01
Backyard loop
Humbug Ridge Loop
Above Alta Off Casa Loma Road • Shady Forested Ridge Loop • Closest To Alta
A short drive from town, Humbug Ridge offers a quiet forest loop with a mix of gentle grades, creek crossings, and peeks into the surrounding canyons.
This is the spot locals slip up to when they want real dirt under their boots without committing to an all-day outing. The loop winds through mixed conifer forest on old mining and logging traces, with enough up-and-down to feel like a hike but nothing too punishing. Go early or late in the day for the best light filtering through the trees and the highest chance of having long stretches of trail to yourself.
02
Scenic lakes drive-to
Bowman Lake Road and Meadow Lake Road
North Of Highway 20 • Backroad Walk To High Sierra Lakes • Laid-Back Lake Wander
Rugged dirt roads double as long walking routes past granite outcrops, spillways, and quiet coves on Bowman and Meadow Lakes.
Once the snow melts, this high-country network of rough roads turns into an open-air corridor for hikers who don’t mind sharing with the occasional vehicle. You can park at a wide pullout and treat the road as a wide trail, dropping down to shoreline rock slabs or following spur paths to quieter coves. It’s more about the broad Sierra vistas, water access, and exploratory feel than a neatly signed single-track route, so come with a map and time to wander.
03
Iconic alpine lakes
Loch Leven Lakes Trail
Big Bend Along I-80 • Rocky Climb To Alpine Lakes • Classic Day Hike
A steep, rocky trail climbs from the forested canyon up to a chain of clear granite-rimmed lakes perfect for a long lunch or quick swim.
From the trailhead near Big Bend, the route wastes no time gaining elevation, weaving over granite slabs, roots, and old railroad relics as it climbs toward the lakes. The payoff is a series of classic Sierra tarns ringed by boulders and open rock, where you can spread out on warm stone and watch afternoon clouds stack over the crest. Start early on summer weekends to beat both the heat and the crowds, and expect a solid workout on the descent as well as the climb.
04
High-country circuit
Hole in the Ground Loop
Near Donner Summit • High-Country Singletrack Circuit • Best Longer Outing
A rolling, mostly singletrack loop through meadows, fir forests, and granite outcrops that feels remote despite starting just off the freeway.
Although popular with mountain bikers, this loop works beautifully as a hike if you’re looking for a longer, more varied day in the high country. Many hikers tackle it in segments from access points near Boreal or Castle Valley, enjoying stretches through wildflower meadows, shady timber, and open rock knobs with views toward Castle Peak. Keep an ear out for riders on weekends, and bring plenty of water—once you’re a few miles in, it feels pleasantly far from everything.
05
River canyon go-to
Auburn Overlook Western States–Quarry Trails Loop
American River Canyon In Auburn • River Canyon Trail Network • Cool-Season Favorite
Linking sections of the Western States and Quarry trails creates a rolling loop with big canyon views and easy access from town.
When snow and ice linger higher up around Alta and Donner, locals often drop down to Auburn’s warmer canyon trails. From the Overlook area you can stitch together a figure-eight or loop that dips toward the North Fork American River, with long sightlines into the gorge and frequent reminders of the region’s mining and endurance-running history. Shade is patchy, so it’s ideal for crisp fall days, winter sun, and early spring when the hillsides are green and the river is running high.