01
Best easy lake loop
Pinecrest Lake Loop Trail
Pinecrest Lake • Lakeside Family Trail • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
A scenic loop that circles Pinecrest Lake with steady views, swim spots, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic.
Just a short drive up from Cold Springs, the Pinecrest Lake loop is the go-to hike when you want something beautiful but not too demanding. The well-worn path hugs the shoreline, weaving through pines, over small inlets, and past granite outcrops with clear views across the water. It’s an easy choice for mixed groups, strollers with big wheels, or a sunset lap after dinner at the lake.
02
Best adventurous swim hike
Cleo's Bath from Pinecrest Lake
Above Pinecrest • Rocky Creek Scramble To Pools • Best For Adventurous Day-Hikers
A steeper extension off the Pinecrest loop that climbs to a series of granite pools and cascades known as Cleo's Bath.
Starting on the same path as the lake loop, this route branches off and climbs more sharply along the creek toward polished granite slabs and deep pools. The final approach involves some rock-hopping and light scrambling, rewarding confident hikers with cold, clear water and a wilder feel than the shoreline trail below. It’s a standout choice on hot days for fit hikers who don’t mind a bit of route-finding and getting their feet wet.
03
Best backpacking gateway
Crabtree Trailhead into Emigrant Wilderness
Emigrant Wilderness Access • Granite-And-Lakes Backcountry Trail System • Best For Overnight And Long Weekend Trips
A popular entry point into Emigrant Wilderness with options for short overnights to Camp or Bear Lake and longer loops into deep backcountry.
From Cold Springs, the road up to Crabtree Trailhead opens the door to classic Sierra granite, high meadows, and a chain of clear alpine lakes. Most local backpackers cut their teeth on the moderate hikes to Camp, Bear, or Deer Lake, with plenty of options to stretch into longer circuits once you learn the terrain. Expect a true wilderness feel within a few miles as the highway noise drops away and the trail threads between domes, creeks, and quiet campsites.
04
Best wildflower and ridge views
Gianelli Cabin Trailhead to Burst Rock Area
Highway 108 High Country • High-Country Ridge And Meadow Hiking • Best For Day Hikes With Big Scenery
A high-elevation starting point offering moderate climbs to open ridges, lakes, and broad views toward the Emigrant granite.
The Gianelli Cabin trailhead sits high above the highway, meaning you gain alpine scenery quickly without a brutal approach. Trails from here can be tailored to the day: shorter out-and-backs to Burst Rock and nearby lakes, or longer rambles through flower-filled meadows and scattered granite knobs. On clear days the ridgelines deliver sweeping views that feel far wilder than the drive time from Cold Springs would suggest.
05
Best big-mountain day
Pacific Crest Trail at Sonora Pass
Near Sonora Pass • High-Altitude Ridge And Pass Hiking • Best For Experienced High-Country Hikers
A dramatic segment of the Pacific Crest Trail that climbs straight from Sonora Pass onto airy volcanic ridges with expansive Sierra views.
For hikers willing to drive a bit past Cold Springs, the pullouts at Sonora Pass give direct access to some of the most striking terrain on Highway 108. Whether you head north or south on the PCT, the trail wastes no time gaining elevation and breaking out into open, wind-swept ridges. Thin air, exposure, and rapidly changing weather make this a better pick for seasoned hikers, but the payoff in views and big-country feel is hard to beat.