01
Best overall pick
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Lakes Basin, North Of Mohawk Vista • Alpine Lake Loops And Granite Ridges • Classic High-Country Hiking Hub
A dense cluster of lakes and peaks offers everything from short shoreline strolls to full-day loop hikes on granite benches.
Trailheads along the Gold Lake Highway link together Round, Long, Silver, and a string of smaller lakes, so you can build a route to match your time and energy. Expect steady but manageable climbs, big Sierra views, and plenty of spots to stop for a swim or lunch on warm days. Parking fills on summer weekends, but you can usually find quieter starts at the smaller pullouts and lesser-known lakes.
02
Most dramatic views
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail
West Of Gold Lake In The Sierra Buttes • Steep Summit Trail To Historic Fire Lookout • Big-Effort, Big-Reward Climb
A stout climb leads to metal stairs bolted into the cliffs and a lookout deck with one of the wildest panoramas in the northern Sierra.
From the upper trailhead, the route switchbacks steadily through forest and open slopes before breaking out onto bare rock with views that expand at every turn. The final approach uses exposed metal staircases to reach the old fire lookout perched on a knife-edge summit, so it is not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights. Go early in the day for cooler temperatures and to snag a parking spot before the crowds arrive from farther afield.
03
Best easy walk
Frazier Falls Trail
Off Gold Lake Highway, North Of Graeagle • Short Paved Path To A Major Waterfall Overlook • Best For Casual Hikers And Families
A mostly level paved trail ends at a broad viewpoint looking straight onto 176-foot Frazier Falls spilling into a rocky gorge.
This out-and-back walk is only about a mile, but it delivers a big waterfall payoff that feels far more remote than the effort suggests. Benches and pullouts along the way make it easy to go at a relaxed pace, and the wide path works well for mixed-ability groups. Snow can linger near the trailhead early in the season, so check that the access road is open before you commit to the drive.
04
Best forest climb
Mills Peak Trail
South Of Graeagle Above Mohawk Valley • Wooded Ridge Trail To A Mountaintop Lookout • Workout Hike With Quiet Vibes
A sustained but steady ascent through shady forest leads to a fire lookout site with wide-open views over Mohawk Valley and the Lakes Basin.
Mills Peak is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, but long stretches of the trail stay surprisingly peaceful, especially on weekday mornings. The grade rarely gets extreme, making it a good choice if you want a fitness-oriented climb without technical terrain. On clear days, the summit area feels like a balcony over the surrounding ridges, with enough space to spread out, snack, and pick out familiar landmarks far below.
05
Best historic-feel hike
Jamison Lake Trail
Plumas-Eureka State Park, Near Johnsville • Creek And Lake Trail With Mining History • Scenic Day Hike With Varied Terrain
A classic Sierra day hike that follows Jamison Creek past cascades and old workings to alpine lakes backed by high granite walls.
Starting from Plumas-Eureka State Park, the trail climbs along a lively creek, passing remnants of the area’s mining era before transitioning into more open country. Lakes like Grass and Jamison make natural turnaround points, with granite slabs that invite a long break or quick dip. Pair the hike with a short visit to the park’s historic area to get a sense of how this quiet drainage once buzzed with hard-rock mining activity.