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Native American, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Petroglyphs, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers

32S13 – Los Padres NF

Sierra Madre Road
Sierra Madre Ridge, San Rafael Wilderness

Los Padres National Forest
Forest Road #32S13

off of Cuyama Valley Hwy 166

32S13 Sierra Madre Road

East of Santa Maria, CA – along Highway 166 (on the south side of the pavement) are several dirt roads that lead up to the main ridge road that access this part of Los Padres National Forest.

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • dirt bike trails
  • dirt roads
  • hiking
  • horse camping
  • mountain biking
  • off road routes
  • petroglyhs
  • wildflowers

4WD not required, but high clearance is helpful. Open almost all year. Rainy season gate closures (at hwy) during winter months.

4x4

dirtbikes

cruiseronridge

Sierra Madre Mountains

Miranda Pine Mountain (elev. 4120′)
Timber Peak (elev. 4754′)
Peak Mountain (elev. 5843′)
McPherson Peak (elev. 5749′)
Samon Peak (elev. 6221′)

Sierra Madre Ridge is forest road #32S13, which parallels Hwy 166 (Cuyama River) for over 50 miles on the Sierra Madre Ridge at approx. 5000 feet elevation.

NOTE: A good stretch of this dirt road is closed to vehicle traffic. Although it connects to Santa Barbara Canyon near Ventucopa, you cannot drive it. Only hike or mountain bike!

Hog Pen Sign

NFS Gate locked at the HOG PEN trailhead, and from there you can bike or walk all the way the other end at Santa Barbara Canyon near Cuayama Fire Lookout @ Dick Smith Wilderness

Still Standing

camp

Small campgrounds in the region:

off Highway 166
Miranda Pine Campground (on 32S13 @ 11N03)
Bates Canyon Campground (via Cottonwood Canyon Rd)
also known as White Oaks Campground
Aliso Canyon Campground (via Aliso Canyon Road)
not accessible by vehicle, from dirt road 32S13; only by trail

in the backcountry
Painted Rock Camp (hike-in)
Sycamore Camp (hike-in)

high clearance, off road accessible
Horseshoe Springs (11N04)
Lazy Campground (11N04)
Wagon Flat Campground (11N03)
Barrel Springs (10N06)
Colson Canyon (11N04)

wildflower

coastridges

Highway 166 Cuyama River Valley
EAST San Luis Obispo County

Wildflowers Bloom: APRIL-MAY

mayflowers

redflora

San Rafael Wilderness

Sisquoc River
Native Rock Art
Sierra Madre Mountains

Rock Art Sign

MAPS of the Area:

hiker

Los Padres USFS MAP
Los Padres Topo Atlas
Los Padres West NatGeo Map
Dick Smith Wilderness Map

sisquocriver6nearby destinations: 

Cuyama Peak Fire Lookout
New Cuyama, CA
Rock Front Ranch 4×4
Santa Maria, CA
Ventucopa, CA

Campgrounds, Camping, Campspots, Creeks, Fishing, Group Campgrounds, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Marinas, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas, Trailheads

Oak Bottom Campground

Oakbottom Campground

Whiskeytown Recreation Area:
Oak Bottom Campground

Carr Fire 2018: some portions of this lake, shore, roads and trails may be closed due to the recent wildfire

The large, level, paved campground is right on the north shore of Whiskeytown Lake, on Hwy 299 – E of Redding CA

hiker

101 walk-in campsites
22 RV sites
elevation 1200′

  • boating
  • camping
  • hiking trails
  • kayaking
  • marina
  • mountain biking trails

Campground Reservation on NRA

Camp Sites near Water

Group Camping can be reserved at
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area
3 group camping sites with excellent views of the lake and mountains, on the northeastern shore of Whiskeytown Lake.

nearby towns:

Views Westward

canoe

Lake Sunset Whiskeytown

And by golly, there is another

OAK BOTTOM CAMP in Northern California,
way over west near Marble Mountain Wilderness

camp

Salmon River @ Somes Bar:
Oak Bottom Campground NFS

elevation 700′
26 sites
No electricity, water or sewer hookups

Six Rivers National Forest – Oak Bottom Campground loops around a forested hillside with large trees providing ample shading for multiple sites within the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Located off the main highway, on a side road, with the epic Salmon River! This NFS campground is popular with whitewater enthusiasts in the spring. Rafters, kayakers. Many challenging rapids ranging from Class 3 to 5 are available. Swimming is also popular in the summer and numerous river access areas are a short drive or walk from the campground.

Hiking, Indian Site, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Viewpoints, Wildfire

Footed Rock

Footed Rock @ Bald Rock
Berry Creek, California

Before and After Photo

Wildfire: Bear Fire / North Complex 2020

The Skinny Lone Cedar hangs on with Footed Rock. Bushes on the right side, had the flames licking at this tiny tree.

Footed Swipe

Berry Creek, CAfooted rock 95916

Many thanks to whoever cut/broke the mistletoe off in recent years. I never seem to hike with my loppers.

Bald Rock California

Footed Rock is a part of the popular Bald Rock hike. summer 2021 CURRENTLY CLOSED hiking trail in Berry Creek, CA

Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock @ Bald Rock

 

Lumber for Market
Lumber for Market, just sitting on the side of the road.

Log Truck Drivers make over $100/hour – yet there is still a job shortage in 2021. Go figure!

mountains

see more swipe photos –

Backpacking, California Waterfalls, Campsites, Creeks, Hiking, Primitive Hot Springs, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

Matilija Wilderness

Upper Matilija Fall

Matilija Wilderness
Matilija Falls

Matilija Canyon
North of Ojai, California

Los Padres National Forest Map

Established 1992 by the Los Padres Condor Range & River Protection Act.

29,600 acres
Ojai, CA

Los Padres National Forest
Ojai Ranger District
805-646-4348

USDA web link – Matilija Wilderness

hikelospadres.com/matilija-wilderness

The coastal mountain range wilderness located approximately 12 miles north of Ojai, CA. Drive 5 miles N on Highway 33; left at the Matilija Canyon Road turn off.

Chaparral is the prevalent vegetation with poppies plentiful in springtime. Cottonwood, alder and maple trees dominate the canyon. One trail has trail campsites along it and follows 9 miles of the North Fork, gaining about 3,400′ feet in elevation as it makes a north-south journey, and leaving the Wilderness at a parking area on Cherry Creek Road. This road is open seasonally from Aug. 1 to Dec. 15

small water fall

This whole area burnt in a recent wildfire and much of it may be closed off to the public.

Matilija Canyon Trails & Trailheads

Landowner closes popular trail to Matilija Falls (2010)


View Larger Map

aaron climbing

Matilija Creek Bed

Backpacking, Campgrounds, Drum Circles, Hiking, Trailheads, Wildflowers

Mount Pinos Recreation

Mount Pinos Camping

Mt Pinos Campgrounds – Los Padres Camping

A little bit of high altitude, alpine forests in Southern Cal. Mount Pinos campgrounds are the ones on the way up to Mt Pinos 8831′ on the paved route to the top parking lot, Mount Pinos Road. Only 2 campgrounds take reservations & can be busy in summer months. Chula Vista Camp (at the top parking lot, short walk on trail) has an amazing wildflower meadow w/ group camp area. Drum circles are common on summer weekends.

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • hiking
  • mountain biking
  • sledding & snow play
  • stargazing

Drum Circle Camp

Mount Pinos parking lot is well known among RVers, astronomers & cross country skiers. If the 2 snow gates are open, you’ll find RVs camping out here until winter officially starts. The peak to peak trail from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel 8243′ starts at this parking area & trail head. Cool ski hut that no Forest Personnel every seems to be operating. Portable toilets available.

Pinos Star Party
Pinos Star Party

In the mid-winter, snow is almost guaranteed up here. Families & sledders flock to this region for snow play causing major traffic jams & parking problems. On the busiest of weekends w/ a recent snow storm, you may find several miles of vehicles, backed up from Pinos to the freeway (causing 10 miles of traffic jam in the mountains). It is not uncommon to see CHP managing traffic flow on the weekend. Snow play areas are located at the top on Pinos, if the gates are open.

deepsnowhwy
Mil Potreo Highway, on a good winter 2005

If not the “Y” – where Cuddy Valley meets Mil Potrero Hwy. is the main snow-play destination. This is a very busy intersection at all times of the year, as it is the main route entering Pine Mountain Club, located 5 miles to the west. Be considerate! Do not litter and please park OFF THE PAVEMENT; keep kiddies, sleds & BBQs out of the road ways.

PMC 2005 snow
PMC 2005 epic snow

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Chula Vista Campground 8300′ 12 pines vault no walk-in sites & RV lot
McGill Campground 7500′ 50 pines vault seasonal closed in winter
Mount Pinos Campground 7800′ 19 pine vault seasonal closed in winter

Trails on Pinos
Trails on Pinos

The pinyon pine forests surrounding Mount Pinos Recreation Area is Los Padres National Forest, where there is every kinda camping imaginable.

Outdoor resort communities such as Pine Mountain Club & Lockwood Valley Road are close by and surround the highest mountain peak in Kern County. Mil Potrero Campground, developed NFS Campground, open during summer only.

Rugged backpacking, or back road motorcycle 4×4 camps – with maybe one camp fire ring (still intact). Windwolves Preserve, Quatal Canyon, Cerro Noroeste, Valle Vista, Lockwood & Cuyama Valley.

NFSlogo

Group Camping Sites in Los Padres Forest

Winter Snows
Winter Snows – Gates Close

map of the regions –

Sierras from Pinos
Sierra Nevada Mountains, as seen from Pinos Road

nearby towns –

DSCN0036


Campgrounds, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Marinas, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas

New Bullards Bar Reservoir

Bullards Bar California

Bullards Bar Boat-in Camps

BULLARDS BAR Dark Day is a lakeside walk-in campground on a small reservoir, located deep in the Gold Country foothills. Flush toilets and hiking trails, kayak rentals and fishing.

fish

West of Highway 49. Huge dam for hydro-electric power. Minimal roadways along the lake and steep canyons make for optimum hiking and boating. Floating and fishing. Relaxing in the mountains, with fresh water!

On most maps the official name of this lake may read New Bullards Bar Reservoir, or Lake Bullards Bar, but locals just call it simply – Bullards Bar!

Sierra Nevada Foothills. Yuba River, California.

Northern Gold Country, California

Near Camptonville, West off Hwy 49
in between Oroville and Nevada City, CA

Located not far from historic Downieville, Bullard’s Bar is an excellent base camp location for exploring the upper reaches of the Gold Country region. Old mining locations, museums, a covered bridge, various parks, Yuba River, Sierra Buttes, Lakes Basin. Grass Valley & Nevada City are also nearby. Mountain bike trails, river rafting and hiking all around.

New Bullards Bar

lake surface area: 969,600 acrespaddle sports

lake elevation: 2000′ above sea level

lake county: Yuba County California

roads around lake: Marysville Road (south of lake and east side w/ Hwy 49), Moonshine Road (south of lake), Oregon Hill Road (west side), Pendola Road (north side), and Forest Route #47 (dirt road on north side)

boatramp

nearest towns:

Bullards Bar
Shade @ the marina, just when you needed it most

Yuba River Recreation

camp

Bullards Bar water is a beautiful teal color of greenish-blue – due to heavy mineral content in the local soil (red dirt) and the dense forest above.

This water comes down the north fork of the Yuba River, as snowmelt from Lakes Basin Recreation Area, the Sierra Buttes, and the Yuba Pass on Highway 49. Northern Gold Country, California.

Bullards Bar Lake – Emerald Cove Marina
New Bullards Bar Reservoir
877-692-3201

boating boating gasoline marina

New Bullards Bar Reservoir

boat in camping

One of the few lakes in the Sierra Nevada that offer boat in camping at developed camp sites, and also to allow boaters primitive camping along the shoreline. No drinking water is available. No pit toilets, so a portable chemical toilet is always required. Plus, pack out all garbage.

No charge for DAY USE areas: parking or boat launch ramps

NOTE: Dark Day & Schoolhouse Campgrounds are the only car camping & RV accessible camping on this lake. These both have flush toilets and drinking water piped in. Hiking trails & boat launch nearby. Wheelchair accessible campsites are available.

CAMPS OPEN: APRIL – OCTOBER
Campgrounds @ BullardsBar are usually open from April to October annually and all are closed for winter months.

camping walkin camps hiking camping boating camping RV camping mountains

Bullards Bar Campgrounds

camp information 530-692-3200

  • GardenPoint: 17 boat-in sites
  • Madrone Cove: 10 boat-in sites
  • Shoreline Camp: 2 boat-in sites
  • Dark Day Walk-In Camp: 30 sites
  • Schoolhouse Campground: 56 sites
  • Hornswoggle Group Camp

Frenchy Point Campground USDA

Located 5 miles northwest of Dark Day Boat Ramp on the west side of the reservoir. Boat in only access. It is used as an over flow campground. There are campsites, but no bathrooms. Portable chemical toilet required. More info call Emerald Cove Marina at (530) 692-3200

National ForestsBullards Bar Lake located on the Yuba River, bordering
between Tahoe National Forest & Plumas National Forest

 

bullards bar California

lake recreation 

  • boat in camps
  • canoe
  • fish
  • houseboat rentals
  • kayak
  • picnic sites
  • sail
  • watercraft rentals

land recreation

  • backpack
  • campgrounds
  • hike
  • mountain bike
  • walk-in camps

bikingbullardsdam

also in the area


View Larger Map

califrepublic

Second Spillway – in the works?
Yuba Water Agency has just committed to building a $160 million second spillway at the New Bullards Bar Dam; beginning in 2021, with a completion date of 2025.

check

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bullards_Bar_Reservoir
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bullards_Bar_Dam

4x4 Routes, Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Ski XC, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

Trailhead CA

bike  mountain biking
hike  hiking trailhead
bkrd  4×4 trailheads
horse equestrian trails

Rock climbing, backpacking, fly fishing creeks, snowmobiling, you name it. No matter what kind of trail you seek in California, we have the maps to get you out there, this weekend. If you seek a week long adventure in the Sierra high country, or a weekend getaway destination you’ve never heard of, or a quick after work hike near your home town, we just might have it listed. And we probably have the waterproof, topographical map too.

tentcabinyosemite

DOGS & BIKES on TRAILS:

Dog friendly trails include almost anything within the CA National Forests. Remember that most National Parks & State Parks literally forbid dogs on hiking trails. Mountain bikes can access only certain trails in parks, but in the National Forests nearly every trail or dirt road is up for grabs.

OHV ROUTES:

snomoiMotorized vehicles, such as quads, ATVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps & 4x4s must stick to designated routes signed specifically for OHV (off highway vehicle) & you won’t be finding many of those inside National Parks & State Parks, so it’s best to look for BLM or NF lands. Many regular, forest, back roads close in winter due to heavy snow pack & thus become cross country ski, snowshoe or even snowmobiling trails. The best ones can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Explore a decent selection of random trail heads within Cali.

hiking in Forest

And if you ever get bored with “reading” text about trails, you can always search the visual database of amazing Cali scenery over at DanaMite’s flickr site

California Fire Road

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Rivers, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Snow, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers, XC Ski Areas

Sierra Buttes California

sierra buttes

The Sierra Buttes

elevation: 8591′

Northern Gold Country California at the headwaters to the Yuba River

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Tahoe National Forest
near Plumas Eureka State Park

Gold Lake, Sardine Lake, Upper Sardine, Smith Lake, Packer Lake, Grass Lake, Sand Pond, Goose Lake, Snag Lake, Long Lake, Jamison Lake, Round Lake, Deer Lake, Tamarack Lakes, Young America Lake, Frazier Falls

Sierra Buttes

California is the land of granite peaks. Rocky, exposed mountains that stick up out of the landscape for all to see. Southern Cal has a few of them, but most granite peaks in California are found in the Sierra Nevada.

US 395 Eastern Sierra impressive ridge lines are the highest and most photographed and Lake Tahoe has plenty of big granite surrounding it. The farther you go north, the less granite you will see – not because it isn’t there, mostly cuz it is just buried with tall dense forests.

lakesbasinhikers
lakes basin day hikers

NORTH SIERRA – The Sierra Buttes are the impressive granite peaks located in between the North fork of Yuba River and Sardine Lake.

SE of Mount Lassen and NW of Lake Tahoe, at the tippy top of the historic gold country. Gold Lake Road #24 connects Gold Country Highway 49 to North of Tahoe Highway 89. Road #24 is often closed for winter snow, so most visitors enjoy this region in the summer months.hiker

Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Hike

The infamous PCT (aka. Pacific Crest Trail) passes the peak and goes north through this basin of alpine lakes, so backpackers are often seen. Tent camping is very popular, as well as RV camping w/ numerous developed campgrounds and open camping as well.  Some of the hard to reach primitive camp sites (next to lakes) can be accessed via 4×4 vehicle. Gotta have a good topo map.

Downieville is well known for the mountain biking trails, so this whole region is covered with amazing trails. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers love the area during a good winter snow and they can access this area from the north off Hwy 89.


View Larger Map

Sardine Lake

hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross country, & snowmobiling

campsite snag lake
Snag Lake (free) Camping on Gold Lake Highway

lakes basin views

Sierra Buttes Map Tahoe National Forest
Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Snow, Trailheads, Wilderness

Silver Lake @ Bucks

Silver Lake from Above

Silver Lake @ Bucks Lake Wilderness

(Plumas Co)

Plumas Road #24N29, off Bucks Lake Road
East of Bucks Lake, California.
a six mile, one lane, dirt road is the only vehicle access into this high elevation, dammed reservoir, tucked back against the wilderness. Secluded lake campsites await, you’ll just need to get a little dusty first. The turn off, at a small brown sign reading “Silver Lake”, one which is very easy to miss – due to the amount of homes, cabins, fencing and driveways in the vicinity.

bucks trailhead

Bucks Lake Wilderness
Plumas National Forest

All Bucks Lake Campgrounds

Kayaker @ Silver Lake

hiker

No swimming allowed at this Silver Lake, as it serves as a drinking water source for the neighborhoods below. Canoe & kayaking are allowed. Fishing is also popular at this location. Hiking trailheads at Silver Lake lead to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), Mount Pleasant, Spanish Peak and a small gem of a swimming hole, we call mini Gold Lake.

Bucks Lake Wilderness Map

NFS Campground @ Silver Lake, near Quincy, CA

This small campground is actually set downhill from the rock earthen dam, which is something to ponder before/during a big earthquake. With sites 1-5 in a shady forest area and the others a bit closer to the lake, no campsite is too close to another. These are all well-spaced-out sites, providing decent privacy and minimal noise from neighboring campers. No campsites are located at the lake edge, as the rocky dam is a long structure and quite complex with water control measures.

All the campsites have new bear boxes for food storage, cuz ‘wilderness’ usually means black bears are roaming about. Deer tend to frequent campsites 1 & 2.

2020 update:
overnight camping fees now charged at this campground

silver camp 5

Silver Lake Campground NFS

campground

• Elevation: 5800′
• Number of Sites: 9
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 22′
• Campsite Reservations: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilet: Vault
• Water: No piped/potable
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: PCT, Gold Lake, Rock Lake, Granite Gap, Bucks Lake Wilderness

silverbackdrop

As with most of the high elevation lakes in California, winter months can mean deep snow and dirt road closures. This campground is usually open through the end of October, but call head to the local rangers if in doubt.

Plumas National Forest
Mt. Hough Ranger District
39696 State Highway 70
Quincy, CA 95971
530-283-0555

ranger

See all Silver Lakes in California

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Dome Trail 3

Dome Trail

Dome Trail Hike
near Bald Rock in Berry Creek

Plumas National Forest Trail #6E21
Access Road #21N51Y
Middle Fork – Feather River
Sierra Nevada mountains @ Berry Creek, CA

On paved Bald Rock Road a rusted metal sign reads “Dome Trail 3” which is where the fun begins, on the dirt.

3 mile drive to trailhead from pavement
4.6 miles RT hike
w/ a 2000 feet elevation drop to the river

Plumas Forest Rd #21N51Y is located in the forested community of Berry Creek – opposite from Upper Zink Road. Road 21N51Y becomes Bean Creek Rd #21N36: The forested route passes a few private properties and gates, the dirt road leads 3 miles down to an old wildfire (2008) burn area and eventually dead-ends at the Dome trailhead. The hiking trail descends down while overlooking the Bald Rock Canyon with the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Rated as a moderately difficult hike: Steep hillsides, plenty switchbacks, downed trees across trail, boulder hopping, cliff edges, extreme heights and rock slides. Delighted by dozens of wildflowers, the old metal staircase still in use, steel pipe railings and the minimal fencing and of course, the big river deep inside an impressive rock canyon. Sierra Nevada spectacular!

Trailhead Parking

Indian Creek spills down into Curtain Falls up the canyon, sometimes within view. Secluded Milsap Bar Campground is also up the river from here. The stretch of the whitewater river is popular with rafters and kayaks. Rock climbers gravitate to the big walls above. Bring a picnic lunch and water filter for this amazing all day hike.

Granite Domes & Bald Rocks

P4080034.JPG

There are numerous granite domes and bald rocks within the Plumas National Forest, most located near the big river canyons. This particular granite dome is situated overlooking the Middle Fork of the Feather River, and it is called Bald Rock Dome w/ 3509′ elevation.

MIddleForkFeather

Not to be confused with another shorter hike nearby on Bald Rock Road at a well marked trailhead for Bald Rock, which over looks the forest and valley to the west side. The official peak is named “Big Bald Rock” as listed on most maps.


California Coast, California Maps, California Waterfalls, Hiking

Hiking Trails Los Angeles

Los Angeles Hikes, Angeles National Forest, Angeles Crest, Baldy, Wrightwood, Palmdale, Tujunga, Frazier, and Malibu Coast

DSCN0048
You relocated to California for college or your career – and to enjoy the outdoors more, but you ended up in the Los Angeles Basin instead, breathing smog daily. You will need to escape – soon, for sanity sake.

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Total Escape – this is your new favorite web site on California outdoors. Bookmark it dude. And be proud to love nature!

PCT hikes – Pacific Crest Trail
The world renowned  hiking trail that runs the entire length of the entire West Coast US. Canada to Baja, by way of Washington, Oregon and California – all on foot.

More PCT MAPS: Pacific Crest Trail Maps

Mount Pinos Recreation Area

Los Angeles Hiking Maps

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Angeles Front Country
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Angeles National Forest
Channel Islands Map
Cucamonga Wilderness
Dick Smith Wilderness
Joshua Tree Park Map
Los Padres National Forest Map
Malibu Creek Map
Mojave Preserve Map
Mount Baldy Map
Mount Wilson Trail Map
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San Diego Backcountry Map
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San Jacinto Wilderness Map
Sespe Wilderness Map
Topanga Trail Map
Verdugo Mountains Trail Map
Zuma / Trancas Canyons Map

pinetree

And when you finally get bored with hiking only in Southern California, there’s a whole lot more California to explore – up state!

NORCAL – Well beyond San Francisco and Yosemite, there are meadows to be found. Seclusion and tranquility in nature, without the crowds. Too many dirt roads to drive and dozens of rivers to see. Waterfalls abound, with wildflowers and amazing scenery all around. Small towns to discover!

Fly fishing rivers, kayaking lakes, wineries, organic farms, geysers, volcanoes, caves, old bridges and so much more to find in NorCal.

DanaMite loves to cover the real nooks and crannies of California, just for you – right here on Total Escape.

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Backpacking, California Maps, Equestrian, Hiking, Petroglyphs, Trailheads, Wilderness

Dick Smith Wilderness

Santa Barbara Mountains
Ojai Backpacking, Ventura, CA

old cabin cuyama
Old Cabin at Cuyama Peak Fire Lookout, Dick Smith Wilderness Area in the background

64,800 acres

30 miles N of Ojai, CA
Los Padres National Forest

Dick Smith Wildernessreyes lift off

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • hang gliding
  • hiking
  • horseback riding
  • parasailing
  • OHV trails nearby

Los Padres National Forest – Located in between the Santa Barbara coastline and the Cuyama Valley, this coastal wilderness area is situated miles north of Ojai, off Highway 33.

The Dick Smith Wilderness is where the San Rafael Mountains and the Sierra Madre Mountains merge on the east side, next to Pine Mountain Summit (elevation 5080′ @ highway).

This PINE MTN turn off should not to be confused w/ the Pine Mountain Club, on the north side of Cerro Noroeste.

Significant mountain peaks within Dick Smith Wilderness Area:

Big Pine Mountain – 6828′ elevation
Cuyama Peak – 5875′
Lizard Head – 5350′
Madulce Peak – 6536′
Samon Peak – 6527′

Closer to Ojai, Matilija Wilderness is on the southern boundary of DickSmith and the San Rafael Wilderness sits to the west side. Native American petroglyphs can be found in this mountainous region.  Access to “Painted Rock” on the Sierra Madre ridge, via Road #32S13 (which has a locked gate on both ends), is a long one so you might want to bring the mountain bike. The dirt road hike is about 10 miles (one way) and it starts at the Santa Barbara Canyon trailhead. If you plan to visit the rock art from the west side – take the dirt road up past Bates Canyon Campground. The turn off on Hwy 166 is called Cottonwood Canyon. Park at the hog pen trailhead and follow Road #32S13 for miles.

Dick Smith Trails
hiking trailheads –

  • Chorro Grande (Hwy 33)
  • Potrero Seco (Hwy 33)
  • Santa Barbara Canyon (Hwy 166)

 area campgrounds –

 nearby towns –

more Ojai camping

ojai backpacking

Dick SMith Wilderness

Ozena Valley Badlands

Backpacking, Hiking, Off-Road Trail, Petroglyphs, Trailheads, Wilderness

San Rafael Wilderness

Sierra Madre Mountains
Cachuma Lake to Cuyama Valley

Sierra Madre Mountains

197,380 acres
Central Coast Foothills
Los Padres National Forest

NFSlogoNorth of Santa Barbara, CA
East of Santa Maria, CA
South of New Cuyama, CA
West of Ventucopa, CA

San Rafael Wilderness is otherwise known as the Santa Barbara backcountry. The Sierra Madre mountains and San Rafael mountains make up the this chunk of wilderness, a vast open space near the coast – which extends from Lake Cachuma to the Cuyama River Valley. This is the southern ridge line along Highway 166, with few pine trees, mostly oaks, leading west to Santa Maria River.

hikerFigueroa Mountain and Lake Cachuma are to the south near Santa Barbara. Vineyards and wineries skirt the western hills of Santa Maria, cattle grazing, oil fields and agriculture line the northern borders near Cuyama Valley. Dick Smith Wilderness is just to the east a little bit, spanning over toward Hwy 33.

OHV: better known as off-roading and dirt biking is common in the foothills behind Santa Barbara, as well as on the west side of the San Rafael Wilderness, near Miranda Pine and Tepusquet Road. Numerous small campgrounds on dirt roads are positioned around the perimeter, but no OHV trails lead into the wilderness areas.

