01
Closest to town
Cosumnes River Gorge Trail
North Fork Cosumnes Corridor • Granite River Gorge With Swimming Holes • Closest Wild-Feeling Escape
A short, rocky walk down to the North Fork Cosumnes with big granite slabs, clear pools, and a surprisingly wild feel for how close it is to River Pines.
If you only have a half day and want to stay near home base, this is the obvious choice. The trail is informal and a bit scrambly in places, but the reward is sun-warmed granite, deep green water, and pockets of shade under oaks and pines. Go early on hot days and bring sturdy shoes for the uneven, sometimes slick rock along the river.
02
Best lake loop
Jenkinson Lake Loop, Sly Park Recreation Area
Near Pollock Pines • Forest Lake Loop With Mellow Grades • Best All-Ages Day Hike
A mostly gentle path that circles Jenkinson Lake, weaving in and out of pine forest with constant water views and plenty of spots to stop and linger.
Locals treat this loop as a go-to when they want an easy but satisfying hike that still feels like a real outing. You can walk the full loop for a solid day on trail or just do an out-and-back from one of the day-use areas if you’re with kids or casual hikers. Expect good signage, picnic tables, and a social feel on weekends, especially near the dam and main access points.
03
Best short alpine hike
Shealor Lake Trail
Highway 88 Above Silver Lake • Short Granite Descent To A High-Country Lake • Quick Alpine Fix
A compact out-and-back that drops over open granite to a deep blue lake nestled in a rocky bowl, with big sky and big views almost the entire way.
When you want high Sierra scenery without committing to an all-day effort, Shealor Lake is hard to beat. The grade feels reasonable going down but remember that you’ll be climbing back out on exposed granite, so bring water and sun protection. The lake itself has rock ledges for lounging, pockets of shade, and just enough distance from the road to feel like you’ve slipped into real backcountry.
04
Most well-rounded route
Lake Margaret Trail
Highway 88 Near Kirkwood • Classic Sierra Forest-And-Lake Hike • Balanced Challenge And Payoff
A moderate trail that threads through forest, meadows, and granite slabs before arriving at a pretty, rock-rimmed lake that feels pleasantly tucked away.
This is the hike to pick when you want a bit of everything: creek crossings, mixed forest, open granite, and a destination lake that invites a long lunch stop. The mileage and elevation gain are enough to feel like exercise, but not so much that intermediate hikers will struggle. Expect some roots and rocks underfoot and occasional wet spots early in the season, adding just enough roughness to keep it interesting.
05
Top summit push
Thunder Mountain Trail
Highway 88 Near Carson Pass • High-Ridge Summit Trail With Big Vistas • Best Challenging Outing
A committed climb along open ridges to a volcanic summit, delivering wide-angle views over the Sierra crest, Caples Lake, and the Mokelumne backcountry.
For strong hikers looking to graduate from lake strolls to a real mountain objective, Thunder Mountain is the logical next step. The route is exposed and can be windy, but that’s exactly what makes the views so expansive and the wildflower displays so memorable in early summer. Plan this for a clear day, carry layers and plenty of water, and you’ll get one of the most rewarding panoramas within easy striking distance of River Pines.