Norden, California

Top Spots in and near Norden

  • Kyburz, California

    Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass Loop

    4.4
    26.28 mi / 5151 ft gain
    This 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Twin and Island Lakes

    5.0
    6.26 mi / 1237 ft gain
    The Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple of bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams.  The marsh-like water is very slow-moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime.  Be sure to ...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 1785 ft gain
    Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Damonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop

    5.0
    0.4 mi / 33 ft gain
    Damonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sparks, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Damonte Ranch Wetland Loop

    5.0
    3.07 mi / 85 ft gain
    Damonte Ranch Wetland Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.
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  • Tahoma, California

    Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

    4.8
    5.29 mi / 725 ft gain
    Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    7.96 mi / 1496 ft gain
    Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    11 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    8.66 mi / 1919 ft gain
    The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout

    The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...
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  • El Dorado County, California

    Camp at Ice House Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Ski or Snowboard Heavenly

    5.0
    One of the more beautiful resorts in Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding and skiing.  Heavenly is situated in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada.  This ski resort has an amazing view of the lake while going down, as well as one of the largest total areas to ski in Lake Tahoe. This ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Cliff Jumping Paradise

    4.5
    If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Riverview Park Loop

    4.0
    1.64 mi / 23 ft gain
    Riverview Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Carson City, Nevada.
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  • Nevada City, California

    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 639 ft gain
    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Hidden Valley County Park Loop

    4.0
    4.23 mi / 1207 ft gain
    This is the hidden sight of Hidden Valley. Head south down Hidden Valley Drive from Mira Loma and turn right on Mia Vista Drive until you get to the parking lot for Hidden Valley Regional Park. Watch out for wild horses on all roads leading in and throughout your hike. There are hundreds of trail...
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