McPherson Peak – 5749′ elevation
Peak Mountain – 5843′DSCN5759
Timber Peak – 4764′
Miranda Pine Mountain – 4120′
Wheat Peak – 2436′

trailheads –

  • via Figueroa Road #8N09
  • Cachuma Saddle
  • Davy Brown
  • McPherson Peak, on Sierra Madre Ridge
  • Painted Rock, on Sierra Madre Ridge
  • Santa Barbara Canyon, off Hwy 166

developed campgrounds surrounding the wilderness

  • Davy Brown Campground
  • Nira Campground
  • Cachuma Campground
  • Figueroa Campground
  • Manzana Schoolhouse
  • Colson Canyon (OHV) #11N04
  • Brookshire Springs
  • Miranda Pine #11N03
  • Horseshoe Springs
  • Lazy Campground
  • Wagon Flat Campground
  • Barrel Springs #10N06
  • Alesandro Campground

back road access –

  • Figueroa Mountain Road #8N09
  • Tepusquet Road, off Hwy 166
  • Miranda Pine Road #11N03
  • Sierra Madre Ridge Road #32S13
  • Cottonwood Canyon Rd @ Hwy 166
  • Santa Barbara Canyon Rd, off Hwy 166

indian rock art

Native American petroglyphs can be found in this remote region of Central California, but may require topographic skills, detective work, trekking and at least a full day of physical action.

PigPen Trailhead

Access to ”Painted Rock” on Sierra Madre ridge is hike/bike in only. The dirt road that access these trailheads are rough road and not maintained. High clearance may be needed. This day trip is an all-day adventure and you might want to consider bringing the mountain bike. Just stay on the road, as rangers will ticket for riding in the designated Wilderness Areas.

from the west – If you plan to visit the rock art from the west side, take Cottonwood Canyon (small sign) turn off of Hwy 166. Pay attention to private property signs, cuz the locals are serious about their lands. Keep on driving up the mountain. Above Bates Canyon Campground up on the ridge, turn left, east on dirt road #32S13 – proceed several miles to the dirt parking area at the pig pen w/ locked gated and signed trailhead.

from the east – dirt road hike is about 10 miles (one way) and it starts at the Santa Barbara Canyon trailhead @ locked gated. Rural back road access requires a good topo map. Find Cuyama River @ Hwy 166, take the route on west side of bridge. East of New Cuyama, CA

nearby towns –

4x4 Routes, California Lodge, California Rivers, Campsites, Creeks, Fishing, Hiking, Historic Site, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Trailheads

California Yuba

Yuba River

Yuba California

Yuba county, city and river are located in the upper Sierra Nevada, north Gold Country. Only a few small towns around here, but lotsa National Forest land and gorgeous granite rock. Yuba City is well known for its orchards, agriculture and diverse population. Yuba River is a recreation hot spot most of the year – spanning from the foothill canyons up to higher elevation alpine lakes. Camping, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming holes & waterfalls.

Yuba River Downieville

California Yuba County

Yuba River, Sierra Nevada 

towns near the Yuba River:
Yuba City, California
Marysville, CA
North San Juan
Nevada City, California
Downieville, California
Sierra City, California
Truckee, California
Washington, CA
North Bloomfield
Bassetts

mountains

SUMMER = River Recreation

Most of us want to dunk ourselves in a cool mountain stream when the temperatures get beyond 100 degrees, which is summer months in Central California. Big rivers, like the Yuba are popular spots for all kinds of outdoor recreation and they really draw the crowds. Find your own piece of solitude by getting a good topo map of the region and exploring well away from the main road.

pinetree

This Yuba River gold country region of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is only about an hour drive up the hill from Sacramento; obviously, the further you drive the better it gets. Tons of one lane and dirt roads to explore. Fishing and camping almost everywhere.

Tahoe National Forest

California’s Yuba River headwaters start high in the mountains of the North Sierra. Northern Gold Rush Country.

NORTH FORK of the YUBA

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Sierra Buttes
Gold Lake
Bassetts
Sierra City, CA
Downieville, CA

New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Nevada City, CA

Loganville
Loganville Campground

Indian Valley Campground
Indian Valley Campground, Tahoe National Forest

Several NFS Campgrounds, line the North Yuba River right along the Highway 49, between Bassetts and North San Juan, CA

  • Wild Plum Campground
  • Loganville Campground
  • Union Flat Campground
  • Cannon Point Campground
  • Ramshorn Campground
  • Rock Rest Campground
  • Indian Valley Campground
  • Fiddle Creek Campground

fish

MIDDLE FORK of the YUBA

This water comes from the rugged and remote Henness Pass area. The long, dirt, historic route Road 293 which connects  Reno, NV to the old mining camps along Highway 49 @ Camptonville, south of Downieville.

The Oregon covered bridge and the Bridgeport covered bridge run along this fork of the river. There is another State Park down @ Bridgeport; although bridge may be in reconstruction 2020.

A nice place to dip into the this fork of the river – is right off main Highway 49 on Moonshine Road, a secondary road that leads over to Bullards Bar Lake. Minimal parking spots and a steep hike down to the river; and you may have the whole place to yourself (on a weekday morning.)

Bridgeport Sign

middle yuba

hiker

SOUTH FORK of the YUBA

Donner Pass in the Truckee region, North side of Interstate 80. Snowmelt becomes creeks, around alpine lakes like Spaulding, Bowman, which all flow west. Graniteville & Washington, CA

edwards crossing
Edwards Crossing  from 1898

A very popular State Park for South Yuba is located along Hwy 49, north of Nevada City, CA. Many backpacking trails, mountain biking trails and day hiking trails, plus several old bridges (crossings), built before 1900 still exist and in use. Bureau of Land Management has the quietest and cheapest developed campground around these parts, accessible only by dirt road (North Bloomfield Road).

South Yuba River Map

yuba river map
Northern Gold Country: Yuba River Recreation Map

camp

NFS

Few National Forest Campgrounds are located on the South Fork. Many scenic, small lakes exist up in these higher altitudes, where the best camping is. Granite peaks, numerous creeks, forests and gravel roads.

bowmanbig
Big Bowman Lake

BEAR RIVER, Lake Faucherie, Sawmill Lake and Bowman Lake are all part of this Yuba watershed, along with about a dozen other lakes. Rugged granite gravel rock rocks will lead deep into these areas. 4WD or high clearance vehicle may be needed to reach these destinations.

The whole region gets buried DEEP feet in snow, so access is usually limited to summer and autumn only.

snow

faucherie

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Frazier Park Camping

Mount Pinos Camping & Frazier Park Campgrounds

Drum Circle Camp
Mount Pinos Fire Circle Camp Spot

camp5
Gold Hill Campground (which is now closed) – right next to Piru Creek.

camp

Frazier Park and neighboring towns, like freeway-close Lebec and Gorman, is where the Los Angeles hills meet the Kern County mountains. Mojave Desert meets to Coastal Range. EXIT I-5 @ Tejon Pass (elev 4144′)

Wildflower hills, seasonal creeks, forested peaks, high desert canyons. Bike trails, hike trails, off road routes. High elevation backpacking, hang gliding, mountain biking and camping in every direction.

MTB SOCAL
Mountain Bikers love the trails at Mount Pinos.

High desert washes, oak creeks, pinyon pine forests, mountain meadows and numerous peaks – Frazier Peak, Reyes Peak, Alamo Mountain, Mount Pinos, Mount Abel (Cerro Noroeste) and north facing San Emigdio ridge.

Mt. Pinos District:

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Aliso Park, Cuyama 3200′ 11 oak pit no Aliso Cyn Rd. (#10N04)
Ballinger OHV Camp 3000′ 20 pinyon vault no Rd# 9N10, Cuyama Valley
Camp-O Alto 8286′ 12 jefferey pit no ridge, Cerro Noroeste
Caballo Campground 5850′ 5 oaks pit no Rd# 9N27, Cerro Noroeste
Cherry Creek 4×4 5200′ 2 oak no spring 4WD trail, Cuddy Valley
Chuchapate Campground 6000′ 30 pines vault piped Rd# 8N04, closed winter
Chula Vista Walk-In Camp 8300′ 12 pines vault no walk-in camps & RV lot
Cottonwood Campground 4600′ 2 ctnwd no creek 4WD only trail, fish
Dome Springs Camp 4800′ 4 oak pit no Rd# 8N40, Lockwood
Dutchman Camp 6800′ 8 pines no no Rd# 7N01, 4WD trails
Half Moon Campground 4700′ 10 pines pit no Rd #7N03, May-Oct
Kings Campground 4250′ 7 pinyon vault no OHV & Piru Creek
Marian Campground 6600′ 5 pine pit no closed in winter
McGill Campground 7500′ 50+ pine vault seasonal mountain biking
Mount Pinos Campground 7800′ 19 pine vault seasonal closed winter
Nettle Springs Camp 4400′ 9 pinyon vault no Rd# 8N06, Apache Cyn
Ozena Campground 3660′ 12 cottnwd vault no Lockwood Rd
Pine Springs Camp 5800′ 12 pinyon pit no Road #7N03
Pleito Campsite 5000′ 2 mixed no no dirt rd access, dispersed
Rancho Nuevo 3550′ 2 mixed no no river crossing
Reyes Creek 4000′ 30 oaks vault yes creek camping
Reyes Peak Pine Mt 5200′ 6 pines none no ridge camping
Salt Creek 4×4 3000′ 2 mixed no no 4WD only
Sunset Campground 4300′ 2 cottonwd no no Lockwood / Piru Creek
Thorn Meadows 5000′ 5 pine pit no Rd# 7N03C, horse corral
Tinta Campground 3600′ 3 pinyon pit no river crossing
Toad Springs Camp 5700′ 5 pinyon pit no Rd# 9N09, Quatal Cyn
Twin Pines Camp 6600′ 5 pine vault no Dry weather only
Valle Vista Camp 4800′ 7 mixed pit no condors, new toilet

See Mount Pinos Recreation Campgrounds only

Group Camping Sites in Los Padres Forest

Hiking Pinos Signs
Mount Pinos – Peak to Peak hike.

Maps of Los Padres NF –nettle spring camp

Los Padres mountain towns –

DSCN0043

Toad Springs Campground atop Quatal Canyon. Small camps located in Los Padres NF have no fees, and often no toilets – so bring the shovel.

Many dirt roads are gated seasonally for wet weather or snow. Call rangers to find out which routes are open before you plan your weekend. Or have a plan B and C camp site ready if route is closed. Flashfloods, thunderstorms, and erosion means you may all-of-a-sudden need to use your 4WD. This is the mountains after all. UNpredictable weather is common.

frazier park camping

Primitive Camping in Quatal Wash, next to the OHV Route and the Chumash Wilderness

PeaktoPeak
Peak-to-Peak Hike: the toughest climb you’ll do, this decade.


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Snag Lake California

Snag Lake California

 

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Snag Lake

A free lake camp in between Truckee & Quincy, CA

This is one of many small lakes situated within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area , in the Northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Just north of Downieville & Historic Gold Country. Snag Lake is nothing special compared to the rest of the scenic lakes close by, but it is worth a mention due to a few fun facts.

Sierra Nevada Lake

One thing this small lake campground does have is convenience, located right on the Gold Lake Highway – next to Goose Lake, plus hiking distance to the largest of the lakes, Gold Lake. The second feature is the campground is small, 16 primitive sites, picnic tables & one vault toilet. The third thing is that this is a FREE campground; no charge.

campsite snag lake

Snag Lake Campground

• Elevation: 6600′
• Number of Sites: 16
• Vehicle Accessibility: Small RVs
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: No
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – October
• Trailheads: Gold Lake

Boulder Hopping

dirt drive (no pavement)

No motorized boats allowed. No paved boat ramps. Kayaks & canoes can hand launch from several spots. The dirt driveway is easily missed, especially at night. The old wooden, forest service sign is not reflective. The vault toilet is close to the highway and the camp sites are along the lake edge. No pavement anywhere!

Upon arrival, camper trailers will want to get out and select the best route to a camp site. The small boulders, dead trees, root and rock obstacles are abundant on the dirt road entry, all around the campground, and at each camp site. High clearance vehicles would fair best at this camp, but some passenger cars may be able to manage the rocky entrance. Get out and look at the road, before scraping across the biggest rock. Slowly, carefully, maybe… and preferably an arrival before dark.

LOCALS TIP: The wind tends to pick up at night around these lakes, so brace your tent well and position your vehicle appropriately.

NFS lake camping lake fishin hiking lakes lakes

fishing lake?

rainbow trout

Obviously with a name like SNAG, you can imagine that the fishing here is not the best, since roots and old tree stumps make up a good portion of the shoreline. Luckily there are a dozen alpine lakes within a 20 mile radius to choose from for another fishing spot. Some lakes are hike-in only, some require 4×4 to reach and others have cabin resorts.

towns nearby –

sierra snow

SEASONAL SNOW CLOSURES

snowmobile
Gold Lake Hwy (or Gold Lake Road) closes in the winter months (NOV-APRIL) due to snow and the region is used as a winter recreation area. Cross-country skiing and snow-mobiling are both popular activities.

driftwood

Lassen – Snag Lake

ANOTHER SNAG LAKE in NorCal, can be found by foot, hiking into the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness. Backpacking the lake loop is approx 17 miles RT and includes 3 lakes – Snag Lake, Widow Lake, and Jakey Lake. Trailhead is located at Juniper Lake, at the north shore.

read more about this hike

hiker

SIERRA LAKES

4×4 lakes
backpacking lake
camping lakes
canoeing lake
fishing lakes
hiking lake
kayaking lakes
waterfalls

Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Groves, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Picnic Areas, Snow, Trailheads

Silver Lake @ June

June Lake Loop

Silver Lake @ June Lake Loop

(Mono Co)

7700′ elev. Hwy 158, Backside of June Lake Loop, north of Mammoth.

Prime hiking and fishing destination of the Eastern Sierra, California. With impressive Carson Peak (10,909′) towering as a granite backdrop for the lake, every day out here is super scenic. Unless, of course, blizzard white-out conditions occur – which is possible during winter.

fishOctober-November, Autumn colors – at this particular location – tend to be fantastic, with aspen groves encompassing the lake, nearby streams and steep canyons.

fish: Reverse Creek, Rush Creek, Silver Lake, Grant Lake, Gem Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake

golden glow june

Winter weather & deep snow can close the paved highway loop, so know road conditions and weather forecast before you go. This beautiful Silver Lake is within walking distance of two lodges – Whispering Pines & Double Eagle Resort, so if rain or snow is predicted make your reservations.

  • aspen groves
  • autumn colors
  • backpacking
  • camping
  • canoeing
  • fishing lake
  • hiking trails
  • horseback trails
  • kayaking
  • mountaineering
  • picnic grounds
  • RV camp

Rental Boats

Ansel Adams Wildernesshiker
Inyo National Forest
June Lake, CA

This gorgeous, 80 acre alpine lake is a popular campground for fishing, picnicking, hiking, summer and autumn camping. Accommodates tent camping and RVs. Boat ramp, grocery store, coin-op laundry – all nearby. Camp closes for snow annually.

Silver Lake Campground NFS campground

• Elevation: 7600′
• Number of Sites: 28
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 20′
• Campsites Reservation: Yes
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilets: Flush
• Water: Piped/Potable
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: April – October

NFS
Inyo National Forest
Mono Lake Ranger Station
North US Hwy 395
Lee Vining, CA 93541
760-647-3044

lets go fishing

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See all Silver Lakes in California

Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

Onion Valley Campground

whiteVWcamper

Spectacular Small Campground located inside a granite bowl above 9000′ elevation, on the edge of the granite, near the John Muir Wilderness trails.camp

Inyo National Forest near Independence, CA
Eastern Sierra California

One of the best high elevation trailhead camp for backpackers in the Sierra.

High Sierra Lake Hikes

Onion Valley Campground

Onion Valley CA

  • Elevation: 9,200′
  • Number of Sites: 29
  • Vehicle Accessibility: no RVs
  • Camp Fee: Yes
  • Campsites Reservation: Yes
  • Toilet: Vault
  • Water: Piped
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Season: June – Sept
  • Trailhead Parking

Inyo National Forest hiker
Mount Whitney Ranger District
760-876-6200

Trailhead parking & camping for these High Sierra destinations –

onionsign

wild mountain onions?

High elevation NFS campground, located in a huge granite valley w/ waterfalls, wildflowers and aspen groves. The setting is breathtaking and the high altitude valley is nothing less than grand.

The views (east to the Owens valley) are from the paved road up, or from the hiking trails leading up outta camp. Gotta hike up (on foot) to see the views! Any visitor that does not hike, will be missing out on the best features of this destination. Plan to spend more than one day at Onion Valley.

ONLY OPEN for summer months! This small, developed campground closes annually.  Big winters and deep snow is the norm w/ elevation this high.

 walk-in camp sites

tent campas well as car camping sites.

  • picnic tables
  • fire rings
  • vault toilets
  • piped water
  • bear boxes

ONION VALLEY ROAD
access via Independence, CA

The paved road is long and very winding; sheer cliffs, steep drop offs, hairpin curves, minimal guard rails. RV motorhomes are not allowed on this route, due to the steepness of the terrain and the narrow roadway. conradkid2001

  • backpacking
  • camp
  • hiking
  • horse pack trips
  • lake fishing
  • mountaineering
  • rock climbing

 

horsepacks hiking Mountains

Rae Lakes Loop Map
Topo Hiking Map

HIKING LAKES in the Sierra

goldentroutlakecanyon
Golden Trout Lake Canyon

Gilbert Lake @ Kearsarge

see Onion Valley photos from –
Onion Valley Autumn 2008
Onion Valley Summer 2002

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers, Wildlife Refuge

South Warner Wilderness

Warner Mountains
Modoc Country
Northeast California

Road 64

Wide open spaces, mountains, rivers and ranch lands. The very last of the unexplored high country of California. Rural and rustic regions are full of forested mountain ranges with sage brush meadows lying below. Valleys are high elevation deserts with a base terrain sitting above 4000′; Peaks @ 8000′ above sea level.

South Warner Wilderness

70,000 acres
80 miles N of Susanville, CA
Modoc National Forest
NFS

South Warner Wilderness is in the southern portion of the Warner Mountains, a north south positioned range, located in the top corner of the golden state. Surprise Valley lies to the east, bordering the Nevada state line and Alturas w/ US Hwy 395 on the west side.

California SR 299
Hwy 299, the only paved thoroughfare cuts right through the middle of the Warner Mountains. Paved Parker Creek Road #56 climbs up Parker Creek from Alturas, accessing camping, hiking, dirt back roads and wilderness trailheads. Warner Mountains State Game Refuge is north of the wilderness area.

One dirt route skirts the wilderness boundary – West Warner Road #5, which leads from Parker Creek due south to Jess Valley Rd #64. Blue Lake Road, Patterson Mill and Road #39N15 are nearest to East Creek. Winter driving tips from NFS.

butterfly

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • creeks
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback riding
  • hot springs
  • lakes
  • waterfalls
  • wildflowers
  • wildlife

South Warner Lakes & Reservoirs lake

  • Clear Lake
  • Patterson Lake
  • Porter Reservoir (elev 6682′)
  • West Valley Reservoir (elev 4761′)
  • Blue Lake
  • Sworinger Reservoir (elev 5868′)

South Warner Trailheads hikes

  • Summit North Trailhead (Road #31)
  • Pine Creek Trailhead (Road #5)
  • Mill Creek Trailhead (Road #40N24)
  • Clear Lake Trailhead (Road #5)
  • Summit South Trailhead (Road #64)

mill creek falls modoc

South Warner Campgrounds camp

All these campgrounds listed can be accessed by a vehicle, most by narrow back roads (some dirt). If you prefer to drive on paved roads only, then you’ll need to choose Blue Lake or Mill Creek Falls. Deep snow closes forest roads and campgrounds are generally only open a few months per year, from May to October.

South Warner Mountain Peaks

  • Squaw Peak (elev 8646′)
  • Warren Peak (elev 9710′)
  • Dusenbury Peak (elev 9710′)
  • Eagle Peak (elev 9892′)
  • Cole Peak (elev 8970′)
  • Emerson Peak (elev 8989′)
  • Hat Mountain (elev 8737′)
  • Red Rock Mountain (elev 8518′)

south warner mountains map

Wilderness permits can be obtained at local ranger station: NFS
Modoc National Forest
225 West 8th Street
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-5811

Blue Lake Modoc
Blue Lake Modoc

nearby towns –

Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Camping, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Snow, Trailheads, Wilderness

Silver Lake @ Carson

silkysilver

Silver Lake @ Carson Pass

(Alpine Co)

7250′ elev.
on Highway 88 near Carson Pass, California
El Dorado National Forest
near Kirkwood Ski Resort & the Bear River

Large, granite, alpine lake in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains. Abundant trout fishing, swimming, camping, boating, hiking, floating, kayaking, picnic sites, and high altitude backpacking trailheads. Shoreline fishing is just as good as by boat. Fishing boats can be rented at Kit Carson Lodge.

granitesilver

The high altitude location makes this a winter wonderland half the year w/ snow ski resorts nearby! It is an awesome summertime family vacation destination as well. Fishing is excellent through Autumn months. Campgrounds close up shop in October, generally when the snow starts. High Sierra – Deep snow pack means they will not reopen until May (at the earliest).

Carson is major Sierra Pass highway, but it closes for big snows, so always check CalTrans before you make the drive up the mountain. Carson Pass is California State Route 88, which connects the Gold Country (on the western slopes) to the South Lake Tahoe region (on the eastern border), near Nevada.

Check Current Highway Conditions for HWY 88
roads.dot.ca.gov
Cal Trans 800-427-7623

Silver Lake Day Use Areas

fishing lakes picnic grounds fishing lakes boat ramp

These areas listed below are operated by El Dorado Irrigation District and they do charge a day-use fee for many of the amenities provided. Boat Launch fee? Yep. Parking fee? Maybe. Picnic stop! How much? Eat fast!

  • Ferguson Point is located on the north shore of Silver Lake: 10 picnic tables & vault toilets.
  • Sandy Cove is on NW shore of Silver Lake: Wheel-chair access to lake edge, 5 picnic tables, piped water & vault toilets.
  • Oyster Creek Rest Area, up along Highway 88, 1 mile NE of Silver Lake: 10 picnic tables & vault toilets.

kaysresortsign

Historic Memories: Camp Minkalo, Camp Silverado & Kays Silver Lake Resort are all closed now.

Many small businesses come and go in the rural mountains of California. Throughout the decades, some do survive, but many change hands, change names, or have a difficult time ‘making it all work’ in the off-season. Always call ahead (real phone w/ real person) before you make a big drive to a remote location.

National Forest Campgrounds in this lake vicinity:

East Silver Lake Campground – 62 sites
West Silver Lake Campground – 42 sites
Kirkwood Lake Campground – 12 sites

campground RV campground

Silver Lake Campground NFS

• Elevation: 7200′
• Number of Sites: 62
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 30′
• Campsite Reservations: Yes
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilet: Vault
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – October
• Trailheads: Hidden Lake, Sandy Cove

NFS
El Dorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District
26820 Silver Drive
Pioneer, CA 95666
209-295-4251

silver from highway

Older lodges, resorts, camps and cabins at Silver Lake were mainly built in the 1920s, while the oldest resort dates back to the mid 1800s. Wow, how cool is that! Much history in this mountain region w/ Kit Carson Emigrant Trail, all stories totally worth exploring.

Kit Carson Lodge
Rustic Silver Lake Cabins & Restaurant
kitcarsonlodge.com
209-258-8500

Historic Plasse’s Resort
One of the Oldest Camps in the USA
plassesresort.com
209-258-8814

Gold Miners

See all Silver Lakes in California

California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Fishing, Hiking

Mill Creek Falls Modoc

mill creek falls

Mill Creek Falls
Modoc National Forest

Just found another MILL CREEK in Northern California; a waterfall on the west side of the South Warner Wilderness. Located at the headwaters to the Pit River; about 6 miles east of Likely, CA

A small developed campground on a wooded slope; with new bathrooms, shady camp sites, a paved loop, and a short hike to the falls.Hiking trailhead leads into the wilderness area for fishing, hiking, lakes and backcountry access.

Open less than half the year, due to winter snow. Campground access off US Hwy 395, via Jess Valley Road #64

Mill Creek Falls Campground NFS

• Elevation: 5,680′
• Number of Sites: 20
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 22′
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Piped Water: Yes
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – October
• Trailheads: South Warner Wilderness, Clear Lake

millcreek modoc

NFSlogo

Modoc National Forest
Warner Mountain Ranger District
530-279-6116

mill creek falls modoc

paved camp loop

Modoc Blue Lake Campground is also located off  Jess Valley Road.

south warner sign

Parking area for day use hikers and overnight backpackers. Hiking trail to waterfall is a short, half mile hike.

Clear Lake is further upstream, above the falls. If you want to find swimming holes, below the falls – then head down river from camp.

elevation 5680

see more MILL CREEKS in California


California Deserts, Campspots, Hiking, Off Road, Slot Canyons, Trailheads

Canon Sin Nombre Slot Canyons

Happy Jan

Canon Sin Nombre – Anza Borrego
Mud Caves and Slot Canyon Hikes

Anza Borrego Desert State ParkDesert Slot Canyons – South Anza Borrego State Park region, just off County Road S-2 east of the ‘badlands overlook’ view point is a whole network of narrow walkways & skinny canyon trails to explore. Some are so tight you have to turn side ways to fit through. There are more than one of these sandstone topless caverns. Finding a new one each time you visit is a fun challenge. Just north in the Diablo canyon there are dry mud tunnels & trails as well. Explore & be careful not to get lost. And don’t camp at the canyon openings during the threat of heavy rains…duh.

Drive down steep, sandy road into Canon Sin Nombre entrance (the dirt road just to the north of Badlands Overlook). A high clearance vehicle is recommended and 4WD may be required in soft sand. 2WD SUVs/trucks should keep their speed up through the soft sandy areas & try not to turn or stop suddenly. Go slow in narrow sections of the canyon & slow over the rocks to save your oil pan.Anza Borrego photos

Clock your mileage 1 mile exactly from the paved road (s2) & park out in desert wash, pull over between the smoke trees. Hike over to the left side & look for an opening in the canyon walls to a deep secluded trench. A campsite may exists here.

hikerHike up the first canyon which does require some rock scrambling. The gorge lets you out at the very top with an impressive view over the Sweeney Pass area. The canyon walls are so tight in some spots you may have to turn sideways to fit through. Upper body strength is needed to climb high ledges & boulder scramble through this natural maze.

Once on top, wander on the ridge & check out the views; keeping to the right & then follow the next wash down to start the much longer & easier exit. Hike down in the main slot canyon which leads out to a big camp site & clearing. Exit slot area and turn right, walking back to the vehicle in the big wash.Slot Canyon

This particular hike is a blast on a full moon night, but not for a first timers try.

campBest time to visit: October – April

HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE access to reach trailhead. Moderate hike, boulder scrambling w/ dangerous mud walls. Flash floods here are possible during rains.

