A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Big Creek, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

North Lake to South Lake

Classic Hike Route

North Lake to South Lake

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
53.82 mi
+10,693 ft
Grand Tour of Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Classic Hike Route

Grand Tour of Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Family Friendly
moderate
5.71 mi
+1,135 ft
Deer Lakes Loop

Classic Hike Route

Deer Lakes Loop

Fishing
strenuous
12.9 mi
+3,254 ft
Duck Lake

Classic Hike Route

Duck Lake

Dogs Allowed
moderate
7.43 mi
+1,960 ft
Devils Postpile Short Loop

Classic Hike Route

Devils Postpile Short Loop

ADA Accessible
moderate
1.24 mi
+239 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Rancheria Falls

Hike Route

Rancheria Falls

Family Friendly
moderate
1.62 mi
+262 ft
Doris Lake

Hike Route

Doris Lake

Lake
easy
0.87 mi
+328 ft
Angel Falls and McLeod Flat from Bass Lake

Hike Route

Angel Falls and McLeod Flat from Bass Lake

Dogs Allowed
moderate
1.09 mi
+359 ft
Pincushion Hill Climb

Hike Route

Pincushion Hill Climb

Birding
strenuous
2.75 mi
+985 ft
Rainbow and Ruth Lakes Trail

Hike Route

Rainbow and Ruth Lakes Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
1.62 mi
+571 ft
Rutherford and Anne Lakes

Hike Route

Rutherford and Anne Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
1.71 mi
+439 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Second Recess Loop

Hike Route

Second Recess Loop

Lake
extreme
38.82 mi
+7,323 ft
Bear Creek to Lake Italy

Hike Route

Bear Creek to Lake Italy

Lake
extreme
34.26 mi
+6,150 ft
Silver Pass

Hike Route

Silver Pass

Lake
extreme
32.07 mi
+7,009 ft
Second Recess Trail (Via Edison Lake)

Hike Route

Second Recess Trail (Via Edison Lake)

Lake
strenuous
13.13 mi
+3,112 ft
Laurel Lake Trail (via Lake Edison)

Hike Route

Laurel Lake Trail (via Lake Edison)

Lake
extreme
27.46 mi
+4,810 ft
Piute Canyon to Muir Trail Ranch

Hike Route

Piute Canyon to Muir Trail Ranch

Views
extreme
39.02 mi
+7,157 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Norris Lake Trail to Jackass Lakes

Hike Route

Norris Lake Trail to Jackass Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
7.42 mi
+1,964 ft
Lake Italy via PCT/JMT

Hike Route

Lake Italy via PCT/JMT

Lake
strenuous
6.09 mi
+2,023 ft
Duck Pass Trail to Purple Lake

Hike Route

Duck Pass Trail to Purple Lake

Lake
strenuous
7.9 mi
+2,230 ft
Mariposa Grove

Hike Route

Mariposa Grove

Wildflowers
moderate
5.16 mi
+1,008 ft
Grand Tour of Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Classic Hike Route

Grand Tour of Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Family Friendly
moderate
5.71 mi
+1,135 ft
Crater Meadows Loop

Hike Route

Crater Meadows Loop

Lake
moderate
7.38 mi
+1,335 ft