Recreational Activities
Calaveras Ranger District
Hiking
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.
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Bear
Valley - Lake Alpine (4 miles)
This trail runs between the east end of Lake Alpine and the
community of Bear Valley. 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. |
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Bull Run Lake (3.5 miles)
Trailhead off Forest Road 8N13 off Hwy 4 at Stanislaus Meadow. 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. |
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Duck Lake (1.2 miles one way)
Duck Lake is a
small lake just within the boundary of the Carson-Iceberg
Wilderness. 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. |
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Emigrant-West (1.5 miles)
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. |
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Heiser Lake (2.5 miles)
Uphill trail of moderate difficulty. Begins at Mosquito Lake on Hwy 4. Connects
with Bull Run Lake Trail for loop route. |
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Inspiration Point (1.4 miles)
Access from
Lakeshore Trail. Uphill climb of moderate difficulty with
rewarding views of Spicer Reservoir and Dardanelles. |
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Lakeshore (1.6 miles)
Easy walking. Follows south shore of Lake Alpine. Begins at
Pine Marten Campground and ends at Forest Road 7N17. Hikers
can continue walking along this road; however, it is a popular
4WD route, and there may be vehicles. |
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Osborne Ridge (1.8 miles)
Trailhead is located .2 miles east of
Silvertip Campground, on Highway 4. Offers panoramic view of
Lake Alpine area from Osborne Point. Ends at Emigrant-West
Trail. |
BACKPACKING
Most backpacking
opportunities on the Calaveras Ranger District are found in the Carson-Iceberg
Wilderness or
the Mokelumne Wilderness.
A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping in
these areas. Permits are available free of charge at all
Stanislaus National Forest offices during regular
business hours.
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