Plenty of 4×4 roads, SUV trails, & box canyons in the desert region.

Open primitive camping (free) all over
Anza Borrego State Park

The 2 nearest developed campgrounds:
Bow Willow Campground
Vallecito County Park

The Wall Walker

Smile Cheps

Backpacking, California Rivers, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs

Mineral King Campground, Sequoia NP

NPSSequoia National Park: Cold Springs Campground in Mineral King Area

A large developed camp ground with bear lockers, a raging creek, some walk in sites, & access to the Sierra Nevada high country trails.  This is the last real campground in the main valley, everything beyond this spot is pure alpine highcountry.

9000′-13,000′ peaks – in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Car camp, tent camping or bring a backpack and climb to pristine lakes and into the real Wilderness.

Cold Springs Campground, California

on the East Fork of the Kaweah River, closest campground to the hiker trailheads @ Mineral King Valley. Mineral King Road open May-October (depending on snow)

Atop the mighty canyon sits mountain passes, peaks and lakes above 10,000′ elevation. A rocky alpine valley of wonder and water, granite, dark skies and a good night sleep. Black bears and hikers are everywhere, anytime.

This sweet spot river campground has more than 25 camp sites, but there is not a lot to choose from way back here on the dead end back road known as Mineral King in California.  Just up the road a piece from Silver City. Nearest real town is Three Rivers near Sequoia NP south gate, California State Route 198.

Western Sierra /

Sequoia South Camping –

37 camp sites in Mineral King @ 7500′ elevation
vault toilets, river and piped water, bear boxes
first come, first served camping

Max Camper Length: 0
(RV, motorhomes, camper trailers are not allowed)

Rangers Office: 559-565-3768

Cold Springs Campground has several campsites right on a river with other sites set up a steep forested hills. There are good number of walk-in camp sites at the end of this campground, ideal for backpackers arriving late at night. The actual walk is more like a hike, so be prepared to carry your stuff a mile down a steep forested trail. You will be rewarded with a great camp spot, near the river, away from the parking lot and noise of the car campers above. Tar Gap hiking trail leads out of Coldsprings campground and straight into the back country.

Coldsprings Camp & Atwell Mill are the only options for local tent camping.
Strapping on a backpack and heading for the high country is what most visitors do, as this is an ideal high country trailhead accessible from the western reaches of the Sierra Nevada range.

Mineral King trailheads lead out to – 
alpine fishing lakes
mountain peaks
Great Western Divide
Kings Kern Divide
Kern Canyon Wilderness
South Sierra Wilderness
Golden Trout Wilderness
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon NP
Sequoia National Forest
Mountain Home State Forest
Giant Sequoia National Monument
John Muir Wilderness
ROAD CONDITIONS:

East of Three Rivers, CA on Highway 198 – Mineral King Road peels off to the right, south east to a vast 30 mile long canyon. This mostly paved route closes for winter months when snow is present and rock slides are common. There is a few miles of unpaved, graded 2 lane road, but the majority is paved. Late spring (May) is typically the opening season for this road. RVs, buses, and trailers are not allowed on this narrow, winding road!

MineralKing

BIG TREES NOTE: Although this gorgeous, secluded canyon is located within Sequoia National Park, there are no Sequoia redwood trees in this particular canyon. And you might need to drive an hour up the other mountain to reach them. Just a consideration. If you have your heart set on the seeing the big trees, go do that on another trip. Mineral King is a journey and after your drive that road you will understand a few times.

HIKER PARKING: The NPS rangers station is walking distance from Cold Springs Campground. A beautiful meadow walk to the east of the campground. Bears are known to frequent the area, so locking all food in the provided metal bear lockers is a must.

Badgers are a problem too. Them critters eat radiator hoses – no joke! A good roll of chicken wire could be needed if you plan to leave your car unattended for any length of time.

View Mineral King Camping in a larger map

Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Trailheads

Smith Lake California

Smith Lakes in California

Numerous places called SMITH LAKE exist in the Sierra Nevada.

wildflora

Lakes Basin Recreation Area has two different spots named SMITH LAKE. This region is in the Northern Sierra Nevada mountains, near Downieville, at the north end of the California Gold Country @ Highway 49.

smithlake

Smith Lake hiking trail can be accessed from the Gray Eagle Lodge area along Gold Lake Highway; or this hiking lake can also be accessed from a park on the north side. Plumas Eureka State Park, via the Jameson Creek trail.

mikeatsmiths

Lakes Basin also has a small set of two lakes called “Smith Lakes” – located on Smith Creek. Way back behind the larger, most famous Gold Lake.

4×4 Road #11E71 will lead you to this remote destination, with the proper vehicle, of course. Creek crossings and large rocks; A quality topographic map and a 4 wheel drive rig is needed for this adventure.

nicemeadows
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Lakes Basin California
North Sierra mountains, Sierra granite meets Cascade volcanic rock. Bordering of State Park & 2 National Forests

nearby towns:

driftwood

Snake Lake, California
Snake Lake, California

Snake Lake Campground, located west of Quincy, CA – has a small neighboring lake named Smith Lake. Chances are Smith is covered with lily pads, just like Snake Lake. Smaller Smith is accessible via dirt road only. Many people hike, horseback, mountain bike or dirt-bike back on these narrow dirt roads, so use caution when traveling. Butterfly Valley Botanical Garden is located way back here, if you can find it. A real forest service map is advised.

  • black bears
  • butterflies
  • frogs
  • snakes

driftwood

Smith River National Recreation Area is a remote watershed located in Northern California, on the Oregon border.

another Smith Lake in California? We’re still looking.


Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Snow, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers, XC Ski Areas

Mount Pinos

Mt. Pinos

Sierra Views from Pinos
Originally uploaded by danamight

Mount Pinos Recreation Area

The Mt Pinos Recreation Area is located on the border of Southern and Central California, inside Los Padres National Forest. After passing Frazier Park, the winding, paved, mountain road starts atop Cuddy Valley and is approximately 12 miles from Interstate 5 @ Tejon Pass. The 8831′ peak is the tallest in Kern County and is a popular spot for both summer and winter recreation: cross country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking. The snow gates often close during heavy snow.

Mount Pinos Road starts atop Cuddy Valley Rd, at the “Y” – where it intersects with Mil Potrero Highway, which heads out to Pine Mountain Club, California.

One mile up the Mount Pinos route, you will find McGill trailhead on the right side (it is popular w/ mountain bikers) and then the first snow gate at Burbank Rd. Another 4 miles up hill, you come to the only set of dirt roads accessible on this range. A left turn will take you winding thru pine forest to the valley below. 4×4 is not required, but a National Forest map could be very handy. Unfortunately all the private properties at the bottom have locked gates & no thru access to Cuddy Valley is allowed. Although it is an awesome drive to just go exploring in the woods, there is no way out (once you get down the hill), so you must return the same way you came.

Back on the main route, shortly after the dirt roads is McGill Campground on the right side & another snow gate. In another mile and a half you will reach Mt Pinos Campground on the left side; the entrance is easy to miss. From here you are less than 2 miles from the end of the main road.

Mountain Bike, Hike, Backpack, Camp, XC Ski, Snow Sled

Darkest Skies for Stargazing in Southern California

The huge paved parking lot is the dead end (2 miles from the peak of Pinos) – very popular with astronomers, mountain bikers, plus the families and snow sledders in winter (if the gates are open). A National Ski Patrol’s Nordic Base, the only building you will see up this way. At 8300′ elevation, the large parking area is perfect overnight spot for amateur astronomers, so be considerate when visiting night. New moon (no moon) weekends APR-OCT are optimal viewing months. In busy summer months you can often find motorhome campers all set up with expensive equipment tracking the heavens all night long. Please be respectful of their hobby & eyes; Turn off headlights when you approach the parking area at night.

hiker

There is also a hike-in, freebie camp ground called Chula Vista; an easy quarter mile walk from the parking lot to 12 camp sites & a pit toilet. Mountain bikes dig this area too. A large meadow here blooms with wild irises in summer, only sometimes.



Trail 21W03 Mt Pinos
Originally uploaded by danamight

ROAD CONDITIONS to Mount Pinos, call the rangers 661-245-3731

Pinos – Peak to Peak Hike

The trailhead for Pinos Summit starts at this parking lot. It is a 2 mile moderate, but steep hike on an old fire road. The neighboring peak to the west is called Mount Abel @ 8286′ elevation (aka Cerro Noroeste). The infamous peak to peak hike along the ridge line from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel is 6.5 miles one way – and very popular in summer months. This hike requires 4-6 hours & a car shuttle should be arranged in advance. The Chumash Wilderness sits between Mount Pinos and the tiny community of Pine Mountain, which can be seen below on many places along the hike.

camp

There are 3 developed campgrounds in the Mount Pinos Recreation Area:

McGill Campground accepts reservations online. Campgrounds are often closed during winter months, due to snow. (Oct-April)

DARK NIGHT SKIES: Amateur Astronomers unite!

thebigboys
Pinos star gazers out in force

summitsign
Hiking Trails to Mount Pinos, California

 

drummersout
Drummers Solstice Campout

flagspinos

LOS PADRES MAPS:

Los Padres National Forest Map

Los Padres Forest Topo Atlas

NatGeo Los Padres East Map 

Sespe Wilderness Trail Map

Dick Smith Wilderness Map

NEAREST TOWNS:

Chumash Wilderness
Mt Abel trailhead looking East to the Mount Pinos range. Pine Mountain Club, and the Sierra Nevada mountains can both be seen from this vantage point

see the neighboring mountain peak, Mount Abel

Camp O Alto @ Cerro Noroeste

Back Roads, California Deserts, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Petroglyphs, Rock Climbing, Slot Canyons, Trailheads, Washes, Wind Caves

Camping Vegas

Camping & Hiking Vegas

Valley of Fire Park
Valley of Fire Park

Vegas National Park
Desert Park Areas

The lands surrounding Las Vegas are NOT managed by the NPS, National Park Service – but Lake Mead is considered a National Recreation Area. Hoover Dam is located at the south end of Lake Mead, then the Colorado river connects further down stream to Lake Mohave.

Tourist are no longer burdened by the constant flow of traffic over the dam, because a beautiful, new bypass bridge has been recently built above the dam.

Boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, off-roading and camping are popular attractions at both the reservoir lakes. Mohave Lake is lesser known and therefore, less crowded. 4×4 may be need to reach certain coves at Mohave.

Vegas Hot Springs
(hike-in or kayak access only)

Most of the public lands in this Vegas desert are managed by BLM or the USDA National Forests. The Great Basin National Park is located in central Nevada, nearly 300 miles NW of the city of Las Vegas.

Lake Mohave
Lake Mohave on border of California, NV & AZ

Red Rock Vegas

redrockmap1997

Some folks know these rock walls as Red Rock Canyon, or Red Rock Park near Vegas – but the official name now ‘Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’ and the lands are managed by the BLM.

redrock vegas

The closest red rock park to Las Vegas, this one is located at the far west end of Charleston Blvd. – an easy exit to find off the freeway Interstate 15. Day hikes, rock climbing, mountain biking, picnics and a large BLM campground. This desert range can get very windy and the only campground around is poorly located along the busy highway, on a ridge. Bring good tent stakes and be prepared for serious wind. Better camping options can be found over at the higher elevation Mount Charleston, see below.

Vegas Valley of Fire

This beautiful desert park is 60 miles N of Vegas and well worth the day trip to explore native petroglyphs, hike among red rocks, sandy washes and just relax to take in breathtaking vistas. See more about the Valley of Fire State Park

Mount Charleston Camping

Several developed campgrounds are available in a pine forest setting. Some may charge a nightly fee, or a day use fee. Mary Jane Falls is well worth the hike. Two lodges grace this mountains, The Mount Charleston Resort is the big log and stone cabin along a straight away on Kyle Canyon Road #157. The Mount Charleston Lodge is above at 7717′ elevation and has a popular restaurant and nice modern mountain cabin rentals.


View Larger Map

Mount Charleston Campgrounds
USDA NFS

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Dolomite Campground
8,500′ elev
open May-Oct

Fletcher View Campground
7,000′ elev
open all year

Hill Top Campground
8,400′ elev
open May-Oct

Mahogany Grove Campground
8,000′ elev
open May-Oct

McWilliams Campground
8,500′ elev
open May-Oct

Old Mill Campground
8,300′ elev
open May-Oct

Red Rock in Las Vegas


Back Roads, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Historic Site, Lakes & Reservoirs, Mountain Biking, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Snow, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Volcano, Wilderness, Wildflowers

24N10 – Plumas NF

Lake Davis Loop Drive

Lake Davis Loop: Plumas Forest Road #24N10

Plumas National Forest

also known as the Beckwourth Taylorsville Road

5,800′ elevation
Portola, CA

Lake Davis

Lake Davis Loop is a 20 mile circle around the lake. Drive or mountain bike route. Scenic drive on dirt roads, or an easy bike ride. Average ride time 2 hours for biking.

A flat, easy loop around Lake Davis is best in summer months, as snow usually closes this area in winter. The whole route is a mix of paved, dirt and gravel road. There are picnic areas along the way, lake views, bird and wildlife viewing, wildflowers.

NFSlogo

 

Numerous primitive camp sites and secondary dirt roads fork in various directions, off of this main loop.  Volcanic ridges line the west side of the lake, dense forest and seclusion can be found all around. Bald eagles fly overhead and wild life is abundant.

  • boat
  • camp
  • fish
  • hike
  • mountain bike
  • stargaze
  • wildlife

CROCKER GUARD STATION

campCrocker Station is for rent and reservations are required. This wooden 2-story home was built in 1912 for Forest Service personnel, and later staffed as a fire station until the 1980s.

Situated at 5700′ elevation, its alpine beauty and cooler temps make it a much sought after, especially in summertime. Located a few miles from the lake and 10 miles northeast of Portola, California. There is a small campground next door called Crocker Campground. A dirt road access to Crocker Meadow is quickest from lake, but the paved route around is longer.

Camp 5 sign

DIRECTIONS:
From California SR 70 (Highway 70) in Portola take West Street approximately 7 miles to the Lake Davis Dam. Park at the information kiosk and get acquainted with maps and the area info.

Drive or bike the lake loop. Travel 1.7 miles west to Forest Service Road 24N10, travel on that for 8.1 miles until you reach the junction with County Road 112. Then turn east and continue around the lake, past the Grizzly Campground a half mile, turn South on Country Road 126 and continue back to the dam.


View Larger Map

Plumas National Forest
Plumas Map USDA

 

DSCN0077


Back Roads, Hiking, Trailheads

21S05 – Sequoia NF

the needlesThe Needles:
Forest Road# 21S05 –
Giant Sequoia NM

hikerFrom the small cabin community of Ponderosa, CA, continue N on the Western Divide Highway. Dirt road# 21S05 will be a right turn, a graded route that leads to a dirt parking lot for hikers.

The trailhead for the granite Needles is a favorite among rock climbers in the Southern Sierra Nevada. The easy 4.5 mile hiking trail is numbered 32E22 & leads out to a historic fire lookout tower, overseeing the Kern Canyon (& Road 22S82) below.

Needles Fire Lookout
(destroyed in structure fire 2011)

DEC-MAY: Winter road closure is common, due to snow and muddy road conditions.

Sequoia National ForestNFSlogo

bone creek
Secluded Camp w/ Waterfall on Bone Creek

camptruck

Trail of a Hundreds Giants

Balch Park, Sequoia Grove

Dome Land Wilderness

Golden Trout Wilderness

Sequoia Camping on back roads

Sequoia Campgrounds & Camping

Kern River Camping

sierra roads

nearby towns:


Backpacking, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads

Gold Lake California

lilgoldlake
Hike-in only Gold Lake, Bucks Lake Wilderness.

California has more than one Gold Lake!

goldsign

Gold Lake, CA

(Sierra Co)
6409′ elev.

The biggest Gold Lake, California is the well-known one, along the Gold Lake Highway in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Plumas meets Tahoe National Forest. North of Gold Country Hwy 49, Downieville & the Yuba River. Right where the Sierra Nevada granite meets the volcanic lava rock of NorCal.

Packer Lake

Lakes Wilderness Map

Impressive jagged spires known as The Sierra Buttes (8591′) tower above the stunning lake scenery. This big Gold Lake is surrounded by a dozen smaller alpine lakes which make up the popular region called Lakes Basin. Easy access paved highway, which closes in winter for deep snow and winter recreation. The Gold Lake Highway is also referred to as Plumas County Road #S620

sierra buttes
the sierra buttes

Sardine Peak Fire Lookout lodgeranger rentals
NFS fire tower – no more overnight rentals!
 overlooking the Sierra Buttes and the serene Lakes Basin, Yuba River, Northern Gold Country California

see CalPine Lookout near Sierraville, CA

driftwood

USFS

LAKES BASIN RECREATION AREA
Cabins, camping, lake fishing, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-roading, snow-mobiling.

lakesbasinhikers

snowmo

California Lakes

mini gold lake

Mini Gold Lake

(Plumas Co)
6000′ elev.

Another smaller Gold Lake exist on the granite slopes in Bucks Lake Wilderness – E of Oroville & W of Quincy, CA.

gold lake trailheadThis hidden gem is a hike-in only lake – and well worth the effort. A somewhat short hike, great ridge line views to the east, although the last half mile of this route is a doozie (moderately strenuous).

The main trailhead departs from Silver Lake and climbs a ridge line that heads over to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). An off-shoot trail goes another mile to the miniature Gold Lake, a granite bowl of sheer beauty. A great day hike for those wishing to see the backcountry. Pack your picnic lunch, camera, and make a whole darn day of it!

Swimming & skinning dipping seem quite natural at this alpine lake, since it is a pretty remote location (without a lot of visitors) and there is absolutely no swimming allowed at neighboring Silver Lake.

bucks trailhead

The steep, overgrown, rocky shoreline leads one to bush whack through old trails, only to be met by a rock slide. Many dead ends and obstacles to climb around, or over. Some way… maybe, or maybe not!

Boulder and rock scrambling is the key phrase to remember, once you reach this lake. Knees may be sore from climbing, up and over the boulder ledge surrounding the lake bowl.

goldshore

Bucks Lake Wilderness Map

A few primitive camp sites are scattered about on the edge of the lake for those backpacking in, but be warned – they can be very difficult to reach. Much more suitable campsites can be found scattered throughout the area.

Warning: there are no flat, lush meadows to lounge in up at the lake, so pick yourself a side route (on the walk in) to find real seclusion and privacy.

view to Quincy

This mile-long-ridge hiking trail to mini Gold Lake has some amazing views down to the east side – Jacks Meadow right below; then Meadow Valley & Quincy off in the distant hills. RURAL CALIFORNIA – Plumas County from above.

jacks meadow
jacks meadow, way below

Sierra Nevada Lakes

High Sierra Gold Lakes in California

hike-in only lakes

hike

Golden Bear Lake
(Tulare Co)
12,000′ elev

High Sierra – Kings Canyon National Park
Center Basin / Center Peak 12,760′
PCT – Pacific Crest Trail
North of Mount Whitney
Eastern Sierra, Independence, CA

hike

Golden Trout Lake
(Inyo Co)
11,500′ elev

Trail #3306 from Onion Valley Campground
North of Mount Whitney
Eastern Sierra, Independence, CA

goldentroutlakecanyon
onion valley trail views

Eastern Sierra Lakes
Alpine Lake above Onion Valley, Eastern Sierra

4x4 Camps OHV, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Lodge, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Campsites, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Snow, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers, XC Ski Areas

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Lakes Basin Area, California

Golden gems of California, a collection of alpine lakes on the north end of Historic Gold Country, North Yuba River, Northern Sierra Nevada

lake dunk
EAST of Downieville, CA

California’s Gold Lake and surrounding lakes; the granite spires of the Sierra Buttes and the creeks, waterfalls, headwaters of the Yuba River — total wild beauty. Steep, granite, river canyon from Downieville drive east on Highway 49 from Sierra City to Bassetts, a gasoline and market stop; they have a small hotel there too.

Historic Lodges

Take the left turn, north on to the Gold Lake Highway. The alpine and extremely scenic Lakes Basin Area consist of all small lakes in between Hwy 49 to Hwy 89, along GOLD LAKE HWY [Road S620] some maps read Road #24 or call this Gold Lake “Road” instead of highway. Snow closes in this route during winter months.

The impressive Lakes Basin Gold Lake Region is in the north part of Tahoe National Forest, on the border of Plumas National Forest. Plumas Eureka State Park is also nearby.

Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Picnicking, Wildflowers, Stargazing, Fishing, Kayaking, XC Skiing, Snowmobiling

Lakes Basin Map

Lakes Basin Campground

California best lake destinations

lakes basin views

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Sierra Buttes Map


Groves, Hiking, Sightseeing

McKinley Sequoia Grove

McKinley Grove

McKinley Grove Big Trees

Sierra National Forest

Mc Kinley Grove is a small grouping of Sequoia trees in the Central Sierra Nevada; Located off Hwy 168 & way down Dinkey Creek Road (Sierra Rd #40). deep inside Sierra National Forest, past the Dinkey Creek Campground turn off. It’s a good stretch break and picnic stop on your way to Wishon & Courtright Reservoirs.

Located 17 miles; East of Shaver Lake CA

McKInley Sequoia

camp

Sierra National Forest Map USDA

closest campgrounds –

hikes

 

nearby destinations –

NFS

local rangers:

Sierra National Forest
High Sierra Ranger District
29688 Auberry Rd
Prather, CA 93651
559-855-5355

Sequoia campsite


Backpacking, California Maps, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads, Wilderness

Wilderness Lakes

Lake Genevieve
Lake Genevieve, hike-in only access. Way up behind Convict Lake @ Mammoth Lakes, CA

calif lakes / secluded lakes / loop hike around lake / best lake in california / lake elevation / geology lakes / alpine lakes

hike-in lakes

Wilderness lakes are as pure as it gets. No cattle, no roads nearby. Snow melt, cool days, good fishing, great mountain scenery, granite, fresh air & clean water. You have to really wanna reach them. You must physically WORK to get to these remote alpine wonderlands – hike, bike, or horseback.

Heart Lake
Heart Lake, near Onion Valley & Kearsarge Pass

Some lakes are accessible via a day hike, with miles of forest trails or granite switchbacks in between. Waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife will keep you entertained, as you enjoy your trek. No rush, no pressure; Go slow and take it all in. Remember, it’s not a race!

Most people prefer to backpack in to these locations and stay a while. Why not? These puppies are ACCESSIBLE only a few months outta the whole year. May as well enjoy them while you can. The rest of the time they are frozen solid or buried with serious snow. Wilderness areas do not allow dogs nor mountain bikes on trails, so plan accordingly.

camp, fish, hike, horseback, swim

California is lucky to have hundreds of lakes within protected wilderness areas. Almost all are gorgeous and have very limited access. While we haven’t yet been able to hike every Wilderness in Cali, we will leave you with the visuals and links, plus a way to buy the specific topo maps.

California Wilderness Lakes

Ansel Adams Wilderness

Bucks Lake Wilderness

Carson Iceberg Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness

Granite Chief Wilderness

Emigrant Wilderness

Hoover Wilderness

John Muir Wilderness

Lassen National Park

Mokelumne Wilderness

Monarch Wilderness (Kings Cyn)

Jennie Lakes Wilderness

Thousand Lakes Wilderness

Trinity Alps Wilderness

Yosemite National Park

wild California

 

HIGH ALTITUDE LAKES:
 4000′ elevation to 14,000′ elevation

snowflake

SEASONAL deep SNOW makes many of these beautiful lakes inaccessible for more than half the year. Call ahead to local rangers to make sure your desired destination is indeed open for traffic. Certain locations may require snow shoes, snowmobile or a 4WD to access.

Forget the hike!

If you are seeking a remote mountain lake that you can drive to, you will need to search for one that has the fewest people. A high clearance vehicle will help you exit the tourist traps, via plenty of the back roads. Some dirt roads are acessible with just a passenger car or AWD wagon. Talk to the ‘field ranger’ for up-todate road conditions and closures.campfires Make sure to get a campfire permit, before you camp outside of developed campgrounds. Always steer clear of crowded, holiday weekends.

Juniper Lake Table
Juniper Lake – Lassen NPS

California LAKE LIST

The lake list above samples most of the lakes in California. For secluded locations and rare finds (accessible by vehicle), see the list below and follow links for more info.

fernlake
Fern Lake – hike in access, June Lake Loop Hwy 158

More California regions with pristine lakes, but not dubbed Wilderness:

turtleandfriend
Turtle and Friend, Junction City, CA

Sunrise Lakes
Sunrise Lakes, Yosemite Loop Hike


Backpacking, Equestrian, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

California Topo Maps

topo linesCalifornia Terrain

Topographical maps feature the terrain of a wilderness or hiking area, through colored shading & thin contour lines to represent elevations. Park boundaries, trail routes, trail heads & campgrounds are noted, as well as major landmarks like lakes, rivers, creeks, meadows, peaks, canyons, hot springs, waterfalls & all roads (dirt or paved).

Backpackers & hikers must rely on such maps for planning & trekking their journey. Hard copy, printed, waterproof maps are top choice, but topo maps now come in digital format for download as well. DanaMite has recently started including these digital map links within the Total Escape Map Shop – totalescape.net/shop/

Here in California we are lucky to have so much public land available to us for enjoyment. Numerous map vendors make maps for nearly all of the regions across California.

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QUADS: 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle maps, available from the USGS, can be found online w/ Avenza Maps (often for free) and also, direct from the government site https://www.usgs.gov/products/maps/topo-maps

A while back, the NFS offered handy books of these sought-after topo maps. They were compiled into booklet form called an ATLAS, with sturdy covers & a spiral bound. Overall size is close to 9″x12″ & they are much easier to handle than the individual paper maps. Look for Forest Topo Atlases

List of topo maps available for California:

wilderness maps CA kings canyon

conradkid
Hiking the High Sierra @ 12,000 feet above sea level

Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Campsites, Creeks, Equestrian, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

Cottonwood Campground

High Sierra access:

Cottonwood Lakes / Horse Camps

Cottonwood Pass – 11,200′

Cottonwood Lakes Campground, Golden Trout Campground & Horseshoe Meadows Campground… all next to Mount Whitney. This is a prime side option for Whitney & Southern High Sierra packing. Perfect for equestrian travelers, backpackers & day hikers.

Sitting at Tuttle Creek Campground at dusk, just outside of Lone Pine , in the Eastern Sierra – you may have wondered what the hell those lights were. Way off in the distance – to the south. Way up high.

