01
Best close-in foothill loop
Dragoon Gulch Trail
Hills Above Downtown Sonora • Well-Marked Foothill Loop Network • Close-To-Town Favorite
A short drive from Soulsbyville, Dragoon Gulch offers a tidy network of dirt paths with big views over Sonora and the surrounding oak hills.
If you want a hike that feels wild but doesn’t require an all-day drive, start here. The lower loops wander through blue oak and manzanita, while the Ridge Trail climbs to a rocky overlook that’s especially pretty around sunset. Expect some steeper sections and exposed stretches, so bring water and plan for warm foothill temps in summer.
02
Best canyon rail-trail stroll
Westside Trail
Canyon Rim Near Tuolumne • Wide, Mostly Flat Rail-Trail • Best Relaxed Canyon Walk
Following an old railroad grade above the Tuolumne River canyon, the Westside Trail delivers long views with minimal climbing.
This is a go-to choice when you want mileage without a big effort or technical footing. The broad path is easy to follow, with open vistas, wildflowers in spring, and patchy shade from pines and black oaks. Start from the Tuolumne end for the most family-friendly section, and keep an eye out for relics of the logging era along the way.
03
Best family lake loop
Pinecrest Lake Loop
Pinecrest Lake In Stanislaus National Forest • Scenic Lakeshore Path Through Pines • Best Family-Friendly Circuit
Circling a classic Sierra reservoir, the Pinecrest Lake Loop mixes sandy beaches, boulder-hopping sections, and constant water views.
From Soulsbyville, the drive up Highway 108 to Pinecrest feels short once you step onto the cool, shaded lakeshore. The loop is gently rolling with a few rocky bits that kids usually love, passing coves perfect for snack breaks and toe-dipping. Go early on summer weekends to find parking and enjoy the calm before the afternoon crowds build.
04
Best adventurous side trip
Cleo's Bath
Granite Pools Above Pinecrest Lake • Steeper Forest And Granite Route To Pools • Best For Adventurous Hikers
Branching off the Pinecrest Lake Loop, the Cleo’s Bath route climbs to a series of cold granite pools and cascades tucked in a rocky bowl.
This is the outing locals suggest when you ask for something a bit more challenging than the lake loop. After skirting the back side of Pinecrest, the trail turns steeper and rougher, with some scrambling and route-finding over granite slabs near the top. Aim for stable weather, wear good shoes, and treat the pools with respect—flows can be strong in spring and early summer.
05
Best big-scenery day trip
Wapama Falls Trail, Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy Valley In Yosemite • Granite-Lined Reservoir And Waterfall Path • Best Waterfall-Focused Outing
This Yosemite hike traces the edge of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to the foot of Wapama Falls, with towering granite walls and thundering water in peak season.
From Soulsbyville, the drive into Hetch Hetchy feels like a proper Sierra adventure, but the trail itself is moderate and straightforward. After crossing O’Shaughnessy Dam, the path rolls along the shoreline through tunnels and over bridges, with expanding views of the valley as you go. Spring and early summer usually offer the most dramatic waterfall spray, so bring a light layer you don’t mind getting damp near the footbridges.