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As summer begins, crowds gather in popular Sierra destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. But the recent opening of high country passes means those in the know can access little-known gems. Rather than fight for a Yosemite reservation or a Lake Tahoe parking space, consider some of these lesser-known Sierra Nevada outings where you can stretch your legs without rubbing too many elbows.
Kinney Lakes, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
A four-mile loop circles the picturesque Kinney Lakes near Ebbetts Pass. Anglers will enjoy fishing the lakes and anyone will enjoy the clean air and High Sierra view. Children and dogs should like it too.
Take Highway 4 east for about 15 miles from Bear Valley. There’s roadside parking at the pass and in a trailhead lot half a mile east of it.
Hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail past Sherrold Lake. If you want to bag a summit, Ebbetts Peak stands just a few hundred feet above to the south, requiring a short off-trail scramble. Otherwise, continue northwest to Upper Kinney Lake. Various use trails connect from the PCT, circling the lake and leading to Lower Kinney Lake. Many options exist to circle the lakes and return to the road, either out and back or on a loop.
Fun facts: Miwuk and Washoe Indians traveled the Ebbetts Pass corridor, as did Jedediah Smith, the first non-native to cross the Sierra Nevada, surviving a fierce snowstorm in 1827. John “Snowshoe” Thompson delivered mail through this area on his cross country skis from 1856 to 1876.
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Carson Pass, Eldorado National Forest
Picturesque mountains and lakes abound on a 5.8 mile loop with minimal elevation gain. This hike will make you feel like you’re deep within the wilderness but only takes half a day. It’s dog legal but might be a bit much for young kids.
Park beside Highway 88 at Carson Pass, about five miles east of Kirkwood, where a $5 parking fee applies in summer and fall.
Hike south through the woods on the Pacific Crest Trail through Mokelumne Wilderness, passing Frog Lake. Turn right at the trail junction toward Winnemucca Lake, leaving the PCT and passing Elephants Back on your left. Winnemucca Lake provides a great opportunity for pictures of neighboring mountain Round Top.
The ambitious can scamper up Elephants Back, Round Top or both. But to complete the loop, turn north towards Woods Lake and then follow a path beside the highway back to Carson Pass.
Fun facts: Winnemucca Lake apparently takes its name from a Paiute chief in Nevada. The name means “one moccasin.”
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Horsetail Falls, Eldorado National Forest
If you’ve ever driven to Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, you’ve probably seen lovely Horsetail Falls north of the road. Instead of zooming past, stop for a change and appreciate it. This outing doesn’t qualify as a secret, but it’s less crowded than other scenic hikes within the Tahoe area. Kids can do it and it’s dog legal.
Park at Pyramid Creek Trailhead, two miles east of Strawberry, where a $5 parking applies. A 1.5 mile loop hike leads through the meadows below the waterfall and features a viewing area of the cascades. Hikers can also extend the outing by trekking to the waterfall for a closer look, adding about a mile.
Fun facts: the Pony Express delivered mail through this river canyon in the 1860s, and noted free solo rock climber Alex Honnold made his first ropeless ascents across the highway at Lovers Leap.
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Sonora Peak, Stanislaus National Forest
Reasons abound to climb volcanic Sonora Peak: an easy approach, a short climb, a high summit and an incredible payoff view. Unlike most summits, this one has a loop variation which adds variety without much additional distance.
Park in a dirt lot at St. Mary’s Pass trailhead, located north of Highway 108 about 0.8 miles west of Sonora Pass. A trailhead sign is visible beside the parking area. There’s also a pullout on the south side of the road.
Our path starts as a dirt road and soon becomes a single-track trail. Hike steadily up to St. Mary’s Pass, soon climbing above tree line. From here on, a few scattered pines, low growing sagebrush, occasional snowfields and wildflowers in season will be your traveling companions. The trail may be a little hard to spot in places, but just head north to the saddle, keeping the mountain on your right.
At the saddle, you’ll find a wilderness boundary sign and a four-way junction. Our route leads east as the climbing continues up a hill to a wide plateau of red volcanic rock and soil. At the summit, you can rest beside a rocky wind break while perusing the register. Nearby mountains in clear view include Leavitt Peak, Night Cap Peak and Stanislaus Peak.
Return on the same route, or for more variety, descend the use trail along southeast ridge to connect with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn right at the PCT junction to return to Sonora Pass, and then follow the road west to your parking area. Making this loop will increase the total distance to 6.5 miles.
Fun facts: Sonora Peak marks the highest point in Alpine County and also straddles Mono County. This mountain takes its name from the gold rush town to the southwest, which was named by miners from the Mexican state of Sonora, though Miwuk and Paiute traveled and traded across this passage far earlier.
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