There must be another road that also heads up into the Sierra’s. Yep! Go find this special valley. It is well worth the drive, even for just a day trip. A long and winding drive up from Hwy. 395, in Lone Pine CA – take Whitney Portal Rd up to Tuttle Creek Campground, see the road called Horseshoe Meadows Road on the left. Take it, all the way up, you will be glad you did. Allow hours for the drive, views, hike, & the picnic. It’s bear country so be concerned about your food. Use bear lockers, even for day trips.

mdws1

Cottonwood Campground is located in the Inyo National Forest , this area is just south of Mt. Whitney, is by far much quieter than the masses at the Portal. Although camping is limited to a ‘one nights stay’, the terrain is spectacular with ample parking for backpackers, sightseers & horse trailers alike. The paved switchback road is steep & long, to say the least. RV are not recommended on this Eastern Sierra Horse Shoe Meadows Road.

This area is definitely geared towards Sierra backpackers & equestrian trips. The parking lots are pretty roomy, plus there is a one night stay limit on the campgrounds: Golden Trout, Cottonwood Lakes, Horseshoe Meadow. New Army Pass & the Golden Trout Wilderness are both accessed from these high Sierra trail heads. Meadows up here are large & lined with pines. They can range from lush wildflowers to golden dry. Granite, horses & high elevations!

newarmypass
Trailheads to the High Country Sierra

walk-in camp sites:

These campgrounds up here are large and spacious with walk in access only. A common parking area is shared, along with the community fire rings & steel bear boxes. Wide open areas with tons of room for star gazing. The camp areas are not considered secluded. Very open skies & perfect for stargazing.

These camp sites are designed for overnighters preparing for their backpacking ventures into the nearby Sierra wilderness. This high altitude mountainous area closes for winter snows (anytime between October-May) & the campgrounds/trail heads will not be accessible. If road is open in early Spring, I imagine the cross country skiing & snow shoeing would be incredible in those huge meadows. Sierra wildflowers are abundant on certain years.

From Hwy 395 & Lone Pine CA, take Whitney Portal Rd. up to Horseshoe Meadow Rd & turn left. Follow this long & steep road due south hugging the mountain’s edge. This steep winding entrance will take you to some spectacular views over the dry desert Owens Lake & Lone Pine. Then turns sharply west headed straight into the pine filled Southern Sierras. This region is so high in elevation that you can actually see ‘tree line’. At 10,000′ alpine glory, this is prime backpackers country. Exposed granite mountain peaks loom above the tall ponderosa pines.

INYO National Forest: Cottonwood Lakes Campground

campground elevation spots vegetation toilet water fee
Cottonwood Campground 10,000′ 100+ ponderosa vault none yes

parking
Common Parking Lot

LONE PINE CA; Lone Pine Camping
Inyo National Forest
Mt. Whitney Ranger District
760-876-6200

Camping Cottonwood
Camping Cottonwood @ JTNP

ADDITIONAL COTTON:
There’s more than one Cottonwood Campground in California.

JTNP – A more popular spot is the Cottonwood Campground, on the south end of Joshua Tree National Park, near the Interstate 10 park entrance. Click here for camp information.

ABPF – Cottonwood Canyon –  4×4 accessible route which leads to aspen grove and old cabin, on the eastern side of the White Mountains and near the Ancient Bristlecone Pines. Cottonwood Basin is a result of Cottonwood Creek, which flows east toward the state of Nevada.

 

Campgrounds, Groves, Hiking, Trailheads

Big Basin Redwoods Campground

Big Basin State Park

Big Basin Redwoods Camping – Big Basin State Park

By far, one of the best Redwood State Parks near the San Francisco Bay Area. Very popular on weekends and all summer long. Reservations are recommended. Open all year!

State Park
These are the majestic Santa Cruz redwood forests, located behind Boulder Creek, California. Off of Hwy 9, this redwood park has awesome hiking, easy access & overnight accommodations to suit your style. Stay in a tent cabin, a developed campground or use the walk-in camp sites for a real natural setting.

Real Forest Camping
Real Forest Camping

  • camp
  • backpacking
  • hike
  • picnic
  • redwood groves
  • creeks
  • waterfalls

    • campsites
    hike in campground
    primitive camp

    Big Basin Redwood Campgrounds

    184 camp spots include:

    • 74  tent campsites
    • 38 walk-in sites
    • 41 tent cabins
    • 31 RV campsites (27′ max)

    Additionally there are 40 hike-in camp sites & 4 group camps, by reservation.

    RV camp
    tent cabins
    RESERVE a CAMP SITE or TENT CABIN in the REDWOODS

    If you prefer not to camp out among the ferns & the forest, then the tent cabin may be the way to go, or there are several dozen inns nearby. Select the towns below for lodging options.

    Big Basin Redwoods State Park Campground

    nearby communities:

    Redwoods Camping

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Deserts, Campspots, Hiking, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway

    chimney peak Wilderness

    East of Lake Isabella and west of Walker Pass, there is a small community called Canebrake along Highway 178 Canebrake Road, a graded dirt road climbs up into pinyon pine forests. Lamont Peak (aka Lamont Pinnacles) is a decent hike & rock climbers dig it too.

    Lamont Peak

    Chimney Creek Campground is along the main road and has RV access (28′ max), for the motorhomes who do not mind a little dirt road driving. Easy trail access to numerous area hikes. The PCT is routed close by.

    Long Valley Campground is tucked way back in the boonies with trailhead leading into the granite Dome Lands; Fishing and river access to the South Fork of the Kern.

    Long Valley Loop
    Long Valley Loop Road (2001)

    Long Valley Loop Road circles the Chimney Peak Wilderness, which skirts the Domeland Wilderness. THE LOOP is washed out and ROAD is NOW CLOSED in one portion. See BLM web site for up to date info.

    [ see the photos from 2001 ]

    nearby towns –

    ALTA SIERRA
    LAKE ISABELLA
    KENNEDY MEADOWS
    KERNVILLE
    WOFFORD HEIGHTS

    maps of the region –

    SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST MAP
    DOMELAND WILDERNESS MAP
    HIKING MAP PCT #3 (PACIFIC CREST TRAIL)

    California Coast, Hiking, Trailheads

    Hiking California Coast

    California Coast Trails

    Big Sur Coast Coastal hikes are the mildest trails California has to offer, ranging from scenic strolls along the base of beach cliffs to steep redwood forested canyons. From Torrey Pines in San Diego to the multiple redwood parks along the North Coast, there is no shortage of hiking near the coastline. Southern California has more beaches than parks, with tide pool areas being a favorite destination for many. Central Coast has lush, fern canyons with year-round flowing creeks and numerous bluffs and rugged beaches. Bay Area has hiking trails nearly everywhere – along the bay, in the woods or on the coast. NorCal has all the wilderness, parks and remote beaches one could ever hope for. What are you waiting for? Get out there.

    Pacific Valley Hiking

    San Francisco Bay Area Hiking

    Limekiln Hikes

    hiking trail maps

    NorthMarin
    Channel Island National Park Map
    Los Angeles Hiking Maps
    Los Padres NF South (Ojai, Santa Barbara, Frazier)
    Los Padres NF North (San Luis Obispo, Big Sur)
    Marin Hiking Maps
    Mendocino National Forest Map
    Six Rivers National Forest Map
    Redwoods Map
    Ventana Wilderness Map w/ Silver Peak

    Sand Dollar Beach

    Hiking

    Hiking Park

    California Guide to City Hikes, Urban Hiking Trails & Local Community Parks

    California has thousands of parks, forests, preserves and open spaces for public use. Outdoor recreation, museums, gardens, pools, biking, equestrian and hiking trails. There are State Parks, National Forest & National Parks gracing nearly every corner of the golden state. Each California county has numerous county parks and within downtown regions, city parks can be perfect, scenic, picnic spots, or the parks could include hiking trails – like San Diego’s Balboa Park that is 5 square miles big.

    creek park

    Community Resources for California: Parks & Recreation

    Local museums, city parks, county parks, found under individual town listings on California A-Z

    Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs

    Hiking Lake

    Guide to Hiking Lakes in California

    lakes Southern California

    This is California – the beautiful, where millions flock on vacation. California is crowded: the population & tourists are only increasing each year. Thousands of people are looking for hiking mountains or better, a hiking lake – each weekend. Many are using the web for destinations, like the research you are doing right now. All folks seeking nature, water, cooler temps, fresh air & views. High Sierra, NorCal, SoCal Reservoirs, we list the best of these hiking lakes below.

    Some of the lakes have mountaineering routes nearby; equestrian trails, regular hiking trails, campgrounds, some even have sorta level paved (granny) trails for biking, hiking & skating around.

    High elevation or alpine lakes can be accessed best in summer months. Mountain bike, backpack, horseback into these hidden treasures. With any Sierra Nevada destination, snow pack deep can be in certain seasons. Major Highways (Sierra Passes) can be closed into June or July, due to rock slides and late snow melt. Snow shoes, snowmobile or 4×4 vehicles may be needed to reach such lakes, any months OCT-MAY (fall to spring). Winter can come early & stay late at these higher elevations of California; Be prepared for true Wilderness experience.

    But maybe you are just looking for some easy hiking, loop trails & picnic spots; Or perhaps an overnight stay near a lakeside camp w/ kayak rentals. California reservoirs to alpine lakes, we have a wide variety listed below.

    This page contains links to some favorite lakes with hiking trails around the lake, along the shoreline or routes on ridge lines overlooking the lake. If no good lake page could be found, we’ve linked to some photos of the lake on Flickr.

    Baja California:

    SoCal:

    Central California / Sierra Nevada:

    NorCal:

    Blackrock Reservoir in Sierra Nevada
    Blackrock Reservoir in Sierra Nevada

    Lakes California Map: check out all the maps we have for lakes in Cali

    Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Groves, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers, Wildlife Refuge

    Green Creek Road

    Mono County Wildlife Area
    Mono County Wildlife Area, Green Creek Road- off Hwy 395, near Bodie

    Green Creek California

    Eastern Sierra

    S of Bridgeport, CA
    MONO – Road #142NFS

    Toiyabe National Forest
    Bridgeport Ranger District

    If you are thinking about fishing or camping the Eastern Sierra, North of Bishop & you are not up for the crowds at Mammoth or June Lakes, then try the Bridgeport area, north on Hwy 395. Rural ranch lands along main road, Bodie ghost town turn off across the highway and Virginia Creek Settlement are also nearby

    Green Creek is a 11 mile long dirt road in the lush Eastern Sierra the northern portion. The wide, graded dirt road is signed and dead ends at a Toiyabe National Forest campground called Green Creek Campground. The drive up can be washboard bumpy in some parts, but that doesn’t stop the hundreds of adventurous motorhomes that make this trek annually. This place features some of the best prime Sierra back roads camping options for RVs.

    Another dirt route, Dunderberg Meadow Road peels off to the left. Dunderberg departs  off Green Creek a couple of miles from the highway and well maintained. This route leads to meadows, aspens, picture perfect scenery and much more seclusion. Passenger car accessible, wide graded dirt roads to wilderness edges. Two-track one lane trails lead to meadow edges and more creeks. Very impressive views of the Sierra peaks over here on this side. Meadows are sensitive areas, wonderful for picnics and you should always minimize impact.

    State Park California

    Green Creek Wildlife Area
    Mono County, California

    Aspen Grove Camping for RVs

    • alpine lakes
    • backpacking
    • bird watching
    • camping
    • creeks
    • day hikes
    • fishing
    • hiking
    • horseback
    • hunting
    • mountain biking
    • wildlife
    • wilderness

    Plain old passenger cars can easily make this route deep into the Eastern Sierra aspen canyon. Graded dirt and4x4 could be needed winter months. Backpackers can enjoy easy access to the Hoover Wilderness trailheads. There is plenty semi-primitive camping spots along the way, right on the creek, for free…. so no need to sleep in your vehicle upon arrival.

    Autumn Aspen Groves: fall colors peak in October, which is usually when the first snows for the winter season start. November – usually the freeze gets them and lifeless brown leaves dangle, until the Sierra Nevada wind gust blow real good.

    camp

    Green Creek Camping

    DIRT ROAD CAMPING

    • alpine lakes
    • backpacking
    • car camping
    • day hikes
    • fishing camping
    • meadows
    • RV camping
    • tent camping

    Hoover Wilderness

    Dispersed, primitive camp spots along this main dirt road are on a first come basis. You’ll need a fire permit. Many flat camps are set along the creek in aspen groves, some pines, others have  cubby hole privacy. Large granite valley, big creek, bird, scenery and nature everywhere.  Some folks spend weeks camping out here in the warm weather months. Fishing is a big attraction.

    Old Cabin in autumn leaves, up near the top of the dirt road deep in the aspen grovesNFS

    Green Creek Campground USFS
    7500 elevation
    11 camp sites
    fee, open May – October
    trailhead parking nearby

    hiking trails lead to

    hikes

    TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS:

    Aspen Camp

    California Rivers, California Vineyard, California Waterfalls, Creeks, Hiking

    California Countryside Hikes

    California Wine Country Hikes, Gold Country Hiking, Sierra Foothills, River Trails

    DSCN1649

    Back Roads, Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads

    6S05 – Inyo NF

    6S05bridge

    Paved, one-lane extension of #4S12, Rock Creek Road.
    Up above Rock Creek Lake, East Sierra Nevada, California

    High elevation 10,272′ at roads end and parking lot

    Little Lakes Valley Trailhead
    Mono Pass
    Morgan Pass
    John Muir Trail (JMT)
    Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

    Mosquito Flat Picnic Area

    Restrooms, paved parking lot, nature trails, fishing creeks, horseback, wilderness trails.

    hikes NFS camp horse camp

    Mosquito Flat Walk-In Campground is intended for backpackers departing overnight into the backcountry the following day. Single night stay ONLY. Please camp down canyon if you plan to stay for more than one night. Bear lockers are provided at campgrounds for proper storage of food items, so use them!

    No campfires are allowed outside of developed campgrounds. Day use does not require a permit. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Bear containers are required for backpackers. Permits for these trails are issued at Inyo National Forest ranger station in Mammoth, or the Eastern Sierra Visitors Center (ESIA) near Olancha.

    littlelakesvalley

    John Muir Wilderness (JMT) trails, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), epic scenery, alpine lakes, high elevation. Eastern Sierra

    Rock Creek NFS Hiking Trailheads (download PDF)

    Rock Creek Pack Station provides wilderness pack trips on horseback, and day rides too.

    Road and canyon is CLOSED for winter snow approx. NOV-MAY

    snowlane

    Peaks and passes surrounding Rock Creek Canyon, in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains –

    Red Mountain 11,472′ (elevation)
    Mount Morgan 13,748′
    Morgan Pass
    Mt Huntington 12,405′
    Mono Rock 11,554′
    Mono Pass
    Mt Starr 12,835′
    Mt Mills 13,451′
    Mt Abbott 13,704′
    Round Valley Peak 11,943′

    Hike or horseback ride to these alpine lakes from Rock Creek Rd trailheads –

    Davis Lake
    Hilton Creek Lakes
    Patricia Lake
    Golden Lake
    Pioneer Basin Lakes
    Trail Lakes
    Summit Lake
    Ruby Lake
    Mills Lake
    Gem Lakes
    Treasure Lakes
    Dade Lake
    Upper Morgan Lake
    Lower Morgan Lake
    Chickenfoot Lake
    Little Lakes
    Box Lake
    Heart Lake
    Marsh Lake
    Serene Lake
    Eastern Brook Lakes
    Tamarack Lake
    Buck Lake
    Francis Lake
    Dorothy Lake
    Kenneth Lake

    California Deserts, Hiking

    Desert Hiking California

    California desert region hikes

    Anza Borrego Desert State Park
    Approximately 20% of California’s land is desert, located in Mono, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside Counties… most falling in the eastern portion of California. Almost all of the Baja California peninsula is desert, right down to THSDmapthe beaches on the Sea of Cortez. The Mojave joins in Sonoran desert in Joshua Tree National Park, which is reason enough to explore this fabulous landscape. Anza Borrego Desert has way more cacti and vegetation than the barren Death Valley terrain. But Death Valley offers abundant acreage, seclusion, hot springs, scenic canyons, mining history, the tallest mountain peaks and the lower point in the nation. Inyo has impressive mountains that sit just east of the Sierra Nevada and is a volcanic wonderland along Highway 395 with indian petroglyphs, cinder cones and ancient lava flows.

  • Anza Borrego Hikes – San Diego Back country: Blair Valley Indian Pictographs
  • Bodie Ghost Town – High desert mining camp, off Hwy 395
  • Darwin Falls Hike – High desert waterfall, near Death Valley
  • Death Valley Hiking
  • Fossil Falls – Lava Flow on Hwy 395
  • Hiking Las Vegas
  • Inscription Canyon – Mojave Desert, Barstow
  • Joshua Tree Hiking Trails
  • Mojave Desert Hiking
  • Panamint Valley & Canyons
  • Rainbow Basin – Mojave Desert, Barstow
  • Randsburg Mining Town
  • Telescope Peak Hike

    • Goat Trestle Anza Borrego Desert
    Goat Trestle Anza Borrego Desert

    California Desert Hiking Maps

    bajaalmanac2010
    Baja Almanac
    Baja Map Set by NatGeo
    Bodie Ghost Town Map
    Death Valley Maps
    Inyo National Forest
    Jawbone Canyon Map
    Joshua Tree Maps
    Mojave Desert by Tom Harrison
    Mojave Map by NatGeo
    Mono Lake Map
    San Diego Backcountry Map
    Anza Borrego Desert Map
    Verdugo Mountains Map

    Hiking

    Eastern Sierra Hiking

    Eastern Sierra Hiking Trails – Mammoth Hikes

    Autumn Bliss Hike

    Desert ghost towns to Sierra meadows & waterfalls, Inyo National Forest offers plenty of diversity for scenery. To list all the hikes in the Eastern Sierra would be obsurd, cuz there are so many trails. This side of the Sierra Nevada is all about hiking, fishing & camping.Inyo forest map

    No matter where you hike you will probably get a great view over the Owens Valley, Long Valley Caldera or Mono Lake. So that means most of those trails are hiking up a canyon, or a ridge line. Thousands of trails over this region require a good map to make the best decision for your hiking interest.

    US HWY 395: The Eastern Sierra is one of the premier hiking destinations of California. Featuring the granite crags of the HIgh Sierra peaks. Mount Whitney, the tallest peak is closest to Lone Pine. Southern Californians love Eastern Sierra destinations, cuz they can avoid Los Angeles Basin and stay outta traffic.

    Lone Pine Lake – Whitney Portal is a great, but crowded place for hiking. DO NOT ATTEMPT to hike to Mount Whitney in one day! Leave it to the seasoned pros. The first good stop up the Whitney Trail is gorgeous Lone Pine Lake, a great moderate day hike from there.

    Alabama Hills – just below Mt. Whitney and has a totally different landscape than the backdrop granite Sierras behind. Try some boulder hopping & explore the dirt roads. Bring your mountain bike too.

    Cottonwood Lakes (Pacific Crest Trail) – day hikes to alpine lakes. US 395 @ Lone Pine, W on Whitney Portal Rd. Left on Horseshoe Meadow Rd & continue up 19 mi. to the Horseshoe Meadow campground. Mostly a trail head camp, way, way up there. Open May – November

    Kearsarge Pass – from 9000′ Onion Valley you can access the incredible High Sierra & numerous alpine lakes. The elevation gain makes this a full days hike; rated strenuous. Or continue on w/ backpack into Kings Canyon National Park.

    Devils Postpile – back behind Mammoth Mountain, creeks, forest & cool geology awaits. Plenty hiking trails.

    FALL COLORS: Autumn is the best time to enjoy the gorgeous aspen groves, as they change colors w/ the onset of winter.

    Eastern Sierra Peaks

    Topo maps, wilderness hiking maps
    Equestrian trails, OHV maps –


    Sierra High Country Hikes
    Originally uploaded by danamight

    Trailhead @ Onion Valley leads up to impressive alpine lakes, Kearsarge Pass & Kings Canyon High Country.

    Eastern Sierra communities include:

    Alabama Hills
    Alabama Hills @ Lone Pine, CA

    Camping, Crater, Hiking, Historic Site, Lakes & Reservoirs, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Volcano

    Mono Lake California

    The Great Basin meets California, at the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains

    Navy Beach, Mono Lake

    Mono Lake


    elevation: 6383′
    Eastern California
    US Hwy 395 @ CA SR 120

    East of Yosemite NP
    Lee Vining, CA

    Mono Lake

    Rumor has it this lake basin could be the ancient super volcano of the region. MonoLake is located on the north end of the Long Valley Caldera, a volcanic ridge which stretches down to Bishop and parallels Mammoth Mountain & US 395.

    Huge shallow lake with a very turbulent history. Signs and plaques throughout the lake shore give info on ancient history of the lake, the wildlife, and regional detail. Majestic views of the Sierra Mountains, with sparse vegetation, lunar type landscape. Eerie with storm clouds; Beware of bad weather. Kayakers love this lake too!

    Sierra Nevada backdrop

    Canoeing
    Hiking
    Hot Springs
    Kayaking
    Picnic
    Primitive Hot Springs
    Stargazing
    Volcanic Landscape

    Mono Lake Camping

    Camping is closeby, but not located on the fragile lakeshore.
    open camping
    Dispersed camping (FREE) is allowed in Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, the region that surrounds the Tufa State Natural Reserve. Campfire permits are required. Contact the park listed below for all the details on the camping policy.

    campgrounds
    Camps include National Forest Campgrounds in Lee Vining Canyon (8 miles), June Lake Loop (15 mi), Lundy Lake (12 mi). Private RV parks can be found in nearby Lee Vining and further south, at Lake Crowley.

    [PDF download]
    Camping In The Mono Basin
    by LeeVining.com

    Inyo National Forest USDA
    Camping Mono Lake Ranger District

    local links:

    Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
    California State Park
    760-647-6331

    Mono County Tourism
    MonoCounty.org
    760-924-3699

    Mono Lake Committee
    MonoLake.org
    Bookstore @ 3rd, Lee Vining
    760-647-6595

    Tufa Towers

    nearby interests:

    Yosemite National Park
    Inyo National Forest
    Toiyabe National Forest
    Benton Hot Springs
    Bodie Ghost Town
    Convict Lake
    Mono Craters – Panum Crater & Crater Mountain
    Long Valley Caldera
    Lundy Lake
    California Aspen Groves
    Autumn Colors Camping

    Long Valley Craters Mono Lake
    Long Valley Caldera Craters near Mono Lake

    regional maps:

    Tom Harrison Mono Lake Map

    NatGeo Mammoth Lakes & Mono Map

    Inyo National Forest USDA Map

    Ansel Adams Wilderness Maps

    nearby towns w/ lodging:

    Benton Hot Springs
    Bridgeport, CA
    Lee Vining, CA
    June Lake, CA
    Mammoth Lakes, CA


    View Larger Map

    Backpacking, Hiking, Trailheads

    Angeles Crest Hiking

    Hiking Trails Los Angeles

    another two bite the dust

    localhikes.com – GONE
    latrails.com – GONE

    Millard Falls
    2 mi RT; 1200′ elevation; oaks.
    Arroyo Seco District –
    of Angeles National Forest
    818-790-1151
    Altadena CA
    From Interstate 210 in San Gabriel Valley, exit Lake Ave., go N & turn left/west onto Loma Alta Dr. & to Chaney Trail & follow signed dirt road

    LA waterfalls

    Sturtevant Falls
    5 mi RT; 4600′ elevation; oaks, creek-crossings.
    Santa Anita District –
    of Angeles National Forest
    818-899-1900
    inside Big Santa Anita Canyon
    From Interstate 210 in San Gabriel Valley, exit Santa Anita Ave.Go North/East, through neighborhood & up mountain to paved parking lot.

    More hikes on Angeles Forest

    • Big Tujunga Wash
    • Circle X Ranch
    • Mendenhall Ridge
    • Mount Lukens
    • Newhall Pass
    • Strawberry Peak
    • Towsley Canyon
    • Verdugo Mountains

    Hiking Los Angeles Area

    Angeles Forest – Los Angeles California

    nearby towns –

    Angeles Maps – hiking, OHV & mountain biking –

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Coast, Campsites, Campspots, Coastal Cliffs, Creeks, Equestrian, Groves, Hiking, Historic Site, Redwoods, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Sinkyone Wilderness

    Lost Coast of California

    Lost Coast California Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

    NPS  King Range National Conservation Area

    Redwood groves and wilderness meet the Pacific Ocean at the infamous Lost Coast of California. Northern California is NorCal – steep trails, creeks, waterfalls, ocean views, and coastal cliffs. Mendocino and Humboldt County has numerous redwood parks and picnic grounds located near Pacific Coast Hwy 1 & US Hwy 101. This particular wilderness area is located in between Westport and Shelter Cove, just west of Leggett, CA. Situated on the west side of US Hwy 101 and only accessible via a long dirt road. The Sinkyone wild lands are managed under the California State Park system.

    Sinkyone Wilderness hike Ranger Station 707-986-7711

    Sinkyone Wilderness access –

    North end – Needle Rock: 36 miles southwest of Garberville & Redway, California. Briceland Road west from Redway, this road becomes Mendocino County Road 435. The last 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, & narrow. South end – Usal Beach: Approximately one hour north of Ft Bragg on PCH or 15 miles west of Leggett on PCH from Highway 101. Look for mile marker 90.88 on PCH. Turn north on small dirt road; 6 miles to Usal on unpaved, steep, narrow road.

    ROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE IN WET WEATHER. RV’S & TRAILERS NOT RECOMMENDED.

      View Larger Map

    dscn0147 Usal Campground

    LOST COAST CAMPING

    Usal Campground – USA Lumber Company staged a logging operation here in the early 1900’s. Now this remote spot is a popular back road campground accessibly only by a long dirt road drive. 4×4 and car camping only; No trailers or RV campers!

    NEARBY TOWNS

    Wilderness State Park

    4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Marinas, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Ski Resorts, Ski XC, Snow, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

    Tahoe Lake Map

    Tahoe Maps: trail maps

    lake camp, hike, mountain bike, off-road, ski, snowmobile

    Tahoe Trail Maps / Tahoe National Forest

    tahoe hiking maps

    Numerous State Parks dot the shoreline at Tahoe, while the National Forest lands and Wilderness Areas span most of the peaks above. Camping, backpacking, boating, kayaking, fishing, climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, snow skiing, snowmobiling are all popular recreation in this Sierra region. US Highway 50 and Interstate 80 are the main western access routes to Lake Tahoe. US Hwy 395 leads to Tahoe, up from the Eastern Sierra and Southern California.

    Wanna find every waterfall or every creek to fish? This is the place that will help you find them. Easily, with good old fashion printed maps. Hard copies, some waterproof & tear resistant, most with topographical data and all roads, trails, campgrounds and parks. Whether or not you water ski or cross country ski, these maps will save your ass – when you are way back there in the boonies.

