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Fresno County, California

Fresno, California has a lot to offer for outdoor adventures with plenty of scenic trails and attractions to explore. From the top of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the San Joaquin Valley, there is something for everyone. Popular attractions include Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the San Joaquin River Gorge. For those looking for outdoor activities, there are numerous hiking trails, biking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of parks, gardens, and nature preserves to explore. Whether you're just looking for a fun day out or a unique adventure, Fresno has something for everyone. So come explore and discover the best trails and outdoor activities Fresno has to offer.

Top Spots in and near Fresno County

  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike the Congress Trail

    5.0
    3.1 mi / 500 ft gain
    While the General Sherman Tree is the main attraction in this area, the Congress Trail allows you to get away from the majority of the crowd and explore the giant sequoias at your leisure. The vast majority of visitors only walk to and from the General Sherman Tree. The trail starts out from the ...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack the High Sierra Trail

    5.0
    71 mi
    The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Crescent Meadow

    4.5
    1.6 mi
    Crescent Meadow is a collection of loops in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel log east of General's Highway 198. The main loop is 1.6mi total. However you can take any of the loops to the General Sherman tree 3mi, Tharp's Log trail 0.5mi, or ...
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Balsam Forebay

    4.0
    1.05 mi / 62 ft gain
    Access to the forebay starts at the trail head from the parking lot 6,700 ft up, also from the parking lot there is access to two different sets of boulder patches separate from the ones encountered along the hike in.  Hike Start the 1 mile out and back hike from the parking lot following the t...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park

    4.5
    10.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Begin this hike at the Alta Peak Trailhead in the Sequoia National Park. The trail initially takes you east-southeast through a loosely forested area that is stark and arid. Around 1.5 miles in you'll cross a small creek, but this creek may dry up in the late spring/summer. Shortly after the cree...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail

    5.0
    12.4 mi / 2300 ft gain
    The Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike.  For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake.  As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake

    30 mi / 8000 ft gain
    This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Mount Silliman, Sequoia NP

    5.0
    11.24 mi / 4449 ft gain
    There is available parking at the campgrounds at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Lodgepole's elevation starts at 6720 ft. Twin Lakes Trailhead starts right at the base, which you will be following to get to Mount Silliman. Along Twin Lakes Trail are several campgrounds for your journey, you can go...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Tokopah Falls

    4.2
    3.77 mi / 617 ft gain
    This hike starts from the Lodgepole area of Sequoia National Park. Parking is easy at the easternmost end of the paved road prior to entering the campground. From the south side, the trail starts off by crossing the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the north side. It then loosely follows the r...
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Camp at Voyager Rock Campground

    4.0
    The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...
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