01
Best overall pick
Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail – Pardee Section
Pardee Reservoir Shoreline • Riverside And Lakeside Day Trail • Best Mix Of Scenery And Mileage
Rolling singletrack above the Mokelumne River with broad views over Pardee Reservoir and plenty of options to shorten or extend your day.
Trailheads near Valley Springs put you quickly into classic foothill country, with oak woodland, chaparral, and constant glimpses of water below. Grades stay moderate but the ups and downs add up, making it a satisfying outing without feeling punishing. It is mostly exposed, so plan for cooler mornings in summer or aim for prime wildflower season in spring.
02
Best for water views
Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail – South Shore Segment
Camanche Reservoir South Shore • Open Shoreline Path Through Oak Foothills • Best Lakeside Ramble
An easygoing stretch of trail along Camanche's south shore, with big-sky lake views and gentle, rolling terrain.
This section feels relaxed and social, with room to spread out and plenty of spots to pause along the water. The grades are mild enough for newer hikers, but the distance can be stretched into a solid half-day if you keep following the shoreline. Expect little shade and some shared use with horses, so bring sun protection and be courteous on narrow bits of trail.
03
Closest to town
John Bull Loop Trail
Foothills Just Southeast Of Wallace • Short Oak Woodland Loop • Quick After-Work Hike
A compact loop through rolling grassland and scattered blue oaks that delivers classic foothill scenery in under an hour.
This is the kind of local loop you can squeeze in after work or on a busy weekend, with just enough climb to get your heart rate up. Spring brings green hillsides and wildflowers; by midsummer it turns golden and dry, so an early start is best. The tread can get grassy and a bit rough in places, so closed-toe shoes and a tick check afterward are smart.
04
Best for a quiet escape
China Gulch Trail
Backcountry Near Camanche Reservoir • Secluded Ravine And Ridge Trail • Quiet Weekday Escape
A lightly traveled route that dips into a shady gulch before climbing to open ridges with broad foothill views.
China Gulch feels more backcountry than park, with a narrower path, patchy shade, and a sense of being tucked away from the road network. You get a nice mix of cool creek-side walking and airy ridge sections where you can look back toward the lakes. Signage can be sparse and poison oak is common, so it suits hikers who are comfortable reading the terrain and watching their footing.
05
Best for families
River of Skulls Trail – New Hogan Lake
New Hogan Lake Near Valley Springs • Gentle Interpretive River Trail • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
An easy, mostly flat path along the Calaveras River arm of New Hogan Lake, with interpretive signs and frequent bird sightings.
The short distance and mellow grades make this a good choice for kids, visiting relatives, or anyone easing into hiking. The river corridor draws herons, hawks, and other wildlife, and seasonal water levels can change the feel of the route from quiet pools to livelier flow. Keep an eye on children near steeper banks and stay alert for rattlesnakes during warm months, especially in rocky or brushy stretches.