    Tahoe’s Rubicon Trail connects the historic Gold Country to the alpine lake via granite wilderness sky ways above 7000′ elevation, but a real 4×4 and overnights are required. The back roads and trails are endless in these parts of the Central Sierra Nevada mountains.tahoe maps

    keep tahoe blue

    Nearby attractions surrounding Lake Tahoe –

    Tahoe National Forest
    Tahoe Rim Trail
    Rubicon 4×4 Trail
    Lakes Basin Recreation Area
    Sierra Buttes
    Desolation Wilderness
    Grover Hot Springs
    Blue Lakes
    Hope Valley

    cabin rentals

    4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Deserts, Campsites, Hiking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Palm Oasis, Petroglyphs, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Slot Canyons, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Washes, Wilderness, Wildflowers, Wind Caves

    Borrego Park

    Anza Park / Borrego Park

    purplmtns_i

    East San Diego County, Borrego Springs CA

    San Diego Backcountry
    600,000 acres of SoCal desert
    San Diego desert maps

    BLOOM: mid-March thru May
    Anza Park elevations range from low to high. Lowest near eastern border (next to the Salton Sea) to the upper reaches of the western slopes @ 4000′. Wide, deep, sandy, long desert washes, native petroglphs, wind caves, slot canyons and split mountain. This uncrowded state park has the most acreages than all of the parks.

    OPEN CAMPING

    Camp in a developed campground, a small back country site or camp primitive on nearly any dirt road. Car camping to 4×4, this park has lots to offer folks wishing to really escape. No ground fires allowed, so bring your metal campfire bucket and large trash bag to carry out your ashes. The last thing you want is to scar these pristine white desert washes.

    DESERT WILDFLOWERS

    Steep rocky canyons on the Laguna mountain foothills can be challenging terrain, so bring good, sturdy hiking boots. Wildflowers can be abundant on certain years. Lower elevations sprout up first; Higher elevations along County Rd S-2 & S-22 bloom later in Spring. By June 1st most of the color is gone in and around Borrego Springs, so this is a real Winter and Spring vacation kinda spot. California desert wildflowers include primrose, barrel cactus, prickly pear, monkey flower, ocotillo & many more.

    ANZA BORREGO WILDFLOWERS

    seaoflavendar

    see also BORREGO SPRINGS

    find you way easily with the Anza Borrego Desert Map

    anza park

    This is the largest State Park in California and “open car camping” is allowed on the back roads. (also referred to as primitive camping, free camping or 4×4 camping) One of the few places in Southern California that you can camp outside of a developed Campground and still have a campfire. You gotta bring a large metal bucket to have your campfire in – as ashes scar white sandy washes and ground fires are not allowed.

    California Deserts, Hiking, March, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Washes, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Anza Borrego Wildflowers


    Desert Wildflowers / Anza Borrego SP

    Anza Borrego Flowers / Borrego Springs CA

    Wild Flowers of Box Canyon, Mecca
    East San Diego County, Borrego Springs CA

    San Diego Backcountry
    600,000 acres of SoCal desert

    BLOOM: February thru MaySan Diego desert maps
    Anza Park elevations range from low to high. Lowest near eastern border of park (next to the Salton Sea) to the upper reaches of the western slopes @ 4000′ of the Laguna mountains. Lower elevations sprout up first; Micro flowers, Easter-egg-color splendor in the dry washes. Higher elevations bloom later (along w/ areas on San Diego County Rd S-2, the Great Overland Stage Route)

    Drive from Temecula to Warner Springs, and then proceed east – out to the Salton Sea via Back Road Highway #S22 (Montezuma Grade). A great route to take thru the Borrego State Park – for the full gamut in vegetation & altitude. Grapevine Canyon is an alternate off road route down a scenic canyon. Culp Valley has a small campground, plus lots of boulders and decent views to the Borrego Valley. Off the highway, on dirt, one-lane side roads lead to many primitive spots. Perfect for private picnics, stargazing or overnight camping.

    anza wildflowers include – Arizona Lupine, Barrel cacti, Brittlebush, California Primrose, Cheesebush, Creosote, Desert Chicory, Desert Apricot, Desert Hibiscus, Desert Lavender, Desert Pincushion, Fiesta Flower, Fishhook Cactus, Gold-Poppy, Ghost Flowers, Ground Cherry, Fagonia, Prickly Pear, Monkey Flower, Ocotillo, Rigid Fiddleneck, Rock Daisy, Sahara Mustard, Sand Verbena, Short-Wing Deerweed, Spanish Needles, Spectacle Pod, Trailing Windmills, Turpentine Broom, Whispering Bells, Wishbone Bush

    Anza Borrego Camping: Palm Canyon and RV Resortscamp

     

    BORREGO MAPS

    Wilderness Anza Borrego Map
    Wilderness Press Anza Borrego Map

     

    Hot Springs of the Southwest
    Hot Springs of the Southwest

    Anza Borrego Flora

    __________________________________________________

    Annual California Wildflower Reports

     

    anza flower links:

    Anza-Borrego National History Association
    Anza Borrego Desert
     Anza Borrego Desert State Park
    Borrego Campfire Restrictions
     Desert USA Reports

    blurflwr

    nearby towns:

    Borrego Valley Flora

    Backpacking, Hiking, Ski XC, Trailheads, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

    San Jacinto Wilderness

    Jacinto Maps

    Southern California / San Jacinto Wilderness Area / San Jacinto Mountain / Palm Springs Mountain Hike

    The well-photographed snowy mountain backdrop behind the desert deluxe resort-land known as Palm Springs, Mount San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern Cal.

    Mighty San Gorgonio peak, across to the east – on the other side of the valley, is the very highest mountain in this desert region. Granite Jacinto peak is located in between the mountains of Idyllwild and the low deserts of Palm Springs.

    32,248 acres

    Mount San Jacinto – 10,834′ elevation

    San Bernardino National Forest

    JACINTO PARK access –

    Palm Springs via Tram

    Book tickets online!

    Nearest towns:
    Idyllwild CA
    Pine Cove CA

    jacinto peak

    Day hikes, picnic in the forest, backpacking, horseback rodes w/ SUPER easy access via the fantastic Palm Spring Tram ride, up to 8000′ elevation.

    The San Jacinto Wilderness is managed by 2 different agencies: The National Forest Service and California Department of Parks & Recreation.

    If you are camping overnight in the forest, you must get your wilderness permit from the agency that administers the area where you plan to spend the night. Day-use permits can be obtained on the day of your trip by visiting one of the ranger stations below. Day-use permits issued by either agency are honored by both, except during the busy summer months when permits to enter the Wilderness via Devil’s Slide Trail can be obtained only from the National Forest Service.

    Camping permits can be obtained in advance by mail, in person, or online w/ PDF. National Forest Service accepts requests up to 90 days in advance; Mount San Jacinto State Park accepts them up to 56 days in advance. You can also get them on the day of your trip, if any are available at that time.

     

    USDA National Forest Service
    San Jacinto Ranger District
    54270 Pine Crest Ave
    Idyllwild, CA 92549
    951-659-2117

    Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness
    25905 Highway 243
    Idyllwild, CA 92549
    951-659-2607

    regional trail maps –

    San Jacinto Hiking Maps

    Mount San Jacinto State Park is surrounded by San Jacinto Wilderness

    More San Jacinto Wilderness Info & Links –

    summitpost.org/jacinto-peak
    San Jacinto Peak Wiki
    USDA San Jacinto Wilderness
    Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Backpacking, California Maps, Equestrian, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    San Gorgonio Wilderness

    sangorgonioview
    Old Greyback, San Gorgonio Mountain – as seen from forest road #2N93

    Southern California /San Gorgonio Wilderness Area / San Gorgonio Mountain Peak Hikes / Backpack Gorgonio

    The tallest mountain peak in Southern California towers over the often smoggy basin of the Inland Empire, Riverside & San Bernardino. Coachella Valley lies to the southeast. Joshua Tree National Park lies due east.

    Old Greyback is a fitting nickname for the peak. The massive, bald, decomposed granite gravel paves the whole top layer, above treeline (altitude nearing 12,000 feet above sea level) and this impressive peak can be seen from most of the Los Angeles basin and the Palm Springs desert. The expanding view of the Pacific Ocean can be seen 70 miles to the west, but only if the skies are clear. Windy, winter days are excellent conditions for viewing, but plan your hike accordingly as this peak could be covered in deep snow during winter or springtime.

    This is a very popular backpacking weekend trip to escape from the big urban populations. San Diegans and Angelinos can easily access this location in a few hours from home, via Interstate 10 and some mountain driving on a 2 lane highway.

    tallest peak

    94,702 acres

    San Gorgonio Peak – 11,503′ elevation

    San Bernardino National Forest

     

    Forest & Hiking Maps –

    San Gorgonio Topo Maps

    • San Gorgonio Wilderness Map (USDA)
    • San Gorgonio Trail Map (Tom Harrison)
    • San Bernardino National Forest (USDA)

    Gorgonio trailheads –peak hiking

    • Hwy 38 @ Angeles Oaks
    • Hwy 38 @ Barton Flats – Jenks Lake
    • Hwy 38 @ Heartbar – Fish Creek & Mission Springs
    • Hwy 38 @ Fossil Falls – Momyer & Big Falls
    • I-10 @ Millard Canyon – East Branch & Middle Branch
    • Interstate 10 @ Cottonwood Canyon – PCT access

    nearby campgrounds –

    Heartbar Campground (Hwy 38)

    Mission Springs Trailhead Camp

    Dry Lake Campground

    nearby communities & towns –

    ANGELES OAKS
    BIG BEAR CITY
    BIG BEAR LAKE
    FOREST FALLS

    surrounding wilderness and forest lands –

    San Bernardino National Forest
    Pipes Canyon Pioneertown Preserve
    San Jacinto Wilderness

    National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

    USDA San Bernardino NF

    more San Gorgonio info & links –

    summitpost.org/san-gorgonio-wilderness
    San Gorgonio Wilderness Wiki
    Trails of the San Gorgonio

    Gorgonio Trailhead

    Equestrian Trails
    MIssion Springs camp & corrals at trailhead. Dirt road above Heart Bar.

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    John Muir Wilderness

    John Muir Hiking / John Muir Map

    High Sierra Hiking

    California Wilderness Area Acres Topographical Maps
    John Muir Wilderness

    elevations: 4000′-14,496′

    		 584,000 John Muir Wilderness Maps
    Inyo National Forest

    JMT

    High Sierra Nevada / Eastern Sierra

    Rugged Sierra Nevada high country. The highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada mountains can be found inside this Wilderness. Many peaks are well above 13,000 feet. Granite, glaciated basins, big snow, alpine lakes, meadows, wildflowers, streams, creeks, cliffs, jagged peaks. Mount Whitney stands as the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states.

    John Muir Trail Maps
     – JMT Topo Map

    lacontedivide
    Le Conte Divide, Sierra Nevada California – 12,000′ elevation peaks

    Eastern access via steep granite hiking, off US Hwy 395 (Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine)
    Western access backpacking thru Kings Canyon National Park, Hwy 180
    or Sequoia National Park, Hwy 198 (Mineral King, Three Rivers)
    or Sierra National Forest, Hwy 168 (Lake Edison, Florence Lake, Courtright Reservoir)
    North access via backcountry Yosemite National Park, Hwy 120
    or Mammoth Area towns (Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes)

    Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, some of the highest peaks in the nation. Trails open to equestrian and foot traffic only. Trailhead quotas limit the amount of day hikers and backpackers that an access the Wilderness daily. Wilderness permit required: Inyo National Forest Permits

    Eastern Sierra Visitor Center
    Inyo Visitors Office

    JM Topo Trails

    USDA National Forest
    USFS, NPS, BLM

    NFS NPS

    Eastern Sierra Interagency Office
    US Hwy 395 @ SR 136
    Lone Pine, CA 93545
    760-876-6200

    JMT
    JOHN MUIR TRAIL- John Muir Wilderness

    nearby towns, parks & resorts:

    Aspendell
    Big Pine
    Bishop, CA
    Courtright Reservoir
    Florence Lake
    Independence, CA
    Kings Canyon National Park
    Lake Edison
    Lone Pine, CA
    Mammoth Lakes
    Olancha, CA
    Tom’s Place
    Wishon Reservoir
    Yosemite National Park

    www.flickr.com

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, California Deserts, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Marinas, Mines, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, RV Parks, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Washes, Wilderness

    Lake Mohave

    viewpoint mohave

    Lake Mohave NRA

    Lake Mohave National Recreation Area

    Mojave Reservoir @ Colorado River: AZ / NV / CA
    @ the V, bottom of Nevada state = Arizona – Nevada – California, all merge together

    National Park Service

    The Colorado River travels through the southwest desert, splitting the Grand Canyon and further south, separating California from Arizona at the southern tip of Nevada. Agriculture lines the big river down to Baja, Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

    Up near Las Vegas and down to Searchlight, NV

    Above Hoover Dam is Lake Mead, sediment from Utah National Parks. Red dirt and silt shorelines. South of Hoover dam is a super deep rock gorge w/ hike-in hot springs. Beyond that, this beauty called Lake Mohave – with the super clear water, secluded coves and abundant fishing. fish

    Lake Mohave: elevation 647′

    Desert peaks in this region are around 2000-3000′ elevation. Mohave Lake is actually a wide section of the Colorado River, spanning the region from massive Black Canyon south to busy Laughlin w/ river casinos. This lake is long and skinny in spots with lots of shoreline cliffs, canyons and coves. Minimal vegetation, so please bring your own firewood and don’t chop down the few trees trying to survive. Summer temps exceed 100 degrees, so plan your visit for the winter time.

    boatrampLake Mohave Ranger Stations
    Cottonwood Cove
    Katherine Landing

    boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking, off-road, picnics, viewpoints

    camping areas below listed from north to south

    Willow Beach RV Park & Campground
    Arizona side, off Hwy 93
    928-767-4747

    car camp mohave

    El DORADO CANYON

    El Dorado Canyon Road, main paved route can be accessed near California’s state border. North of Searchlight, Nevada – off main highway 95, on side route 165 to Nelson, NV

    Secluded dirt roads up and down canyons near El Dorado Canyon Rd. Minimal vegetation, maximum open scenery and dark skies. Kayak rentals @ El Dorado Canyon.

    desert badlands erosion

    deep washes
    Ireteba Peaks Wilderness

    4×4 camping routes: 15 day camping limit

    Find your own route with many to choose from, drive the soft sandy washes (with a few boulders to dodge) and camp for free, right at the waters edge. Adventurers: Only for the self-contained campers. Some routes marked 4WD only, so pay attention to signs. AWD (all wheel drive) vehicles should fare well on the sandy roads; but standard passenger cars and vans will need to keep their speed up in the soft sand areas.

    No garbage collection. Pack it in, pack it out.
    No facilities, no fees. No buildings. No campfire rings, no picnic tables, very few vault toilets. Bring your shovel!

    Driving off the roads is strictly prohibited. Primitive camp sites can be found both at numerous coves and also inland inside the canyons. The ridges get windy in the deserts, but are favorable for night sky views and self contained camper vans.

    Always know the weather forecast, cuz flash floods are possible and these dirt roads will be impassible during big rain. This is the main drainage to the big river!

    Dogs Allowed

    DRIVING TIPS

    Most desert washes here are signed routes 4×4, but mini vans, AWD sport-wagons, trucks, SUVs, small RVs can all be found camping near Lake Mohave. That is – if you know how to ‘drive off road’, which is not fast, but not too slow either.

    Avoid getting stuck in the deep sand: keep speed up, do not turn sharply and do not brake hard. Carry tow strap in case you need an emergency pull. Be nice to strangers and you may find help.

    Campfires are allowed, but you need to bring firewood. Dogs are allowed. Party animals tend to trash these desert coves, so be warned that there is a fair amount of litter. Bring a black trash bag and take some out! This trash problem could get the area closed off to vehicles so keep that in mind.

    The canyons here have giant power lines that cross @ Aztec Wash; they can easily be avoided.

    montana wash

    primitive camping 4x4 camping boat camping

    4×4 recommended @ MOHAVE:

    Eagle Wash Road #46 – popular spot
    Montana Wash #45 – camping ok
    Placer Wash #47 – no camping

    The rangers don’t wanna be pulling your ass out of the sand, which is why they post the 4×4 signs. Don’t expect to find help without walking a few miles first, or waiting several hours.

     

    desert wilderness

    Several wilderness areas are located along the west side of this lake & river. Often dirt roads will parallel a portion of the wilderness boundary, providing excellent access to secluded coves and beaches. Emergency CALL boxes are placed in remote parts of these shores.

    • Ireteba Peaks Wilderness (northwest, next to El Dorado Canyon)
    • Nellis Wash Wilderness (western side)
    • Spirit Mountain Wilderness (southwest)
    • Bridge Canyon Wilderness (southwest, near Laughlin)

    mohave2011

    RV camp campground marina

    COTTONWOOD COVE
    developed campground, boat launch, marina, lodging, hiking, picnic areas

    Cottonwood Cove Resort
    near Searchlight, NV
    702-297-1464

    primitive camping boat camping RV camp campground marina

    LAUGHLIN, NV
    Nevada, California and Arizona states join down in this part of the world. Katherine Landing, full service marina, slip rentals, lodging, city services and casinos.

    Lake Mohave Resort
    928-754-3245

    katherine landing camping
    Katherine Landing offers back roads camping, via rough dirt roads.

    Laughlin Marina
    Laughlin Marina @ Katherine

    Lake Mohave NRA
    NPS Headquartersnevada_atlas
    601 Nevada Way
    Boulder City, NV 89005
    Visitor Center open daily
    702-293-8990

    maps of the region:

    covecamps

    Mojave Desert – This river-created lake is located on the Colorado River, in between Las Vegas, Nevada and Needles, California. The river water here is crystal clear, very swimmable and the fishing is decent.  No paved boat rampsclearest water

    nearby towns: (with elevation)

    Avi Casino
    Bullhead City, AZ (540′)
    Laughlin, NV (535′)
    Kingman, AZ (3340′)
    Needles, CA
    Nelson, NV (2954′)
    Nipton, CA (3042′)
    Oatman, AZ
    Searchlight, NV (3470′)


    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Deserts, Camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Washes

    Horse Canyon

    Horse Canyon Mojave

    Horse Canyon California

    Southern Sierra / Mojave Road SC 65

    Mojave Desert meets the Sierra Nevada Mountains
    North Highway 14

    North of Mojave, CA
    North of Red Rock State Park
    North of Jawbone Canyon

    South of south of US Hwy 395, south of jct Hwy 178

    backroads BLM camping desert roads hiking PCT mountain bike jeep roads primitive camp

    elevation: 3000′-7000′

    Horse Canyon is a dirt road up a high desert canyon, with joshua trees and wash outs. 7000′ elevation pinyon pine ridges above w/ PCT.

    Most would say the see a whole-lotta-nothingness out here in these deserts…. when they zoom by at 70 mph on the blacktop highway.

    at Total Escape, we beg to differ.

    Solo Driver SUV

    Intersection on Hwy 14 @ SC 65, dirt route will travel west into the mountains. Initial desert road follows Little Dixie Wash, but veers north up to Horse Canyon and the higher forested ridges.

    Horse Cyn is a scenic, desert, dirt road that becomes a rugged 4×4 trail the higher it climbs in the canyon. The route traverses a ridge line and dead ends at the old cabin; No through route, no loop. The PCT continues on to the Walker Pass @ the 178.

    The lower Horse Canyon is area quite accessible by standard truck or SUV. High clearance is recommended out on these kinda roads. Vegetation is quite sparse at first, but improves with the miles traveled. Wildflowers can be awesome, usually April-June. Picnic spots everywhere; primitive camping sites can be found out here, off the main dirt road. Please reuse existing camp sites when possible.

    wheelin pals

    Passenger cars may attempt this, but should watch for unexpected deep dips and rocks, washed out in the road. (No tow service in the middle of nowhere). Road conditions do change with the seasons out in the boonies. Cell phone reception could be spotty back in the deepest of canyons.

    PCT
    PCT trail access: Pacific Crest Trail follows this ridge road for miles. They call this range the SCODIE Mountains; Old cabin at the end of the road.

    cabin mcivers

    Sage Canyon and Cow Heaven Canyon are both to the north, along with Freeman Canyon (CA SR 178). Bird Spring and Dove Spring Canyons are both to the south, along with the most popular regions of Red Rock State Park and the Jawbone OHV area.

    nearby towns:

    INYOKERN, CA
    LAKE ISABELLA, CA
    MOJAVE, CA
    RANDSBURG, CA
    RIDGECREST, CA

    joshuacanyons

    Backpacking, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Kern Meadows Camping

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Salmon Creek, Kern Plateau –
    Sequoia National Forest

    horse camping National Forest Camps Mountain Biking Kern Hikes fish Trailer access camping
    Looking to stay away from the masses camping at the Kern River?

    Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the east side of the Kern River, up on the Kern Plateau. Up the infamous, steep and rugged Shermans Pass Road. How exciting!

    Steep Grades

    Climb the hill slowly and cautiously, no guardrails. Up the grade, Shermans eastbound – out of the dryness of the Kern canyon. Find Cherry Hill Road, that is also the Big Meadow turn off: Forest Road# 22S12, a long, narrow dirt road leads from paved Shermans Pass Road, 10 miles out to this ideal campground. Far enough off the main road, so you won’t see much of a crowd out here.

    22s05 sherman pass

    Hunters, horse campers and hikers really like this spot. Mountain bikers are known to frequent the region as well. Forest, meadows, trails, creeks, nature, all around. Dome Land Wilderness is close by; Waterfalls hikes, swimming holes, viewpoints. Fishing, hunting, horseback trails. Dirt roads and single track trails all over – all within the vicinity of Big Meadow.

    Kern Meadows Camping

    From the main Rd #22S12, the camp access road #23S08 will lead out to the NFS Campground – HORSE MEADOW. Located at higher elevation forests – 3000′ feet higher than the Kern River!

    Nice forested, high country camp spots in a developed campground. The long, access road is worth it for all the scenery and seclusion. Vault toilets, piped water, maybe a small fee. Open summer into autumn, closes for winter months.

    Horse Meadow Campground

    • Elevation: 7600′
    • Number of Sites: 41
    • Vehicle Access: RV 23′ max
    • Campsites Reservation: No
    • Camp Fee: Yes
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Season: June – November
    • Trailheads: Salmon Creek

    33e36trailhead
    Developed Campground @ Salmon Creek Trail #33E36. Hiking trailheads lead off to various destinations like, Salmon Creek Falls, Big Meadow, Cannel Meadows and Dome Lands.

    Sequoia Kern Map

    Sunny Campsite

    SUMMERTIME: If you are coming in from Kennedy Meadows on the EAST (or the Mojave desert US 395) – first verify that the Sherman Pass is OPEN for through traffic. Ask road conditions with local rangers ahead of time. ANY amount of snow will close this whole paved route for the winter season, up until June sometimes.

    Over 30 miles (one way) to the nearest general store for supplies. Pack ‘block ice’ in the cooler, instead of cubes.

    nearby towns:
    Fairview
    Kennedy Meadows
    Kernville
    Lake Isabella
    Mojave

    Big Meadow is closeby. Check it out!

    Big Meadow Kern

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    22S12 – Sequoia NF

    open camping

    Big Meadow: Forest Road# 22S12 – Sequoia National Forest

    Take Sierra Hwy. N of Kernville, past Fairview & over the Johnsondale bridge; Right turn on Sherman’s Pass Road & drive up to a signed intersection (near a snow gate). NOTE: This area may not be accessible during winter months.

    Turn right on Big Meadow Road, aka Forest Service Rd# 22S12. This is a very long road which is paved for the first few miles. 22S12 becomes a graded dirt road, suitable for horse trailers; it forks off to other smaller dirt roads, as it progresses through the forests & dead ends back by Cannell Meadow. The main routes are passenger car accessible, but some of the smaller dirt roads can get quite bumpy. A truck or SUV would be advisable to explore these secondary routes. Certain areas have suffered from wildfires 2000-2002.

    Big Meadow Sequoia

    Horses & equestrian camping are very popular in this region. There is also a fair amount of backpackers heading into the Domeland Wilderness and mountain bikers looking for premium backcountry rides, away from the crowds at the Kern River.

    NFS developed Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the right via road# 23S08. Located at 7400′ elevation w/ 41 spots, in the forest. Trailhead to Salmon Creek leads directly from camp.

    SPUR – side routes include:

    • #23S14 Cherry Hill – a few camp spots near creek & a meadow with views at the very end
    • #23S41 Poison Meadow
    • #23S13 Salmon Creek
    • #22S07 Big Meadow – loop road around the “Big Meadow”. Plenty of primitive camp sites around Big Meadow, but they are the first ones to fill up during a popular summer weekend. The region is perfect for backpackers or day hikers wanting to access Manter Mdw. & the Domelands Wilderness.
    • #24S13 feeds the last stretch of road to Rattlesnake Meadow. Taylor Creek near 24S43, features numerous waterfalls leading to the South Fork of the Kern River
    • #24S12 Cannell Meadow & Pine Flat. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail runs thru here, from Big Meadow down to Kernville, CA.

    North Meadow

    Sequoia National Forest

    Sequoia National Forest MAP

    DOME LAND Wilderness MAP

    Nearby towns include:

    4x4 Camps OHV, Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Long Valley Campground

    Secluded Camp Sites

    Long Valley Campground BLM

    Southern Sierra Nevada
    secluded camp, fishing & hiking trails
    (free campground, open all year long)

    South Fork of Kern River & DomeLand Wilderness

    20+ miles from the nearest paved road; a remote camp on Long Valley Loop Road, off Canebrake Road. Both are dirt roads: high clearance vehicle recommended!

    High Desert meets the Sierra Mountains

    Back in the dry pinyon hills east of Kernville, beyond Sherman’s Pass; high above the Mojave desert and north of Canebrake & Highway 178. Long dirt roads, remote campground w/ fishing & hiking trails. Wilderness access.

    hiking fishing trails horse trails back roads back roads sierra mountains

    Chimney Peak Back Country Byway
    Canebrake, California

    These dirt back roads listed above skirt the edge of Dome Land Wilderness & Sequoia National Forest winding through BLM Land bordering the Mojave. The byway networks recreation areas between Kennedy Meadows and Canebrake, east of Lake Isabella. Eastern Kern County, California.

    backpacking
    camping
    fishing
    hiking
    horseback trails
    mountain biking
    rock climbing
    stargazing
    wildflowers

    Trailheads Domeland

    People come way out here for the seclusion – the peace & the quiet. Mid-week you can have the whole place to yourself. Abundant hiking trails & fishing access. Into the Dome Land Wilderness you will find incredible scenery and diverse terrain – giant granite domes, waterfall canyons, and the South Fork of the Kern River (3 mi hike to river). PCTThe infamous Pacific Crest Trail passes close to Long Valley Campground, but Chimney Creek Campground is much closer to the PCT.

