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Stanislaus
National Forest is on the northwest boundary of Yosemite
National Park and includes 900,000 acres. There is
hiking, biking, swimming, camping, boating, picnicking,
hunting, and fishing in Stanislaus National Forest.
Stanislaus National Forest
19777 Greenley Rd.
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3671
here are 480
miles of hiking trails in Stanislaus National Forest.
Below is a list of hiking trails available in the Stanislaus
National Forest as provided by the USFS. They are divided into
four different ranger districts: Summit, Groveland,
Calaveras and Mi-Wok. If you would like more information
on these trails visit the
Stanislaus National Forest
site
at the National Forest Service.
ALL DISTANCES GIVEN ARE ROUND TRIP
How to Get There
From Sonora, the forest can be reached via state highway 120. From Merced,
state highway 140 will lead you to the southern end of the
Stanislaus National Forest.
Calaveras
Ranger District
The Calaveras Ranger District maintains 279 miles
of hiking trails (143 in Wilderness, 136 non-Wilderness),
offering anything from short, easy day hikes to strenuous,
multi-day backpacking opportunities. Most of these trails
are at high elevation (above 6,000 feet) and are accessible
only during the summer and early fall months. Some of the
most popular routes are described below.
|
Easy |
| Trail |
Description |
Directions |
Distance |
|
Bear Valley - Lake Alpine
|
Along the lakeshore, the trail is
paved and wheelchair accessible. West of the lake,
the trail reverts to native surface as it meanders
through the forest, hooking up with a portion of the
historic Emigrant-West pioneer route. The trail is
open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. |
This trail runs between the east end
of Lake Alpine and the community of Bear Valley. |
4 miles |
|
Duck Lake
|
The walk is scenic and pleasant,
with some moderate ups and downs. Early in the
season, the trail and meadow near the lake becomes
wet and muddy, with lots of mosquitoes -- so bring
your repellent! Taking the loop trail around Duck
Lake will add about 2 miles to your hike. |
Duck Lake is a small lake just
within the boundary of the Carson-Iceberg
Wilderness. |
1.2 miles one way |
|
Lakeshore
|
Easy walking. Hikers can continue
walking along this road; however, it is a popular
4WD route, and there may be vehicles. |
Follows south shore of Lake Alpine.
Begins at Pine Marten Campground and ends at Forest
Road 7N17. |
1.6 miles |
|
Moderate |
|
Emigrant-West
.
|
Portion of historic pioneer route. |
Trailhead is on Hwy 4 at parking
area 1/2 mile past Bear Valley. Trailhead not well
marked at this time |
1.5 miles |
|
Heiser Lake
|
Uphill trail of moderate difficulty.
Connects with Bull Run Lake Trail for loop route. |
Begins at Mosquito Lake on Hwy 4. |
2.5 miles |
|
Inspiration Point
|
Uphill climb of moderate difficulty
with rewarding views of Spicer Reservoir and
Dardanelles. |
Access from Lakeshore Trail. |
1.4 miles |
|
Osborne Ridge
|
Offers panoramic view of Lake Alpine
area from Osborne Point. Ends at Emigrant-West
Trail. |
Trailhead is located .2 miles east
of Silvertip Campground, on Highway 4. |
1.8 miles |
|
Difficult |
|
Bull Run Lake
|
First mile and a half is
fairly level in a beautiful meadow, then starts the
ascent into a more difficult slope. Connects with
Heiser Lake Trail at the 2 mile marker. Wilderness
permit required for overnight camping |
Trailhead off Forest Road 8N13
off Hwy 4 at Stanislaus Meadow. |
3.5 miles
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