01
Best overall pick
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Just West Of Markleeville • Geothermal State Park With Forest And Meadow Trails • All-Around Crowd-Pleaser
Easy-to-moderate loops above the hot springs make Grover the go-to intro to Markleeville hiking.
Trail options here weave through open meadow, pine forest, and along a lively creek, so you get a lot of variety without committing to an all-day outing. Elevation gains are modest and the paths are well-signed, making it a comfortable choice for mixed-ability groups. Come early on summer weekends if you want quieter trails before the hot-springs crowd arrives.
02
Scenic valley escape
Hope Valley
West Of Markleeville Along Highway 88 • High-Alpine Meadow Basin With River And Forest Walks • Best Fall Colors
Wide-open meadows and a winding river framed by peaks make Hope Valley a favorite for relaxed, view-heavy hikes.
Short paths and informal use trails fan out from roadside pullouts and trailheads, letting you tailor a walk to the time you have. In autumn, aspen groves turn the valley into a patchwork of gold, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers from around the region. Even in midsummer, it feels cooler and more spacious than the canyon-bottom hikes closer to town.
03
Riverside stroll close to town
Carson River Trailhead
Near Markleeville Town Center • River Canyon Path With Gentle Grades • Closest To Town
A mellow path along the East Fork of the Carson River that’s ideal for a quick leg-stretcher or evening walk.
From the trailhead you can follow the river upstream through a narrow canyon where the sound of water is constant and the grades stay mostly gentle. It’s a good choice when you want time outside without committing to higher-elevation driving or serious climbing. Watch for anglers and rafters in season, and pack a layer—shade and river breezes can make it feel cooler than town.
04
Local summit challenge
Markleeville Peak
Southwest Of Markleeville • Steep Summit Hike With Big Sierra Views • Best For Strong Hikers
A stout climb to more than 9,000 feet rewards you with a true 360-degree view over Alpine County and the high desert beyond.
The route to Markleeville Peak is less traveled than better-known Tahoe summits, so you get a more solitary feel once you’re on the upper slopes. Expect sustained climbing, some rocky sections, and thinner air near the top—this is a commit-to-it outing rather than a casual stroll. On clear days you can pick out nearby passes, distant ranges, and the patchwork of forest and sage that defines this corner of the Sierra.
05
High-alpine lake classic
Winnemucca and Round Top Lakes
Carson Pass Area Northwest Of Markleeville • High-Country Lake Hike With Wildflowers And Granite Peaks • Best Alpine Scenery
A moderate trail from Carson Pass climbs to a chain of clear lakes set beneath craggy Round Top Peak.
This is the kind of hike that feels like a Sierra highlight reel: open ridges, big sky, summer wildflowers, and cold, clear water rimmed by granite. The grade is steady but manageable, so fit beginners and seasoned hikers alike can enjoy it as a half-day outing. Start early for easier parking at the pass and to catch calm reflections on the lakes before afternoon winds pick up.