    BLM Camping

    Long Valley Campground

    • Elevation: 5200′
    • Number of Sites: 13
    • Vehicle Accessibility: High Clearance Vehicle
    • Facilities: picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilet
    • Campsites Reservation: No
    • Camp Fee: None
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Season: Open all year
    • Operated by: BLM
    • Trailheads: S. Fork Kern River & Domeland Wilderness

    Bureau of Land Management
    BLM Bakersfield Field Office
    661-391-6000
    Find a BLM page w/ map & info

    Recent Domeland Wild Fires:
    Manter Fire (2000)
    McNally Fire (2002)

    Long Valley Loop
    Long Valley Loop Road (2001)

    2016 NOTE: The part of the LOOP of Long Valley Loop Road that connects this campground to Kennedy Meadows (to the north) is CLOSED due to a huge washout. The Long Valley campground is accessible from the south side, from Hwy 178 @ Canebrake – and requires many miles of dirt road driving. High clearance vehicles are recommended; 4×4 needed in wet weather or snow.

    towns nearby:

    CANEBRAKE
    KENNEDY MEADOWS
    KERNVILLE
    LAKE ISABELLA
    MOJAVE

    High Desert Sagebrush
    High Desert Sagebrush & Dirt Roads

    Wildfire Burn
    Manter Wildfire Burn Area (2001)

    Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Creeks, Hiking, Trailheads

    Chimney Creek Campground

    campmap

    Chimney Creek Campground
    BLM Kern / Mojave

    High mountain desert camp is mislabeled on some maps as “Chimney Peak Campground” or “Chimney Rock Campground”. Pinyon pine forest on Chimney Creek, near hiking trailheads, wildflowers and Chimney Peak Wilderness. Southern Sierra ridge near Mojave Desert and California SR 178.

    peakpinyons

    Canebrake Road is a graded dirt road that makes up part of Chimney Peak Back Country Byway. This rural route is a major graded dirt road located north of Highway 178 – which connects Canebrake to Long Valley up near Kennedy Meadows. Pacific Crest Trail passes next to this campground in the Southern Sierra mountains. The campground turn off is way east of Lake Isabella Hwy 178 is (near Walker Pass & PCT) and follow dirt road north to Kennedy Meadows in the far eastern reaches of Sequoia National Forest

    Chimney Peak BLM
    • Elevation: 5,700′
    • Number of Sites: 32
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: RV limit 28′ max
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: Piped (April – Sept)
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Season: Open all year
    • Fee: No
    • Operated By: BLM
    • Closest Town: Lake Isabella, CA

    Bureau of Land Management
    BLM Bakersfield Ranger Station
    661-391-6000

    Lamont Peak
    Lamont Peak – elev 7510′

    nearby destinations –
    Camp Kern Backroads

    Chimney Peak Wilderness
    Lamont Peak
    Long Valley Campground
    Dome Land Wilderness
    Owens Peak Wilderness
    Jawbone Canyon
    Sequoia National Forest
    Sacatar Trail Wilderness
    Kiavah Wilderness
    Kennedy Meadows
    Lake Isabella
    Kern River
    Monache Meadows


    View Chimney Creek Campground in a larger map

    4x4 Camps OHV, Back Roads, Backpacking, Camping, Campsites, Creeks, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Sawmill Lake Sierra

    primitive camp spots

    Sawmill Lake, California


    N of Donner Pass, Sierra Nevada

    elevation 5800′ – Canyon Creek connects Lake Faucherie, Sawmill Lake and Bowman Reservoir in the Sierra, Tahoe National Forest. 20+ miles of backroad travel, off I-80.

    While many consider Faucherie to be the most beautiful scenic lake, Sawmill Lake just downstream a couple of miles is still quite attractive – with dense forests and a granite mountain backdrop. Sawmill is especially nice for those who like to primitive camp, ouside of developed campgrounds. Way off the interstate @ Hwy 20, tucked in way back behind Bowman Lake a few miles, you can find Sawmill Lake.

    Sawmill Lake California

    Fishing and camping, kayaking and canoeing are all popular recreation around this lake. A trailhead on the northend of the lake leads out to even more alpine lakes (a day hike “lake loop” or backpacking option). The Pacific Crest Trail is also routed nearby.

    No motorized boats or watercraft allowed. No boat ramps, no pavement, no picnic tables, no bathrooms, no fees.

    4×4 Lake
    Fishing Lake
    Free Camping Lake

    The north shoreline is abundant with dispersed campsites: metal fire rings and a clearing only; no picnic tables, no toilets. Self sufficient campers only. Campfire permits, a water bucket and a shovel are required. During extreme fire restrictions campfires may not be allowed. Check with local rangers for up to date info.

    Tahoe National Forest
    Truckee Ranger Station
    530-587-3558

    National Forest Lake & Forest Lake Fishing Kayak lake hiking lake

    Most campsites are drive up and park, while others closer to the shoreline have only walk-in access. Hauling your gear down hill won’t seem unthinkable once you’ve seen the lakeside views. There is even a camp below the dam, next to the waterfall.

    waterfallfromdam

    The main access Road #843-037 is very rocky and 4x4s love to frequent the area. The backroads here are best suite for truck travel, high clearance vehicles, off-roaders and SUVs. No small RVs or trailers. Passenger cars are not recommended. The access roads around the lake and up to the lake are dusty and rugged. The road below the dam is quite rough w/ rocks.

    For more driving details, please see entry on Canyon Creek Campground.

    road at dam
    The water at Sawmill Lake is crystal clear snowmelt. The lakes around here are managed by Nevada Irrigation District, so this is why there are no engines allowed on the lake. This canyon area closes to public entry during winter months (NOV-APRIL), due to deep snow.

    clear water

    4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Waterfalls, Creeks, Fishing, Group Campgrounds, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Faucherie Lake

    Faucherie Kayak Camp

    Faucherie Lake California

    Lake Faucherie is set in spectacular scenery of granite mountains, with peaks and waterfalls all around. Many believe that you could only reach this kinda high elevation beauty by foot, with a backpack, but here it is – accessible by a very long, rough & rocky backroad.

    No motorhomes, no camper trailers, no motorboats, no engine noises on the lake, no big families. Just well-deserved solitude, finally. Peace and quiet!

    Perfect alpine lake for car-top boaters – those who carry their boats on top of a vehicle. But be warned very few ‘passenger cars’ make it back this far, due to the challenging roads.

    BACKPACKING, CAMPING, CANOEING, FISHING, FLOATING, HIKING, KAYAKING, OFF-ROADING, SOAKING, STARGAZING, SWIMMING

    No motorized boats or watercraft allowed. One public boat ramp; gravel parking area, vault toilets, gated entry for group campground. No more driving across dam (it is now gated).

    NFS NFS NFS kayak camp hiking mountains NFS backroads snowmelt stars

    Faucherie Lake Road – a spur road, off of the ‘843 Road’ leads up to both Sawmill & Faucherie Lakes, as well as the Canyon Creek Campground.

    This primitive road forks off at Jackson Creek Campground, Tahoe NF, way, way back behind Bowman Lake. The rugged route is also known as Nevada County Rd #843-037. Conflicting numbers appear on USDA web site for this route, so don’t get confused.

    The brown Forest Service signage is decent at Jackson Creek Campground – so if you get that far, you’re almost there. Sorta. Did I mention how crazy the road is? Any wet weather or snow will make this route “4×4 required”. This place is closed off about half the year, due to deep snow (NOV-MAY). Although on summer weekends, this area is busy for a remote high Sierra lakes region.

    To reach this rugged Canyon Creek takes hours of driving with a good backcountry map and a reliable, high clearance rig. AWD Subies and mini SUVs beware, you’ll need a spotter on the bad sections of this road (or risk serious oil pan damage). Or perhaps maybe, we “shouldn’t be back on these kinda roads in that ‘lil sportwagon’ missy.”

    See more details on driving directions for Canyon Creek Campground.

    Crystal Clear Faucherie

    Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    (25 people maximum per site)

    • Elevation: 6135′
    • Number of Sites: 2
    • Vehicle Access: High Clearance Vehicle, no trailers
    • Campsites Reservation: Yes
    • Camp Fee: Yes
    • Season: June – October
    • Trailheads: Faucherie Lake Falls, Five Lakes Basin, French Lake, Haystack Mountain

    camp
    Faucherie Group Camping

    Campground Reservations:
    Nevada Irrigation District
    530-265-5302

    incoming flow

    Faucherie Falls – Six waterfalls above lake:
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #1: 39.4257 N, 120.5616 W
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #2: 39.4257 N, 120.5606 W
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #3: 39.4262 N, 120.5568 W
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #4: 39.4268 N, 120.5550 W
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #5: 39.4270 N, 120.5544 W
    Upper Faucherie Lake Falls #6: 39.4272 N, 120.5538 W
    USGS Topo: English Mountain

    Granite Faucherie

    Backpacking, California Rivers, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Bucks Lake Wilderness

    DSCN0237

    Bucks Lake Wilderness Area

    Bucks Lake, California
    Plumas National Forest

    topo mapIn the hills and canyons above Chico many wonders can be found. North Sierra Nevada mountains, medium sized recreation lake surrounded by lush forest; N of Lake Oroville and S of Lake Almanor. North Fork Feather River canyon forms the northern boundary to this designated Wilderness Area. The area is popular with backpackers and PCT hikers, as well as equestrian and the region has over a dozen campgrounds. Backcountry terrain includes an impressive 6 mile long canyon wall.

    camp Bucks Lake Campgrounds

    hotels Bucks Lake Lodging

    The popular boating destination, Bucks Lake reservoir, is just outside the wilderness boundary, which makes for an excellent destination for day hikes. Boating, fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, snowmobiling and mountain biking are just some of the outdoor recreation in the area. This Wilderness region features a Silver Lake and Gold Lake, as well as numerous other small, unheard-of lakes. A few can be accessed by vehicle, but more than half are hike-in only lakes.

  • backpacking
  • boating
  • cabin rentals
  • camping
  • canoeing
  • fishing
  • floating
  • hiking
  • kayaking
  • sailing
  • swimming

    • Bucks Lake Wilderness
    23,958 acres
    5200′ elevation at Bucks Lake

    Alpine wilderness, mountain peaks, hiking trails, PCT trailheads, numerous small lakes, plus large recreational fishing lake

    Bald Eagle Mountain – 7183′
    Bucks Mountain Peak – 6819′
    Mount Pleasant – 7067′

    Small lakes around the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area

    Bald Eagle Lake
    Blue Lake
    Cape Lake
    Gold Lake
    Grassy Lakes
    Jacks Meadow Pond
    Kellogg Lake
    Lost Lake
    Mud Lake
    Rock Lake
    Silver Lake
    Snake Lake
    Smith Lake
    Thompson Lake
    Three Lakes
    Upper Mud Lake

    regional maps –

    nearby towns –
    Berry Creek, CA
    Meadow Valley, CA
    Quincy, CA
    Chico, CA
    Oroville, CA

    lodge and cabins
    historic lodge burnt down, but they rebuilt and are re-opened again

    DSCN0242

    more info –

    Bucks Lake Trailheads (PDF)
    BucksLake.net
    Bucks Lake Fire Dept
    Bucks Lake Wilderness Wiki

     


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    4x4 Routes, Backpacking, Equestrian, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Maxson Trailhead

    If you are a backpacker wanting to easily access the John Muir Wilderness, the paved parking area of Maxson is the trail head for you. The Courtright Reservoir is located at over 8000′ elevation, w/ granite domes & alpine scenery all around. This place is way back behind Dinkey Creek, past the McKinley Sequoia Grove inside a deep granite gorge. The Sierra National Forest is the region, which is south of Yosemite National Park. The paved route is a long one from Shaver Lake, via Dinkey Creek Road, but the rewards are great. An all day adventure and a side trip not to be rushed.

    Warning: You could spend a whole day just driving & sightseeing in this area! Meadows, wildflowers, dirt roads, trails, Big Creek, McKinley Grove of Sequoias, Wishon Reservoir, the list goes on. All the way out to the Wilderness boundary, Courtright Lake is not a quick or easy drive.

    The hikers trailhead is located at the end of Courtright Rd. Cross over the big dam to the right & drive approx one mile; look for signs on the right side of the road. There are minimal areas to set camp at this granite , windswept face. Good luck getting a tent stake in the ground. Rock rules here. There are a few developed Campgrounds on the opposite side of the lake which may be a better choice for car camping. This Maxson parking lot is primarily for backpackers.john muir maps

    nearby locales –

    maps of this Sierra region –


    View Larger Map

    Dusy Ershim 4×4 route start right here too – on the opposite side of the road. It’s second only to the Rubicon Trail, as far as High Sierra rocks & terrain.

    Rock Climbers also love this spot for the granite domes & walls. Hiking all the way around this lake is a full day trip, with lunch and sightseeing stops. A pleasure not to be rushed.

    dusy ershim

    Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Trinity Alps Camping

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Campgrounds

    Northern California Camping
    Shasta Trinity National Forest

    Trinity Alps Wilderness

    camp

     

    • backpacking
    • camping
    • fishing spots
    • floating
    • hiking
    • hunting
    • kayaking
    • mountain biking
    • off-roading
    • soaking
    • swimming holes
    • tubing
    • stargazing

    trinitydetail

    campgrounds near Trinity trailheads –

    camping Highway 3
    (California State Route 3):

    • Horse Flat Campground, near Eagle Creek trailhead
    • Eagle Creek Campground @ Hwy, near Stoddard Lake & Eagle Creek trailhead
    • Goldfield Campground, near Boulder Creek trailhead
    • Big Flat Campground (via Coffee Creek Road #104)
    • Preacher Meadow Campground @ Hwy, near Swift Creek trailhead

    camping Highway 299
    (California State Route 299):

    • Ripstein Campground, near Canyon Creek trailhead
    • Hobo Gulch Campground, on Road #34N07
    • Hayden Flat Campground, near Big French Creek & Green Mountain
    • Denny Campground, near Jim Jam Ridge, East Fork & New River; Way out west
    • Groves Prairie Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailheadtrinityalps_lg
    • Happy Camp Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailhead

    camping Highway 96
    (California State Route 96):

    • Tish Tang Campground, near Tish Tang trailhead
    • Box Campground, near Red Cap Lake, Bear Hole & Mill Creek Lake
    • Klamath Riverside Campground @ Hwy, near Salmon Summit

    camping Salmon River (Cecilville Road #1C02):

    trinitysign
    Trinity Scenic Byway (CA SR 3)

    NorCal Topographic Maps – Trinity Map

    Shasta Trinity National Forest Map

    Pacific Crest Trail Map #6 (Shasta Cascades)

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Map

    outdoor destinations also nearby –


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    California Rivers, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Primitive Hot Springs, Sightseeing, Wilderness

    Kern River Canyon

    Kern Spring Wildflowers

    Kern River Valley is one of the all time favorite Sierra Nevada destinations for SoCal escapees. First, it is the southern most ‘big river’ action for the Sierra range. The drive up from Los Angeles is easy access; only a coupe of hours. California Highway 178 leads from Bakersfield up the mountain to Lake Isabella (exit at 155 for Kernville destinations). The 178 continues east past the rural communities of Onyx, Canebrake, Weldon, and then on to the Northern Mojave desert & US Highway 395

    Second, Kern has an abundance of outdoor recreation, from fishing to boating, river rafting to kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, & soaking. Kernville is the “recreation headquarters” for the region, where you can find rafting outfitters, camping supplies and rental equipment.

    Kern Rafting

    Third, the mountain scenery is very diverse – with the dry shores of Lake Isabella, the granite lined Kern River, or the ridges with towering cedar forests, plenty sugar pines, plus a few Sequoia groves; Tons of dirt back roads to explore, granite & gorges for the rock climbers, prime wilderness access & several primitive hot springs.

    The whole area is encompassed by the Sequoia National Forest with wilderness areas to the North & East. Giant Sequoia National Monument is located along the Western Divide Hwy in the northern portion of the National Forest.

    campingFIND CAMPING along the Kern River

    camping Sequoia National ForestFIND ALL Campgrounds in the Kern River Canyon

    Kern River Valley communities include:

    Whether you’re an RVer wanting a developed campground near town, a fisherman needing a primitive site right on the river, or a backpacker seeking the high country, the Kern has a little bit of everything. High elevations beyond 8000′ ridge lines, or the lush Lower Kern under 2000′ with granite boulders lining, Kern has it. 4 wheelers will love the extensive network of dirt back roads, or maybe the OHV areas of Keysville. Lake Isabella has numerous oak lined campgrounds & boat rentals available too. Summer is not the best time to visit as the temperatures soar to 100 degrees & the city crowds come in full force to the Kern Valley. Springtime, the best season to visit runs from March to May, or Autumn cools for September to December.

  • SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST MAP
  • DOME LAND WILDERNESS MAP
  • GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS MAP
  • SOUTH SIERRA WILDERNESS MAP

    • KernWildflowers

    HoboCampground
    Hobo Campground in the Lower Kern Canyon

    Hiking

    Hiking Sequoia National Forest

    Kern River Trails & Kernville Hiking

    Sequoia National Forest Trails

    Hiking Trails
    Hundreds of trails meandering throughout this forest. Granite domes to huge Sequoia trees. Most secluded areas are found in the Eastern Section in the Dome Land Wilderness.

    Dome Land Wilderness

    Golden Trout Wilderness

    South Sierra Wilderness

    Sequoia Hiking Maps, Wilderness Maps, OHV Maps

    Sequoia National Forest Hiking

    lower kern river
    the lush Lower Kern River on a misty Spring day

    Upper Kern Hiking

    Lower Kern River Hikes

    Sequoia National Forest & the Lower Sierra Nevada Mountains extend from the Tehachapi ranges to the Kings River Canyon; from the Great Central Valley to the Mojave desert.

    Sequoia National Forest MAP

    Dome Land Wilderness MAP

    Golden Trout Wilderness MAPS

    Kern River Valley communities include:

    Sequoia Mountain communities include:

    Lower Kern Camp

    April, Back Roads, California Deserts, Campsites, Campspots, February, Hiking, March, May, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Washes, Wildflowers

    Anza Borrego Desert Wildflowers

    Borrego Blooms

    Barrel Cactus Anza

    By far one of the best viewing areas for native California desert flora in the whole state. Autumn rain amounts determine the next year’s Spring bloom. If it rained real good all over SoCal before New Years Eve, chances are better for a favorable showing of color.

    Low elevations, washes, badlands, dry lake beds bloom first in February, followed by March for mid altitude canyons and mountains. Highest desert peaks may not bloom until May.

    Some of Total Escape favorite spots include:

    S-2 Great Stagecoach Route of 1849

    Anza Borrego Desert State Park
    Anza Ranger 760-767-5311

    Coyote Wash Blooms

    April is usually the best month for the wildflowers; it is also the prime time for Spring Break camping. Open car camping for free – all over this huge California State Park. The tourists typically head over to the town of Borrego Springs, to Borrego Palm Canyon and the visitors center; but the REAL wildflowers are along remote stretches of highway, and on the DIRT BACK ROADS. Many roads are passenger car accessible, for at least the first mile, so don’t think you must have a 4×4 vehicle for just simple exploring.

    Coyote Ocotillo Garden

    Backpacking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Hiking Mount Whitney

    Mt Whitney Trail / Mount Whitney Map

    mt whitney mapWhen the snow melts in the High Sierra, the rush is on! This is one of the most popular backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra, as Mt Whitney is the highest peak (14505′ elevation) in the contiguous United States of America.

    Day hikes to the summit should only be attempted if you are in excellent physical shape & used to high altitude hiking. There are so many folks trying to hike this sought-after peak in the warmer summer months (MAY-OCT) that the National Forest has put tight restrictions on these Mount Whitney trails. You must obtain a Wilderness hiking permit for this hike & that requires waiting in a long line of outdoor enthusiasts that also seek this prime destination.

    The Lone Pine Ranger station holds an annual Whitney trail LOTTERY, where you must apply a year in advance & be granted a permit before you can set foot on this popular hiking route.

    An alternate backpacking route to Mt Whitney is the southern ridge line from the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead, but you still must verify with local authorities for permits & Wilderness passes.

    The Alabama Hills, between US Hwy 395 @ Lone Pine CA and the Whitney Portal offers camping and mountain biking trails with excellent views of Mount Whitney from below. A short drive up to the portal & you can stand in the waterfall mist & then do a day hike up to Lone Pine Lake.

    Now that we have you salivating for this epic adventure, you can start your dreaming & real planning by ordering hiking topo maps of the region. Then after you have thoroughly reviewed the maps, the terrain (as well as your own physical condition), you can contact the Inyo National Forest / Lone Pine ranger office for more specifics on dates & details. This may take years of planning to make it happen.

    lone pine roads

    The Alabama Hills sit at the base of Mt Whitney, California

    Hiking

    San Diego Hiking Trails

    San Diego hikes, SD hiking, San Diego Mountains

    Anza Borrego Desert Slot Canyons
    Anza Borrego Desert Slot Canyons

    Back a couple of decades ago, inspiration and research for creating this very web site began in the deserted hills behind San Diego. Escaping the city at every chance, some feel the rat race more than others. Luckily the desert is close and there is plenty of space for everyone. California boulders and badlands, hot springs, pine meadows, great views, oak forests creeks, coastal cliffs and lush canyons near downtown, SD does have some awesome hiking trails – even a few waterfalls too.

    LagunaMdws

    San Diego County Parks Map w/ links
    descanso_sign
    SD small towns w/ hiking trails nearby
    signjulian

    San Diego Hiking Maps

    ClevelandMap_07

    Backpacking, Campgrounds, Hiking, Historic Site, Lakes & Reservoirs, Native American, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Snow, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Castle Crags Wilderness

    NorCal Hiking
    Castle Crags State Park
    CastleCrags Wilderness

    12,232 acres
    Northern California Mountains
    South of Dunsmuir, CA
    Interstate 5
    exit #724 – Castella

    backpacking, camping, creek fishing, hiking, mountaineering, lakes, rock climbing, snowshoeing, swimming, waterfalls

    About an hour north of Redding, you can see those impressive peaks off to the left above the lush forest. Way up off the west side of I-5, lies a hiking paradise of scenic lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers. Opposite the freeway from Mount Shasta; Just south of Lake Siskiyou.castle crags

    Castle Crags Wilderness neighbors the Castle Crags State Park, which is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This area is named for 6,000′ tall glacier-polished peaks and pointed crags. Due to their relatively low elevation, year-round recreation, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing are popular spring through fall. Snowshoeing near Castle Lake is excellent.

    Castle Crags State Park
    530-235-2684

    Castle Crags State Park Campground
    76 developed campsites
    6 environmental campsites

    Max Camper Length: 27′
    Max Trailer Length: 21′

    28 miles of hiking trails (2.7 mi access trail to Castle Crags Wilderness)
    The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park.
    Dogs not allowed on park trails.

    Shasta-Trinity National Forest
    Mount Shasta Ranger District
    204 West Alma
    Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
    530-926-4511

    Climbing at the Crags:
    the Cosmic Wall & beyond

    regional history: The northwest area contains the largest glacial cirque, Castle Lake, which is near where the Modoc War’s 1855 Battle of Castle Crags took place. Now a historical landmark, the battle was fought on a ridge saddle between the lake and what is known as Battle Rock. The Wintu tribe inhabited the area, they called the crags the Abode of the Devil and the Spanish explorers called it Castle del Diablo (Castle of the Devil.) read more on wiki

    nearby towns –

     


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    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Hoover Wilderness

    Dunderberg Meadow

     Dunderberg Peak capped with snow about half the year @ 12,374′ elevation. Dunderberg Meadow is a side route off Green Creek Rd. Upper Summer Meadow Rd is another side route off Green Creek Rd.

    Eastern Sierra Hoover Wilderness

    East Yosemite National Park

    48,601 acres
    10 miles South of Bridgeport, CA
    Toiyabe National Forest Autumn Eastern Sierrasand Inyo National Forest

    Hoover Wilderness spans  the mountain ranges from Sonora Pass to Tioga Pass, with high elevation peaks ranging from 10,000 to over 12,000′ elevation. Emigrant Wilderness lies to the west of Hoover, with Yosemite National Park & Inyo National Forest to the south.

    • Twenty Lakes Basin
    • Virginia Pass
    • Virginia Lakes Basin
    • Lundy Pass
    • Bond Pass
    • Hoover Lakes
    • Return Creek
    • Little Walker River
    • West Walker River
    • Matterhorn Peak – 12,264′ elev

    towns nearby –

    Aspen groves in the Eastern Sierra are some of the best autumn colors in the whole state. Fall car camping includes nighttime temps in the teens w/ fishing and hunting nearby.

    PCT trails, Eastern SierraPacific Crest Trail passes partially through Hoover Wilderness inside  Yosemite National Park.

    Hoover trails are not all dirt road access, but most are. There are 2 major trail heads along Highway 120 inside Yosemite NP, which lead north to Hoover.

    Hoover trailheads –

    California SR Highway 120 (Yosemite NP):

    off US Highway 395:Hoover Trail Map

    Twin Lakes area:

    • Robinson Creek
    • Horse Creek
    • Cattle Creek
    • Tamarack Lake
    • Buckeye

    Little Walker River area:

    • Bort Canyon
    • Emma Lake
    • Molybdenite Creek

    California SR Highway 108 (Sonora Pass):

    hoover wilderness map

    Green Creek Road is a signed dirt road on US Highway 395, near Virginia Creek Settlement and across from the Bodie ghost town turn off. Green Creek Campground  (a developed NFS campground) also has trailhead parking for Hoover hiking trails. Primitive free camp site can be found all along this major graded dirt road.

    Many developed campgrounds in the surrounding areas – Saddlebag, Lundy, Virginia, Green Creek, Twin Lakes, Buckeye, Obsidian. Off Sonora Pass, Levitt Lake usually gets the most snow depth around and is only acessible in summer months. Super remote primitive camping for those with a high clearance vehicle.

    FRee Camping Green Creek

     

    Backpacking, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Silver Peak Wilderness

    Hiking the Southern Big Sur Coastline

    faded public lands
    Sun-bleached, wooden Los Padres sign – near Salmon Creek trailhead.

    Silver Peak Wilderness, Big Sur Coast

    Central California Coast

    31,555 acres

    8 miles South of Gorda, CA
    along Pacific Coast Hwy 1
    near Big Sur, CA
    Los Padres National ForestBig Sur Wilderness Map

    Backpacking and hiking trails on the Pacific Coast, steep terrain next to ocean. Coastal redwood canyons, oaks hills, great views. The neighboring Ventana Wilderness is located just north of Silver Peak hiking trails.

