01
Best lakeside views
Lake McClure – Barrett Cove Trail
Foothills North Of Snelling • Quiet Lakeshore Path With Rolling Views • Relaxed Evening Or Family Walk
A calm shoreline hike at Barrett Cove with far-reaching views over Lake McClure’s coves and inlets.
Starting from the Barrett Cove recreation area, this mellow route traces the shoreline with long views up the arms of Lake McClure. It’s mostly open and sun-exposed, so go early or near sunset and watch the light change on the water. In spring and early summer you’ll see green hills and wildflowers; later in the year it’s all about warm rock and big skies.
02
Best close-to-camp wander
Lake McSwain Recreation Area Lakeside Paths
Downriver From Lake Mcclure • Campground Loops And Shoreline Paths • Best For Families And Fishing Breaks
An easygoing mix of lakeside paths and campground loops that pair well with a day of fishing or picnicking at Lake McSwain.
At Lake McSwain you won’t find a single long trail, but a mix of paved paths, dirt spurs, and campground loops that link together for easy custom-length walks. The terrain is gentle enough for kids and casual walkers, and there are plenty of spots to peel off to fish or sit by the water. It’s a good choice when you want a low-key outing close to camp.
03
Top river canyon walk
Merced River Trail at Briceburg
Merced River Canyon Off Highway 140 • Riverside Rail-Trail Style Route • Best Winter And Spring River Walk
A gently graded riverside path from Briceburg that lets you walk as far as you like along the Wild and Scenic Merced River.
The Merced River Trail starts at the historic Briceburg suspension bridge and then follows the old railroad grade deep into the canyon. The grade is mellow but the scenery feels wild, with turquoise river pools, steep rocky slopes, and spring poppies when the timing is right. Pick an out-and-back distance and be sure to carry water, as there’s little shade once you’re away from the bridge.
04
Spring wildflower standout
Red Hills Recreation Management Area
Gold Country Near Chinese Camp • Open Rangeland Singletrack Network • Best For Exploratory Loops
Rolling foothill trails through red soils and oak-pine woodland, especially rewarding during the spring wildflower bloom.
Red Hills is a foothill gem in cooler months, with a web of old ranch roads and narrow paths weaving through gray pines, blue oaks, and red serpentine soil. In a good wildflower year the hillsides explode with color, yet even in a dry season the open views and quiet make it worth the drive. There’s no single signed loop, so bring a map or app and be ready to link together short connections.
05
Iconic day trip pick
Yosemite Valley Day Hikes
High Sierra East Of Snelling • Iconic National Park Trails • Bucket-List Day Trip From Snelling
A big, rewarding day trip into Yosemite Valley with a range of short walks and famous waterfall hikes to choose from.
For a full-day outing from Snelling, heading up Highway 140 into Yosemite opens up everything from easy loop walks to big waterfall climbs. Classic options like the Lower Yosemite Falls area, Mirror Lake, or the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall let you dial in how strenuous you want the day to be. Crowds are part of the experience, but having world-class granite scenery this close makes it a worthwhile splurge of time and gas.