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Cool, California

Cool, California is a great place to explore the outdoors and experience nature's beauty. With its top-rated trails, scenic views, and must-visit outdoor adventures, Cool, California is sure to be a great destination for all outdoor activities. Popular attractions in the area include the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, and the San Jacinto Mountains. So come and explore the best of what Cool, California has to offer!

Top Spots in and near Cool

  • Auburn, California

    Rock Climb at the Quarry

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 800 ft gain
    Many thanks to the Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS) and the Access Fund for their hard work in re-opening this location to make it climbing-legal. Where to Park:Put in "Parking lot for the Quarry Trail, California 193, Auburn, CA 95603"This is the designated parking lot ...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike the Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA

    4.0
    11 mi
    Parking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00.  Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge.  From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike to the North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

    5.0
    4 mi
    Located only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike Training Hill

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 1126 ft gain
    Training Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon.  The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River.  Training Hill is r...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike around Coon Creek to Hidden Falls

    4.5
    8.4 mi / 968 ft gain
    --Important: 7-day a week parking reservations required until further notice during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow park social distancing measures. Learn more online, https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park -- Not far from California's capital is Hidden Falls Regional Park. The na...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike the Seven Pools Loop & Vista

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 450 ft gain
    Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the park...
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  • Colfax, California

    Hike to the Jumping Rock on the Bear River

    2 mi / 150 ft gain
    Though lesser known than its neighbors the Yuba and the American, the Bear River still features fantastic hiking, swimming, river-raft, tubing, and rock-jumping but without the crowds.A local favorite spot, the "Jumping Rock" near the Dog Bar Crossing, provides an excellent hike with several swim...
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  • Colfax, California

    Hike The Historical Stevens Trail

    5.0
    8 mi / 3376 ft gain
    Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, pa...
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  • Foresthill, California

    Rafting the Middle Fork American River

    5.0
    The Middle Fork of the American River is a fun and full day of Class III/IV water rafting. You'll experience "Tunnel Chute". An very narrow 20 foot wide chute that drops you into gold miners tunnel. Other popular drops and rapids include, Kanaka Falls, Chunder, Bus Crash, Parallel Parking, 101 Ai...
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  • Grass Valley, California

    Photograph a Sunset on Wolf Mountain

    5.0
    While all of the hiking trails to the Wolf Mountain summit cross private land, Wolf Mountain Road provides public access to several excellent viewpoints overlooking the Central Valley and the nearby ruins of old radio towers.To get there take McCourtney Road west from CA Highway 49/20 and go 3.2 ...
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  • Roseville, California

    Explore The Solo Tree

    3.0
    Disclaimer: This tree is on private property. If you choose to proceed, please check in with the property owner and proceed respectfully.The Solo Tree (often referred to as #thatrosevillesolotree on Instagram) has become a very popular photography spot in the Roseville area.Drive as far west as y...
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  • Foresthill, California

    Explore Sugar Pine Reservoir

    4.3
    Just a few miles north of Foresthill, Sugar Pine is a lesser known reservoir found in Placer County that is surprisingly unpopulated for how much the park provides. A swim suit, some friends, and some good music can be all it takes to have a good time.There is a boat-launching station that is eas...
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  • Penn Valley, California

    Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls

    4.1
    4.87 mi / 535 ft gain
    Start at the Fairy Falls trailhead in Spenceville Wildlife Area Field Trial Grounds in Penn Valley (careful on the bumpy roads in). From the parking lot, cross a small bridge and make a right onto a dirt road. After about a mile you will follow the road to the right and continue through the gate....
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  • Gold River, California

    Hike the American River Parkway: Fair Oaks Bridge to Hazel Ave.

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 249 ft gain
    This area is possibly one of my favorite stretches of trail along the American River Parkway (for my route, click here. On this trail, you'll get great views of the American River, experience lush fern gullies, and depending on the seasons can see all sorts of wildlife, mostly birds along with t...
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  • Placerville, California

    Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge

    5.0
    Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Take a Family Ride

    4.5
    Well if you start at Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Roads then you will see the canal at the top of Gracie Rd. Hop onto the berm of the canal and head north {upstream}. The trail is dirt and about 4 ft wide in the beginning and widens to 6 to 8 ft for most the way . Continue upstream on the canal and...
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Camping and Lodging in Cool

Loon Lake Chalet
El Dorado County, California

Loon Lake Chalet

Shirttail Creek
Foresthill, California

Shirttail Creek

Faucherie
Nevada County, California

Faucherie

Giant Gap
Foresthill, California

Giant Gap

Stumpy Meadows
Wentworth Springs Road

Stumpy Meadows

Black Oak
Wentworth Springs Road

Black Oak

Guides, Insights and Stories from Cool

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

Glenn Robinson

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

Benjamin Canevari

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

Morgan Woodhouse