    Southern Redwood Botanical Area

    Silver Peak –3,590′ elevation
    Alder Peak –3,744′

    trailheads

    • Salmon Creek Trail #5E09
    • Hwy 1 @ connection Trail #5E10
    • Alder Creek Trail #5E09

    mm

    mile markers along Pacific Coast Highway 1
     (Monterey County)

    • Cruickshank Trailhead – 6.5 mm
    • Soda Springs Trailhead – 3.8 mm
    • Buckeye Trailhead – 2.4 mm
    • Salmon Creek Trailhead – 2.2 mm

    developed campgrounds nearby –

    nearby towns –

    Ocean View Hikes Big Sur


    View Larger Map

    Oak Foothills

    Hiking, Hot Springs, Primitive Hot Springs, Trailheads

    Gaviota Hot Springs

    Las Cruces Hot Springs
    also known as Gaviota Hot Springs,
    and as Gaviota State Park Hot Springs

    Top Pool

    W of Santa Barbara, W of Goleta, CA
    North of Gaviota State Park

    US 101

    US Hwy 101 @ PCH 1 exit
    follow frontage road on south side of the 101


    View Gaviota Hot Springs in a larger map

    This soaking spot is a convenient stop for those traveling the 101 on the California Central Coast. The hot pools are located in an overgrown canyon, about half mile up the hill from the parking area. The natural earthen pools tend to be warm, mushy, and smelly (like sulfur) but never super hot.

    These are old, historic, volunteer built pools that are not maintained regularly, so keep that in mind when comparing this location to other well-manicured springs. Many of the locals that care for these sacred spaces only get paid back by reckless visitors with litter, graffiti and vandalism. If you want places like this to stay open, we must do our part to ensure that we leave it better tan we found it.

    Parking fee, lot managed by California State Park. Gate closes at dark.

    gaviota park signs

    1 mile hike round trip

    Poison oak, snake and ticks can be a problem at this location, so do be on the lookout.

    swampy pool

    hiking trails from here –
    Gaviota Peak (fire road) and Campbell Trail (unmaintained)

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Dinkey Lakes Wilderness

    Central Sierra Nevada

    Wilderness lakes
    Courtright Reservoir w/ CLIFF LAKE trailhead

    Dinkey Lakes California

    Dinkey Creek Road
    Tom Harrison Dinkey Map East of Shaver Lake, Hwy 168

    30,000 acres

    Sierra National Forest

    Located in the high elevations between Shaver Lake and Courtright Reservoir is the Dinkey Lakes region. Granite domes and alpine lakes are the key feature of this mid-Sierra forest. John Muir Wilderness is located on the east (right) side of Courtright, while Dinkey Lakes Wilderness is on the opposite west (left) side.

    • alpine lakes
    • backpacking
    • camping
    • creeks & streams
    • cross country ski
    • fishing
    • granite domes
    • horseback trails
    • hiking trails
    • off-roading
    • rock climbing
    • snowmobiling
    • snowshoe
    • stargazing
    • wildflowers
    • wildlife viewing

    4 wheel drive trails serve some of the Wilderness boundaries. Dusy Ershim OHV Trail (pronounced ‘doosey’) crosses the boulder strewn terrain for 30 rugged miles, from Courtright to Kaiser Pass. Road #8S10 is known as ‘Red Lake Road’ and pretty popular among 4x4s and fishermen. This high clearance 4×4 trail accesses both scenic lakes – Red Lake and Coyote Lake, as well as Dinkey Wilderness trailheads.

    Trailhead Access:

    Access the trailheads on the north side of Dinkey Creek Road, a paved route which connects Shaver Lake to the Sequoia McKinley Grove and then on to Wishon and Courtright. Rock Creek Road #9S10 becomes dirt and leads up to the Dinkey Lakes hiking trails.

    Paved Dinkey Creek Road leads out to the Trails End trailhead. Dinkey Creek and main Campground is located at 5840' elevation and tucked deep in the forest, about 10 miles east of Shaver Lake. Beyond the Sequoia grove is Wishon & Courtright Reservoirs w/ Cliff Lake trailhead. All the other trailheads located at these large lakes lead over to John Muir Wilderness.

    Paved Dinkey Creek Road leads out to the Trails End trailhead. Dinkey Creek and main Campground is located at 5840′ elevation and tucked deep in the forest, about 10 miles east of Shaver Lake. Beyond the Sequoia grove is Wishon & Courtright Reservoirs w/ Cliff Lake trailhead. All the other trailheads located at these large lakes lead over to John Muir Wilderness.

    The Dinky Creek locale (on most maps) is located at the main Dinky Creek Campground, along Dinky Creek near the historic Dinky bridge on a small, paved, side route north of the main road. Although this summer vacation area is well signed, people can often miss this turn, especially at night.

    DSCN0005

    USDA map Two main hiking trail systems can be accessed from the west, via Tamarack Ridge (parking at Hwy 168). Both dirt routes from highway, Road #9S09 and Road #8S10 lead out to Dinkey trails, although one is rugged 4×4 trail, Red Mountain OHV, and the other is a long, graded dirt road.

    Kaiser Pass Road to the north side has even more trails leading into Dinkey. Badger Flat and White Bark trailheads are closest points to Huntington Lake, CA. Bolsillo trailhead is way back near Florence Lake, which also has a major trailhead and paved parking.

    NFS

     

    local rangers:

    Sierra National Forest
    High Sierra Ranger District
    29688 Auberry Rd
    Prather, CA 93651
    559-855-5355

    Secluded Camping
    4×4 Camping at Coyote Lake

     

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, Campgrounds, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Historic Site, Indian Site, Native American, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Ishi Wilderness

    Bridge and Chute from top of Black Rock

    NorCal Ishi Wilderness

    41,840 acres
    20 miles N of Chico, CA
    Lassen National Forest

    • Barkley Mountain (elev. 4488′)
    • Black Rock Campground
    • Deer Creek
    • Flat Iron Mountain (elev. 4400′)
    • Iron Mountain (elev. 3274′)
    • Indian Ridge Campground
    • Mill Creek
    • Peligreen Place
    • Pine Creek
    • Pinnacle Peak (elev. 3293′)
    • South Antelope Campground
    • Twentymile Hollow

    Up in the mountains behind Chico sits a rugged landscape of deep canyons lined with bizarre rock formations and roaring mountain creeks. Wilderness encompasses lower elevations – ranging from 1500′ – 3500′  – making this outdoor destination a winter haven, when the rest of the backcountry is covered in several feet of snow. One of the most historic wilderness areas in the state, as the aboriginal existence of the Native Americans came to an end in this area.

    COHASSET ROAD climbs up the volcanic fin of Cohasset Ridge into the pine forests high above the valley floor. The paved road becomes dirt and the road name changes to Ponderosa Way (Lassen Road# 28N29). The Ishi Wilderness can also be accessed from the north side via Highway 32, near the Tehama State Game Refuge.


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    • backpacking trails
    • hiking trails
    • fishing creeks
    • horseback trails
    • wildlife viewing

     

    Ishi Wilderness mapIshi Wilderness Map

    Ishi Wilderness


    California Rivers, Fishing, Gardens, Hiking, Hot Springs, Indian Site, Mountain Biking, Primitive Hot Springs, Trailheads, Wildflowers

    Kern River Hot Springs

    Kern Hot Springs

    Kern River Hot Tub

    From Lake Isabella down to Bako, along Hwy 178, numerous natural hot springs can be found in this lower Kern river canyon. Old Kern Canyon Road has plenty of primitive spots to camp along the road, way above the Kern River. This Southern Sierra Nevada scenic route, a 20 mi winding narrow paved road, is the old highway that leads up to Bodfish CA.

    At least a dozen dispersed camp sites can be found along the Old Kern Cyn Rd, some spots with views over canyon, some hidden & shady, many spots are level & large – suitable for RVs. No facilities, no fees, just a flat, dispersed site. Campfire permits are required for fires outside of developed Campgrounds & fire restrictions are often high, so no fires are allowed much of the year. Most of the gates on the Lower Kern are now locked & only accessible by Forest Service personnel, ranchers or local rafting companies with permits.

    2 developed Lower Kern Campgrounds are located on the Old Kern Canyon Road, which parallels the 4 lane portion of the highway: Hobo Campground & Sandy Flat Campgrounds, if you really need a picnic table & bathroom. You can reserve camps by clicking the links.

    Miracle Hot Springs – next to Hobo Campground. This hot tub park is closed for good. A few portable bathrooms, picnic tables & trash bins, the hiking trails clear; 2 shallow pools partially filled. Maybe enough room to soak your butt, but not fully submerse yourself. Someone really needs to renovate this place! Update 2012 – the signs for Miracle are now completely gone.

    Remington Hot Springs

    This one is by far the most popular now that Miracle is gone. The hike-in only access doesn’t deter people much and many choose to set camp overnight close by. The local authorities are always making the rounds to double check on the area – which is good for security and bad for the 2 AM party animals.

    Kern recreation

    Democrat Hot Springs

    private resort now open? Heck, I dunno. (2017, democrathotsprings.com is down. They might be trying to promote a River Festival held in May.)

    The hotel and cottages were constructed to accommodate guests that came in stage coaches to dine and relax during the early 1900’s. Five springs on the property flow at 115 degrees into large soaking tubs and a swimming pool. Closed to the public for more than thirty years, the resort is once again ready to be brought to life for groups and private events only.

    Kern recreation

    The hot springs listed below are Private Property, so don’t get caught – and don’t get shot:

    Delonegha Hot Springs

    Concrete tubs were built by homesteaders, later a hotel and boarding house were constructed. Stage coaches from the San Joaquin Valley took 2 days to get visitors to this area. The hotel closed in 1912, when more accessible areas of Democrat and Hobo were built. Remaining cement tubs run along a rock peninsula overlooking the Kern River; water temperatures average 112 degrees. This private property is fenced.

    Scovern Hot Springs

    Also known as the Hot Springs House. 1902 mud baths were being offered and the wooden tubs were replaced by galvanized tubs. A swimming pool and bath houses were added when the Scoverns bought the property in 1929. Bath house burned to the ground in 1971 and only a vacant lot remains. Steam can still be seen in the fields across from the springs, where water runs at 140 gallons a minute @ 115 degrees.


    NEARBY TOWNS –

    ALTA SIERRA CA

    KERNVILLE CA

    LAKE ISABELLA CA

    WOFFORD HEIGHTS CA

    MAP OF THE KERN RIVER –

    Sequoia National Forest Map

    Kern Hot Springs

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Trinity Alps Trailheads

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Trailheads
    NorCal Hiking Vacations

    Meadow on Trinity Alps Long Canyon Trail

    Northern California, Trinity Lakes
    Shasta Trinity National Forest

    • backpacking
    • camping
    • fishing lakes
    • hiking trails
    • horseback trails
    • waterfalls

    Trinity Alps Wilderness

    hike

     

    Trinity Wilderness trailhead locations –

    trailheads from Highway 3:

    • Scott Mountain (PCT access)
    • Bear Creek
    • Eagle Creek
    • Stoddard Lake
    • Boulder Creek
    • Big Flat
    • Swift Creektrinityalps_lg

    trailheads from Highway 299:

    • Canyon Creek
    • Hobo Gulch
    • French Creek
    • Green Mountain
    • Jim Jam Ridge
    • East Fork
    • New River
    • Grizzly Camp

    trailheads from Highway 96:

    • Tish Tang
    • Red Cap Lake
    • Bear Hole
    • Mill Creek Lake
    • Salmon Summit

    trailheads from north @ Salmon River, Cecilville Rd #1C02:

    • Hidden Horse
    • Trail Creek
    • Carter Meadows Summit (PCT access)
    • Middle Boulder

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Trail
    Overview @ SummitPost

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Motorcycle, Equestrian, Fishing, Golf Courses, Hiking, Indian Site, Mountain Biking, Native American, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, OHV Parks & SVRA, Petroglyphs, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Washes, Wilderness, Wildflowers, Wildlife Refuge, XC Ski Areas

    West Kern

    festivals kern

    CA Kern / western Kern county

    Kern County is known for its oil, its agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The Kern River is the highlight of the region with lush, green and grey granite canyons, a big reservoir & the Sequoia trees just up the road. On the western side of Kern County are small towns like Frazier Park, the golfing cabin community of Pine Mountain Club, plus the oil meccas of Maricopa and Taft. Expansive Lockwood Valley enters into Ventura County. Cuyama River borders Santa Barbara & SLO counties.

    Much of the western Kern area is rural ranch land, desert or forest. Los Padres National Forest, Chumash Wilderness, Bittercreek Wildlife Refuge, Wind Wolves Preserve, Buena Vista Reservoir, Ballinger Canyon, Hungry Valley and Fort Tejon State Park all call this region home, right on the mighty tangent of the San Andreas fault line. The San Emigdio range and the surrounding mountains of Mt Pinos and Mount Able design a perpendicular range to the Central Cali coastline, connecting the huge Mojave desert to the ocean. Cerro Noroeste is a very scenic drive.

    The 17 mile long Quatal Canyon, where the indian camp of Mahu Tasen hosts a Bear Dance every summer is also a wild place of bird watching, camping and hunting. The indian word for Mount Pinos is “Iwihinmu” – a sacred spot for Chumash Indians, as well as others; Chumash call it the ‘center of the world’. Locals respond regularly with music, hikes, star gazing, drum circles (seasonally) and local festivals (annually) .

    PHOTOS: Los Padres Photos | Miller Jeep Trail Off Roading Photos

    Drum Camp Pinos | Drumming Cerro Noroeste

    Tecuya Ridge

    Tecuya Ridge, Cuddy Valley 4×4 trails can keep you busy for a whole weekend of back road exploring.

    boating, camping, dirt biking, fishing, hiking, horseback, hunting, mountain biking, off roading, skydiving, xc skiing

    DSCN0029

    Quatal Canyon

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Hiking, Indian Site, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Trailheads, Washes, Wilderness

    Chumash Wilderness

    Chumash Wilderness
    Los Padres National Forest

    38,150 acres
    Mount Pinos – 8831′ elevation
    Cerro Noroeste – 8286′ elevation
    Los Padres National Forest

    Terrain consists of high mountain peaks, badlands of Quatal Canyon Wash & Lockwood Valley; Steep slopes of forests, rock outcroppings, sparse forest areas, on border of Kern County & Ventura County. This area is sacred to the native California Chumash tribe.

    Quatal Canyon Rd #9N09

    DSCN0042Mount Pinos, Mount Abel, Cerro Noroeste, Westside Park, Hudson Ranch Road, Mil Potrero Highway, Lockwood Valley Road, East Dry Canyon, Apache Canyon, Cuyama River

    campgrounds nearby –

    The Peak to Peak Hike is a 7 mile, high elevation, ridge line day hike that traversed 2 of the tallest peaks in Kern County – Mt Pinos (elevation 8831′) and Mt Abel (8286′). Day hikes, equestrian trails, backpacking, mountain biking areas nearby. Steep, granite, chaparral, lightly forested w/ ponderosa and Jeffrey pines. From this ridge trail you have a 360 degree view over the entire region. The cabin community of Pine Mountain Club is to the north side (and IF the skies are really clear, you can see the Sierra Nevada mountain range too); Lockwood Valley & Ozena Valley are located to the south; Cuyama Valley to the west and the Tejon Pass w/ Frazier Park to the east.

    Off road use 4×4, dirt bikes, ATVs, and quads are common in Quatal Canyon, Apache Canyon, East Dry Canyon leading up to the wilderness edge. Rangers will ticket if they find you on the Chumash side of Quatal wash. The secluded yet inviting, wide, white sandy washes are just too tempting for some bad boys.

    Chumash trailheads are located –

    • about a mile before Camp-O-Alto Campground (Mount Abel)
    • along lower end of Quatal Canyon Wash (OHV areas parallel)

    nearby towns –

     

    DSCN0060


    View Chumash Wilderness Area in a larger map

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Backpacking, California Rivers, Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Trailheads, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Garcia Wilderness

    Garcia Wilderness, Los Padres NF

    14,100 acres
    Garcia Peak – 3146′ elevation
    Los Padres National Forest
    Huasna River
    Pozo Creek

    himtncampgroundcampgrounds nearby –

    American Canyon Campground
    Hi Mountain Campground
    La Panza Campground
    Lake Lopez Campground
    Navajo Campground

    trailheads for Garcia Wilderness

    • Hi Mtn
    • Santa Lucia
    • Garcia OHV

    POZO ROAD is also known as

    • Pozo La Panza Rd
    • Hi Mountain Rd
    • Pozo Arroyo Grande Rd

    San Luis Obispo’s Los Padres Pozo Rd is a 4×4 route that accesses the Garcia Wilderness; the dirt route connects Lake Lopez to Pozo Saloon, out near Santa Margarita. Los Padres National Forest 

    Located inland from the Pismo Coast in south San Luis Obispo county.
    Garcia Peak OHV Route, off Pozo Road behind Lake Lopez, Arroyo Grande, CA

    • backpackingLupine on Pozo Rd
    • camping
    • hiking
    • mountain biking
    • off roading
    • waterfalls
    • wildflowers

    Steep lush coastal mountains, rugged, remote landscapes close to Central Coast San Luis Obispo.

    Garcia Ridge Road #30S18

    Garcia Ridge Trail #15E11

    Hi Mountain Road #30S11

     

    DSCN5297

    also nearby – Machesna Mountains Wilderness and Santa Lucia Wilderness

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, California Deserts, Hiking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, OHV Parks & SVRA, Slot Canyons, Trailheads, Washes, Wind Caves

    Split Mountain Anza Borrego Desert

    Split Mountain Road

    Fish Creek Wash
    Anza Borrego Desert State Park
    Ocotillo Wells, CA

    Fish Creek Wash @ Split Mountain

    Explore Anza Borrego State Park desert deeper for the secluded hidden treasures. Find yourself traveling the east San Diego county desert, on Highway 78 eastbound on the way to the Salton Sea. Passing the turn offs for Borrego Springs, slow down and look for the intersection of off-roaders & ATVs @ Ocotillo Wells, California. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicluar Recreation Area is on the north (left) side of the highway and Split Mountain is on the right.

    From highway turn south (right) on to Split Mountain Road, which leads to numerous back road destinations. Ranch homes and private property line the first mile of the road, neighborhood general store and a tiny saloon, RV park and an ATV rental shop.

    Old Kane Springs Road is a main dirt road that parallels the highway from the narrows at San Felipe Wash to the Salton Sea. Old Kane Springs Rd intersect the Split Mountain route about 1 mile south of highway.


    View Larger Map

    Split Mountain ranger station is before the Elephant Trees nature trail. Near the railroad track, the paved road turns into Fish Creek Wash near Fish Creek Campground. If you have a low rider passenger car, you might wanna park it here and walk in to the canyon. Within the first few miles there is a lot to explore – fossils in walls, huge cliffs, wind caves, narrow canyons.

    The actual “split in the mountain” section is located just beyond the campground on a sandy desert road.

    Anza Borrego’s Split Mountain

    Fish Creek Wash continues south, deep into the Carrizo badlands where 4×4 is definitely needed. The trail system eventually loops back over to paved S2 @ Canebrake, via Pinyon Mountain w/ the Squeeze, or Canon Sin Nombre. Unlimited primitive camp sites, found inside every other nook and cranny. Numerous hidden slot canyons, sandstone cliffs and wide sandy washes becomes a literal maze of off-road trails so you better carry a good back roads topographic map.

    Backpacking, California Waterfalls, Hiking, Sightseeing, Trailheads

    Sturtevant Falls

    Santa Anita Canyon, Sturtevant Falls

    a day hike in the San Gabriel Mountains

    Day hikes near Los Angeles, CA

    Santa Anita Canyon, Angeles National Forest
    From the 210 freeway, in San Gabriel Valley. East of Pasadena, exit Santa Anita Ave.
    Head North/East, through neighborhood, where road becomes Chantry Flats Rd (aka, Forest Road #2N40)
    proceed up the mountain to paved parking lot @ Chantry Flat. Falls Trailhead #11W14

    • 5 miles RT hike
    • 4600′ elevation
    • steep canyon w/ creek crossings
    • falls and creek subject to seasonal dry up; water flow varies
    • backpack camping only, no developed campground


    more photos on trailhead


    View Larger Map

    Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Campsites, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Mineral King Camping

    DSCN0019

    Mineral King is a magnificent canyon in the southern portion of Sequoia National Park, east of  Visalia, CA. So magical indeed that Disney tried to purchase the rugged scenic lands for a wilderness ski theme park in 1960. Thankfully that project never happened, due to strong opposition from preservationists. Mineral King became part of Sequoia National Park in 1978.

    Mineral King is the Great Western Divide, where high peaks separate the foothills from the taller Eastern Sierra range. Upper Kern River Canyon lies beneath as the main south drainage from the very tallest peak, Mount Whitney @ 14,494′

    sierra topo maps

    Mineral King Road is a paved off shoot from Highway 198, just to the east of the town of  Three Rivers, CA. The road is steep and curvy and 25 miles long. No gasoline at all. No RV motorhomes or trailers are permitted to travel this scenic and amazing back road. Certain portions of the road are dirt and usually graded, but most of the route is paved.  Snow closes the road in winter months – NOV-MAY.

    We usually get less than a half year to enjoy this special place, so make plans in advance to fit this destination into your schedule JUNE-JULY-AUG-SEPT.

    And do not even think of trying to cram spectacular Mineral King into an already packed Sequoia Park weekend trip. The Giant tree Sequoia groves, Hume Lake and Kings Canyon are over an hour north (hwy 198), to other side of the park.

    If you have a full week to hang out in the Sequoia National Park area, then obviously Crystal Cave and Mineral King should be on the list, but keep in mind taht each destination will take a full day to drive to and explore.

    Driving the distance on Mineral King Road, the wonders abound on every curve. Wildlife, waterfalls, water flowing and the dense forests.

    Atwell Mill Campground is located at an old wood mill site and has a good hike to a footbridge at Kaweah River. There is a small cabin community called Silver City which caters to summer crowds and family campers. Only open during the warm season.

    At the very end of Mineral King Road is the gravel parking. Step out into high elevation (7830′ above sea level), breathe deep and enjoy the granite bowl of alpine bliss with creeks, meadows, wildflowers, picnic spots, hiking trails and scenery everywhere. Mid day sunshine can be bright. Black bears and marmots are very common.

    Cold Springs Campground is the last developed campground, located next to a raging creek. The hike-in sites are the best choice for seclusion at this camp.

    South Fork Campground is the smallest of the campgrounds in this area; located in the foothills at 3600′ elevation, open all year. From Highway 198 (W of the town of Three Rivers), take South Fork Drive 13 paved miles to camp.

    KaweahFalls

    mineral king backpacking

    Mineral King is a favorite destination among backpackers as it gives instant access to many high country trailheads with mostly paved road driving. Located deep in the forest at end of a long road, near the center of the Sierra Nevada range gives ample hiking in every direction. The hikes are steep and challenging, but the rewards are solitude, true wildness and grandeur scenery. Although inviting, these steep passes might not be adequate for beginner backpackers, so please keep that in mind when planning. Fishing lakes, day hikes, horseback trails, waterfalls, creeks, and jagged mountain peaks.

    From Mineral King you can access the these popular spots – PCT, the Great Western Divide, the Golden Trout Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon High Country, Keasarge Pass, John Muir Wilderness.

    top maps for the region –

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, Campgrounds, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Trailheads, Washes, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Nettle Springs Campground

    Nettle Springs

    Apache Canyon Campsites

    Cuyama Camping near Highway 33

    Los Padres National Forest 

    Way back off there beyond the boonies, 10 miles on a bumpy dirt road #8N06, and far from the pavement. Seclusion, peace and quiet, plus privacy is what this canyon can offer. This small campground is rarely busy, unless a huge family or hunting group has taken over camp. Most of the time it’s so quiet you can hear the wind in the trees, birds chirping and bugs buzzing.

    N of Ojai (about an hour), scenic drive Highway 33 N of Ozena @ Lockwood is a little-known signed route called Apache Canyon. Los Padres Road #8N06 leads from the south end of Cuyama River Valley east to the dead end badlands canyon w/ Nettle Springs Camp. OHV trails and Chumash Wilderness access.

    • Elevation: 4,400′
    • Number of Sites: 8
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: small RV ok
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: No Piped; seasonal creek iffy
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Season: Open all year
    • Fee: No
    • Operated By: National Forest Service
    • Closest Towns: Frazier Park, CA & Ojai, CA

    Los Padres National Forest
    Lockwood Ranger Station
    661-245-3731

    Secluded Campground and Spacious Camp Sites

     

     

     

    Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Saddlebag Lake Campground

    Saddlebag Lake, Yosemite East Side

    Inyo National Forest @ Tioga Pass, Hwy 120

    Yosemite High Elevation Campground

    Yosemite Lake View Camp Sites

    Tioga Pass camping on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park, just outside park boundaries is Inyo National Forest lands. Snow is usually epic up here and some of the deepest on the range of light.

    Several prime campgrounds line this popular Sierra pass, highway 120. Most camps are located along the busy highway just outside the National Park gate. Behold, this prime choice destination is a few miles back off the highway, at the end of a graded dirt road. Smaller RVs okay.

    Saddle Bag Lake

    High altitude, tree line, thin air, snow melt everywhere, spectacular elevations and dark skies make this an awesome stargazing spot. Summer is busy with trailers, boat rentals, horses and day hikers. Locals and fishermen use this small campground often, so tourists should feel lucky to find such a rare camp here. First come, First serve, when it is open (only half the year).

    • Elevation: 10,000′
    • Number of Sites: 19
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle limit 22 ft. max.
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: Piped; lake, creek nearby
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Season: Closed during winter & spring
    • Fee: Yes
    • Operated By: National Forest Service
    • Closest Town: Lee Vining, CA

    Inyo National Forest
    Bishop Ranger Station
    760-873-2400

    RV Camper Lake

    Backpacking, Campgrounds, Campsites, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Rock Climbing, Trailheads

    Lily Pad Campground

    Lilypad Campground @ Lake Wishon Reservoir
    Sierra National Forest, California

    The long journey up the mountain into the Sierra National Forest is only for the true adventure seekers. First off, get a good forest map. Second, plan several days if not a full week off of work to explore this region in depth. It is a long drive from most anywhere in California, and this spot is way, way tucked back in there right up against the High Sierra peaks and wildness.

    East of in Fresno, historic village of Clovis is a good lunch stop in route. Drive up mountain on Hwy. 168, turn right at Shaver Lake on to Dinkey Creek Rd. Now you will clock the mileage 28.7 miles to the camp. Drive past McKinley Grove and past Dinkey Creek. Follow signs to Wishon Reservoir. This campground is located adjacent to the road before you reach the dam.

    All this travel time will have you asking ‘is it worth it’? The answer is ‘yes’….. if you want an uncrowded lake with plenty of wilderness surrounding you. Granite rock and forest all around. Lake Wishon is a hydroelectric reservoir operated by PG&E

    Lily Pad Campground

    Central Sierra Camping – Wishon Lake

    High Sierra Rangers Office: 559-855-5355

    • Elevation: 6,500′
    • Number of Sites: 15
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: 35′ limit on RVs & trailers
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Water: Piped
    • Season: Closed in Winter Snow
    • Fee: Yes

    camp sites at lake

    Large granite boulder coves provide cubby-hole privacy w/ shady trees and well spaced camp sites. Very unique design with paved driveways, adequate for handicapped camping with some sites with better access than others. 4 camp sites are considered walk-in sites.

    Lake views from camps are only a mere climb up to the top of the nearest granite, which will show you just how close you are sleeping to the big water.

    As with any Sierra location, holiday and summer weekends are the most busy. Tourists, family campers and RVers are all out enjoying the sunshine. Mid-week camping is good for fishing, relaxing w/ peace and quiet. Off season is best for having the place to yourself.

    Outdoor recreation in the area include – hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, sightseeing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, off-roading, creek fishing, lake fishing.

     

    Neighboring Wishon Village has a small general store, RV park w/ wifi & boat rentals.

     

    Backpacking, California Maps, California Rivers, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Mokelumne Wilderness

    Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

    Mokelumne Wilderness Area

    topo mapsMokelumne Map

    Mokelumne (pronounced moo-ka-la-mi)
    Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking Mokelumne River / Mokelumne Fishing / Mokelumne Trail / Mokelumne Wilderness Topographic Map

    Vast alpine ranges located in the middle of the Sierra Nevada, between Highway 88 (Carson Pass) & Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass). The Mokelumne Wilderness is a 105,165-acre federally designated wilderness area located 70 miles east of Sacramento, California. It is within the boundaries of three national forests: Stanislaus, Eldorado and Toiyabe. First protected under the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Mokelumne’s borders were expanded under the California Wilderness Act of 1984 with the addition of 55,000 acres. The wilderness takes its name from the Mokelumne River, which was named after a Mi-wok Indian village located on the riverbank in California’s Central Valley.

    The wilderness encompasses an area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass. There are two sections separated by the Blue Lakes Road and an Off-Road Vehicle corridor. Elevations range from 4,000′ to 10,381′. The highest point is Round Top 10,364′, a remnant volcano from which the wilderness area’s volcanic soils are derived from and is located on the east side of the Sierra crest.

    recreation –

    • backpacking
    • camping
    • creeks
    • fishing
    • hiking
    • ice climbing
    • kayaking
    • lakes
    • mountaineering
    • rivers
    • wildflowers

    surrounding forest lands –

    National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

    USDA Stanislaus
    Lake Tahoe Basin Management

    More Mokelumne Wilderness Info & Links –

    sierrawild.gov/wilderness/mokelumne
    summitpost.org/mokelumne-wilderness
    Mokelumne Wiki
    Mokelumne River

    Sunset at Mosquito Lakes

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads, Volcano, Wilderness

    Thousand Lakes Wilderness

    NorCal hiking & backpacking

    Thousand Lakes California

    Although the name suggests more, the number of lakes in this region is approximately seven: Eiler Lake and Box Lake are the 2 largest lakes within the Wilderness boundary. Logan Lake and North Battle Creek Reservoir are on the outskirts. Trout fishing is a popular recreation sport all around Lassen. Thousand Lakes Wilderness is part of the Cascade Range in northern California. 16,335 acres and 21 miles of trails, all managed by Lassen National Forest. The area lies midway between the mountain town of Burney and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

    Volcanic activity and glaciers have combined to create the Lassen topography. Dominated by Crater Peak 8677′, which is the highest point in Lassen National Forest, this area is a reminder of the glacial action that eroded the original, much larger Thousand Lakes Volcano and created the many small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the region. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, black bear, pika, pine marten, northern goshawk, spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, and Clark’s nutcracker. Even elk have been known to visit occasionally.

    Lassen National Forest
    Lassen Volcanic National Park


    View Larger Map

    Thousand Lakes Wilderness

    Roads and trailheads surrounding Thousand Lakes Wilderness and the Wild Woods

    Lassen Forest Road #16 – Ashpan Winter Recreation Area @ Hwy 44, leads to hikes on the west side of the Wilderness. Bunchgrass trailhead and Magee trailhead. LaTour State Forest, Ashpan Butte, Huckleberry Mountain, Fredonyer Peak, Crater Peak, and Whittington Butte. Lassen Route 16 is a graded dirt road that connects to Tamarack Road #4M001 at Burney Creek, near the north side of the Wilderness.

    Road #32N17 – access to North Battle Creek Reservoir
    Road #32N16
    Road #32N24

    Thousand Lakes Wilderness Map
    Road #32N31 – access to North Battle Creek Reservoir

    Road #32N18 leads to PG&E North Battle Creek Reservoir
    North Battle Creek Campground: elevation 5600? / 15 camp sites / open Apr-Oct

    Road #26 on the north side of the Wilderness, connects Hwy 89 @ Hat Creek, west to Road #32N22. Cypress trailhead is located on a side route nearby.

    Road #32N23 is up on Burney Mountain elev. 7863′, another hang glider launch site.

    Road #33N25 leads to the Tamarack trailhead
    Road #34N78 off Hwy 44, near Logan Lake and route leads to McElroy Flat

    Road #32N35 behind Burney connects to Hat Creek (the back way).

     

    LASSEN AREA MAPS –

    Lassen National Forest Map
    Thousand Lakes Wilderness Map

     

    List of Thousand Lakes Wilderness trailheads:

    Bunchgrass Trailhead
    Magee Trailhead
    Cypress Trailhead
    Tamarack Trailhead

     

    List of nearby towns:

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Agua Tibia Wilderness

    Agua Tibia Wilderness Area

    • 15,900 acres
    • chaparral & oak at lower elevations
    • pine & fir forest at high elevations
    • elevations range 1,700′ – ­5,000′
    • 25 miles of trail
    • summer temperatures exceed 100°F
    • occasional snow in winter
    • best in winter through spring
    • wood fires prohibited
    • portable stoves permitted
    • water scarce
    • no overnight use of pack or saddle stock
    • groups limit – 15 people
    • visitor permits required
    Agua Tibia lies right on the RIVERSIDE
    & SAN DIEGO COUNTY border

    Cleveland National Forest
    Palomar Ranger District
    1634 Black Canyon Road
    Ramona, CA 92065
    760-788-0250

    Agua Tibia Map

    Agua Tibia Trailhead

    This is the trailhead for Agua Tibia Wilderness located at Dripping Springs Campground on Highway 79, near Temecula CA.

    See more: Agua Tibia Mountain hike details

    hiking SoCal

    Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Fishing, Groves, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Atwell Mill Campground

    Atwell Mill Campground
    Mineral King Camping, Sequoia National Park

    Atwell Mill is near the East Fork of the Kaweah River, situated in an old logged sequoia grove with the southern Sequoia National Parks impressive Mineral King Canyon. Located 19 mi from Highway 198 near Three Rivers, CA. About 1 mi West of Silver City and 6 miles before the end of road at Mineral King.

    mill_i
    Meadows with pines at this campground

    • Elevation: 6,650′
    • Number of Sites: 21
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: No RVs; tents only
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Toilet: Pit
    • Water: Piped
    • Season: Closed in Winter Snow
    • Fee: Yes

    site4

    Bear Box in Mineral King Campground
    Bear Box in Mineral King Campground

    Bear lockers for food storage are required in this region. Nice shady camp spots spaced out well at this small developed campground. Hikers parking lot is located at one end of the campground. Big bonus for hiking trails nearby.

    FOOTBRIDGE HIKE: Great half day hike down to the Kaweah River. Small wooden bridge down at the river crossing and numerous trails lead off into plenty backpacking destinations around Mineral King.


    View Larger Map

    California Coast, Coastal Dunes, Hiking, Sand Dunes, Sightseeing, Wildlife Refuge

    Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Park

    Guadalupe Dunes / Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park

    Gualupe Dunes Park

    Beach sand dunes on the Central California coastline, located in between Point Sal and Pismo Beach. Three different wildlife preserves (and one oil refinery) make up this sandy beach strand W of Guadalupe, CA

    From the north

    • Oceano Dunes SVRA – also known as Pismo Dunes this is where all the yahoos can get their thrills riding quads and driving on the beach dunes. One of the few spots in ca, where you can drive your vehicle on the beach, right at the tideline.
    • OSO FLACO LAKE – estuary with boardwalk on the California Central Coast, surrounded by sand dunes and farm lands. Birdwatch right from the middle of the lagoon. Bring a picnic too!
    • Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge – the refuge is situated between Oso Flaco Lake & Ranch Guadalupe Dunes. The main office is located along Highway 1, at 1045 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe, CA
    • Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park – just north of Point Sal is this public access beach. Well known for miles of pristine sand dunes. This is a place to truly enjoy nature and solitude. Near to Pismo Dunes, Rancho Guadalupe is a county park in the Santa Barbara County Parks system. This protected wildlife area is north of Lompoc & south of Pismo Beach CA.  The refuge was established to protect breeding habitat for the endangered species.

    All this located west of Santa Maria & Nipomo CA. The Santa Maria River meet the Pacific ocean here at this estuary and sand dune area. From Coast Hwy 101, exit Main Street in Santa Maria; follow Hwy 166 west, past the small town of Guadalupe, CA & past the farmlands – straight to the coast.

    6999 W Main St
    Guadalupe, CA 93434
    805-343-2354


    View Larger Map

    Horses & dogs are not allowed in the preserve. Off-road vehicle play area is to the north of Oso Flaco Lake. The fence line is visible from the beach hike and engine noises can be heard from Oso Flaco. Enter the Ocean Dunes SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area), further up Hwy 1 at Oceano CA

    more info
    dunescenter.org
    Some photos

    Creeks, Hiking, Historic Site, Trailheads

    Partington Cove Hike in Big Sur

    Big Sur – Partington Cove

    DSCN3026
    Go west to & visit the oceans edge or head east to explore a deep redwood canyon.big

    Approx. 5 miles South of Big Sur State Park and just north of Julia Pfeiffer Burn State Park, this unmarked dirt turnout area on Highway 1 is a rare find. Rocky shorelines at the historic point, plus the scenic tree lined waterfall & cross the highway & head east for a shady Redwood canyon forest with plenty of backpacking options into the Big Sur back country of Los Padres National Forest. From bright sunny ocean view hillsides to dark shady forests.

    This portion of the highway cuts into a deep bend along the coast & has no markings to the paradise that lies within. A steep dirt fire road (down to the cove) with metal gate is your only clue. Dirt parking area on both sides of the road indicate that people have parked here before.

    This un-signed secluded hide-away has a variety of landscape & sites to see. You could easily kill 6-8 hours just in this canyon alone!! Definitely not a hurry through kind of place. Take your time, enjoy the view, tide pools, bring your swim suits & refresh in the creek. Carry a picnic eastbound into a shady creek-bed canyon & watch the sun dance through the towering pines above.

    Driving northbound on Highway 1, look for large hair-pin turn out in canyon area – approx. 3-5 mi. North of Julia Pfeiffer State Park in wide dirt areas along roadside. Located in between Julia State Park & Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

    Hike down the dusty wide gated fire road in dry brush chaparral. The view of Redwood trees, the royal blue ocean in front of you, the sounds of a water falling creek. The trail forks off in 3 directions:

    Right / Rock Beach – this a boulder lined cove where the clear fresh water stream meets the ocean. Small pools & waterfalls can be found just upstream .

    Bridge Crossing / Point – through a wooden tunnel to a cliff area with tide pools & wooden structure (an old boat launch?)

    Left / Up Stream – a forested canyon w/ a variety of trees; dead ends a few hundred yards up into the canyon

    DSCN3021Another option to this canyon is the East side:

    Hike up inland (away from ocean) into a densely forested creek area. Redwoods, waterfalls & boulders. Deer sightings are quite common in this area. Shady & dark this trail climbs gradually in elevation. One fork of the trail leads to an old Redwood Grove. A portion of the trail is closed 2.5 mi. up due to a landslide. But overall the is a perfect option for backpackers wanting a short hike.

  • Los Padres Maps (USDA)
  • Big Sur Map (NatGeo)
  • Ventana Wilderness Map w/ Silver Peak

    • Backpacking, Hiking, Trailheads

    San Diego Trails

    San Diego Hiking – San Diego County Trails

    horse hiking

    Cedar Creek Falls
    3 mi RT / moderate; off Hwy 78

    From Santa Ysabel on Hwy. 78, drive E 6 mi, turn right on Pine Hills Rd.
    1.50 mi., bear right on Eagle Peak Rd.
    1.25 bear right again (signs point to Eagle Peak Ranch)
    Drive 8 mi. (dirt & paved) to Saddleback, 4 way junction.
    Park & hike the fire road downhill for 1.25 mi.
    At the fork, bear left & continue into the Cedar Creek bed
    Some rock scrambling down to the swimming hole

    Hot Springs Mountain
    5.5 miles RT/ strenuous (elevation gain/loss =1,250 feet)
    Near Warner Springs, 10 miles northeast of Lake Henshaw; Off Highway 79

    From Temecula Interstate 15, take Highway 79 East to Warner Springs
    Drive up Los Coyotes’ Indian Reservations main road, past the intersection of Middle Fork Borrego Palm Canyon (6.1 miles past the entrance gate )
    Turn left (west) and drive up the valley on a sandy road to reach a saddle above the valley 2.2 mi. farther
    At Nelson’s Camp, on the left side of the road, Park at the camp
    Begin hiking southwest up along a small tributary stream that flows north & west into Agua Caliente Creek.
    Follow an old Jeep trail up, gaining more than 500 feet in just over a mile.
    At the top, you’ll meet a better road that runs up the south slope to Hot Springs Mountain
    Turn left (west) on this road and climb another 1.6 miles along the ridge line to the tower.
    Pass through dense forests of black oak, Coulter pine and white fir, and across meadows dotted in late spring with wildflowers.
    Lookout tower, dilapidated and seemingly on its last leg, sits on the west shoulder of the mountain.
    Go a bit higher on the ridge by following a faint trail through thick brush and around boulders to the true summit. A flat concrete platform caps the summit block.
    option – Seven-mile dirt road going up the mountain’s southern slope (drive, hike or mountain bike)

    Maps Mountains / San Diego Maps

    see also – San Diego Anza Borrego 4×4

    4x4 Camps OHV, 4x4 Routes, Back Roads, California Deserts, Campgrounds, Creeks, Hiking, Off Road, Off-Road Trail, Sightseeing, Slot Canyons, Trailheads, Washes, Wind Caves

    Split Mountain Anza Borrego

    Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    Fish Creek Campground

    E of Borrego Springs CA.

    Well off Highway 78, past the busy OHV area, quads at Ocotillo Wells, past all the rural homes & the redneck bar, past the Elephant Trees hike – where the road goes from pavement to graded dirt to a wild desert wash, in a few short miles. If you don’t know where you are, then you’re almost there.

    This is a large wild desert wash with huge unstable walls, several areas for wind caves and a few historic markers. Lots of 4×4 trails beyonf Split Mountain, to the south. No real water in sight, except maybe the puddle you are standing in as it starts to poor. The soft sand can give way to a few heavy rain drops. May not be a great area to be during a serious storm or flash flood possibility, unless you want to get buried alive. Check the weather forecast in advance.

    A ratty, small developed campground of Fish Creek is on the left side, upon the ledge. Fish Creek Campground is picnic tables & a pit toilet – at most. Ya may as well camp out in the open, off road, like the pioneers did. You can do that out here in Anza Borrego. (Just keep it clean & carry a metal fire container.)

    split mountain

    Split Mountain, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    This portion of the “mountain” is less than a mile from Fish Creek Campground. Fossils can be found in these walls. Shade is good in summer months, when day temps reach 100+. The rest of the year is ideal weather. This mountain split from water, erosion, mega force. High walls, wind caves, desert washes, great primitive camping & 4×4 routes.

    This desert scenic drive will require you to get that SUV dusty. 4 wheel drive not required. No RVs past the campground. All low lying passenger cars are warned, there are uneven areas, soft sand & boulders.

    Duh, do not attempt this one when desert flash floods are possible.

    ANZA BORREGO STATE PARK

    ANZA BORREGO MAP

    SAN DIEGO BACKCOUNTRY MAP

    nearby towns –

  • BORREGO SPRINGS CA
  • OCOTILLO WELLS CA
  • SALTON SEA CA

    splitmountain

    Great desert back road exploring out here. A zillions washes & canyons.

    • Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sightseeing, Snow, Trailheads

    Mount Charleston Vegas

    Mt Charleston Las Vegas NV

    Mount Charleston Las Vegas NV

    Mount Charleston Resort
    Mount Charleston Resort

    Mt Charleston cabin rentals, vacation homes and 2 mountain lodges are located near the Spring Mountain Recreation Area, just outside of the Sin City limits. The tall alpine mountains behind RedRock SP, NW of Las Vegas, Nevada are virtually unknown by many non-locals. Great hiking, mountain biking, camping and waterfalls, plus a small seasonal ski and snowboard resort are some of the highlights. Imagine snowboarding Vegas!

    Mt Charleston Hikes
    Red Rock Canyon Map

    Las Vegas Forest Hikes

    Vegas means “the meadows”, but it sure seems more like desert these days. The forest is just up the hill, past the red rock and tract homes, well past the Joshua Trees. Conifer forests, snow and high elevation, less than an hours drive from the Vegas strip. Toiyabe – Humboldt NF is this public land managed by the US National Forest system. Toiyabe also covers Eastern Sierra slopes. Get California Toiyabe NF maps. Get the Nevada State Park map here!

    Camping Vegas

    Due to extreme dry conditions and wildfire danger no open camp fires are allowed from mid-April to mid-November in the Mount Charleston region. Several developed campgrounds, plus a primitive (dirt road) camp area off Lee Canyon. Cabin rentals are located at the Charleston Lodge.

    • Vegas trails
    • Hiking in Vegas
    • Mount Charleston skiing
    • Mt Charleston hikes
    Back Roads, California Motorcycle, Campgrounds, Campsites, Group Campgrounds, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Mount Able

    Camp-O-Alto

    MOUNT ABEL, California

    So many misspell Abel like Able, its a wonder anyone can find this place.

    But what a nice find it is! Camp O Alto Campground, among the giant trees. RV friendly

    Cerro Noroeste / Mt Abel / Noroeste Peak
    Los Padres mountains, camping on the back roads, mountain biking, hiking, exploring. This gorgeous 8286′ mountain peak sits just to the west of Mount Pinos @ 8831′ (the tallest peak in Kern County). Home of the Jesus Tree, the best sunset spot for miles and the infamous motorcycle road out west, this mountain is one of the lesser known in Southern California. Oddly shaped, Jefferey and Ponderosa pines towering above have their tops stunted and enormous branches hanging down. Maybe from lightning strikes, or maybe from a historic Tejon earthquake that snapped them?

    Camp-O-Alto is the official name of this primitive open, FREE campground. First come basis. This place is a perfect option B, instead of the busier Mt Pinos Recreation Area that is located to the east. RV campers love this camp, as there is plenty of room to spread out in between the sites. There is also a large group site at the west end of the campground – available to whomever can grab it first, but you must have a large group to utilize this spot.

    Just south of Apache Saddle, there is a faded, large sign that reads Westside Park, but this is the only reference we can find and no one locally calls this mountain by this name. The Cerro Noreste Road gate (near Camp Condor), closes seasonally for winter snow and rock slides.

    Once you are past this gate & start climbing from the saddle, there is a great viewpoint a few miles up on the right side, overlooking red dirt beauty of Quatal Canyon. You can see the mountains out near the coast, as well as the high desert, natural wash on the left side and the faint graded dirt road paralleling it to the right side, all mixed up amongst the pinyons & junipers. The Chumash Wilderness is on the left side.

    DIRECTIONS TO MOUNT ABEL:

    To get here from Interstate 5, exit Frazier & head west, thru Frazier Park, thru Cuddy Valley, turn right on Mil Potrero Hwy (forest road #9N05) & past the golfing community of Pine Mountain Club; continue west to Apache Saddle. At this intersection, turn left on to Cerro Noroeste (#9N25) & drive 10 miles to the top of the mountain.

    To get here from Hwy 166, take the Cerro Noroeste Road turn off just east of Hwy 33. Continue 20-something miles up to Apache Saddle ranger station. At this intersection, turn right on to Cerro Noroeste (#9N25) & drive 10 miles to the top of the mountain.

    Los Padres Trail # 21W03 / Chumash Wilderness

    Hiking Trails / Mountain Bike SoCal

    This area is very popular among mountain bikers and sunset seeking couples. The “Peak to Peak” hike is an all day adventure of 6.5 miles, that should be planned well in advance – with another shuttle car at the Pinos parking lot. This is a moderately, strenuous hike that can take up most of the day – with awesome views over the San Joaquin Valley, Lockwood Valley, Pine Mountain Village and San Emigdio range. The area located in between Pinos & Abel is called the Chumash Wilderness.

    Trail 21W03 Mt Pinos

    Hiking, Off-Road Trail

    Utah Red Dirt Roads

    Zion waterfalla

    Zion National Park after a huge thunderstorm afternoon (late summer)

     

    Hiking trails? That’s pretty much all we did in Zion & Grand Cyn.(N. Rim) Angels Landing…great 5-6 hour hike in Zion! Major elevation gain, but well worth it. Did a small Canyon overlook trail with spectacular views espcially at sunset. Hiked into the Grand Cyn. on the North Kaibab trail, but it was covered in mule poop & was a pretty stinky trip. Wish I could have spent the day differently. Next time I hike into the canyon, I’ll remember to pick a trail that is NOT used by animals.
     
    Explored the Narrows a bit, before the afternoon thunderstorm. It was flash flood season & we didn’t want to be caught in a slot canyon. 2 California men (bodies) were pulled out earlier last month. Rangers are serious when they warn about the dangers of hiking in the afternoon or even the wrong season. It was weird weather. Sunny one minute, stormy the next. Couple of thunder storms dumped on us at night. EEEkkk. My tent held up fine. Good big ole Coleman condo style..I love it! Didn’t get wet, no leaking.
     
    My favorite campground (just E of Zion , N.Fork Virgin River – Ponderosa-Zion primtive camp) was inaccessible due to slick, muddy dirt roads. We tried, believe me… we really tried, but the “dirt roads are impassable when wet” notes all over the maps aren’t kidding. I just wanted to find out for myself. Ended up at a convenient (but expensive) campground just outside Zions East entrance station.
     
    That Utah red clay dirt is very slippery. I got about 2-3 mi. up the road, before I loss control. Fish tailin’ all over & stopping on the edge of a cliff. Those small oak trees wouldn’t have braced my Amigo if I did go over. Scarey! My BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires were packed solid. No tread at all & you know me, NO 4 wheel drive either. Luckily, I had 2 very strong guys & a lot of patience. Using sticks to scrape some mud out, my friends pushing my vehicle & a tedious 11-point U-turn, we got outta that bad sitch. Headed down hill, slowly, cautiously & praying for gravel & pavement to start soon. A little dirty & a few minutes on cam-corder. It should be a fun experience to re-live through video later. Hey, whats that saying??….”that which does not kill us, makes us stonger”. I think I live by that motto.
    California Coast, Coastal Cliffs, Hiking, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Viewpoints

    Torrey Pines Coastal Hiking

    torrey pines hiking
    Torrey Pines State Reserve is in San Diego County – just south of Del Mar CA. Easy access from I-5 & perfect for hikers seeking exercise – instead of sitting in traffic on the freeway. The point you see in the distance is La Jolla.

    Ocean, cliffs, pines, beaches & sunny San Diego weather.
    What could be better for an after work stroll?

    There are numerous pine forest groves, with hiking trails leading down the cliffs to tide pools & beautiful beaches. You could easily spend a whole day exploring this coastal park. There is a Visitor Center, guided nature walks & paved parking lots. The lagoon region has a train track running through the valley east of it – and the tracks meet the coast nearby. The rocky beach to the north is very popular with surfers & there is even surfing contest held here annually. Plenty parking along this stretch too. If you wanna avoid the park fees, you can park along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) & walk the beach to the south. The cliffs make for seclusion & many sunbathers love this area.

    On occasion, if the conditions are right, the San Diego RED TIDE will appear, which can only be seen at night. The kelp beds glow with sparkles of green & blue light (not red) w/ the phytoplankton …..as the waves come crashing toward the shoreline. More info on red tides on Wikipedia

    Del Mar CA

    TORREY PINES TRAILS

    California Rivers, California Waterfalls, Hiking, Trailheads

    Footbridge Hike to Kaweah River

    Mineral King Footbridge – Atwell Mill

    The Kaweah River skirts about a mile south of Atwell Mill campground on the Mineral King Road inside Sequoia National Park. From the Atwell Mill campground, this well traveled trail leads down to a footbridge for a nice half day hike destination. There are a few waterfalls & creek crossings along the way. A few pools & waterfalls await you at the river. Pack a picnic & spent the day here.

    This area is popular for backpackers also. A few Sierra Nevada back country destinations lead from this point into Tar Gap & East Fork Grove. Prescribed fires or ‘controlled burns’ by Forest & Park Services help keep the underlying brush fuel down to a minimum; which helps the forest with carbon in the soil and for decreasing future wild fires.

    Western Sierra Nevada river hiking near
    SILVER CITY CA

    MINERAL KING California

    Sierra Nevada Hikes

    Groves, Hiking, Trailheads

    Heaps Arboretum

    Big Bear Sequoias

    Sequoia Trees in Big Bear? You find it hard to imagine that these famed trees exist in Southern California , but here they are tucked right on Hwy.18 in between Running Springs & Lake Arrowhead. This small redwood grove will be your treat after a short clockwise hike around Heaps Arboretum trail. It is located just inside the San Bernardino National Forest area.

    A variety of pines trees grow in this park & there are plenty of small signs to inform you of each species. Benches are places along the path for a leisurely stroll. Great family hike on the way to Big Bear or Arrowhead. It is an easy hike for grandma too.

    Wildflowers only last a short season, so get up there before the heat of summer kicks in. Early summer still has greenery, even though all the flowering plants have ceased.

    Big Bear HikingA few miles east Lake Arrowhead on Hwy. 18 is a parking area for Heaps Peak Trailhead & the Arboretum. This small hike takes less than an hour & is the easiest nature trail around. Educational brochures are available & a small donation is requested.

    Back Roads, California Deserts, Creeks, Hiking, Historic Site, Mountain Biking, Native American, Off Road, Petroglyphs, Picnic Areas, Primitive Hot Springs, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Volcano, Wilderness, Wind Caves

    Fish Slough

    On the north end of Bishop CA, running parallel to & on the west side of Hwy 6, is a long dirt road called Fish Slough Rd. Indian petroglyphs can be found out here & also on the ridges along Chalk Bluff Rd (to the south). The entire region is called a volcanic tableland & hot springs are very common in this region. The Owens River Gorge & Lake Crowley are to the west. High clearance vehicles are recommended for traveling these back roads, but 4×4 is rarely needed.

    Read & see more on Fish Slough Petroglyphs

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    Dave Explains