A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Cartago, California

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.

Shark Fin Loop

Hike Route

Shark Fin Loop

Less Crowded
easy
1.63 mi
+234 ft
Whitney Arch

Hike Route

Whitney Arch

Less Crowded
easy
1.35 mi
+312 ft
Backcountry Arch Loop

Hike Route

Backcountry Arch Loop

Less Crowded
easy
1.35 mi
+182 ft
Mobius Arch

Hike Route

Mobius Arch

Views
easy
0.63 mi
+107 ft
Charred Arch / Pass Arch Trail

Hike Route

Charred Arch / Pass Arch Trail

Less Crowded
easy
1.23 mi
+104 ft
Darwin Falls

Hike Route

Darwin Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
1.96 mi
+285 ft
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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.

Olancha Summit via Sage Flat

Hike Route

Olancha Summit via Sage Flat

Views
extreme
11.48 mi
+6,691 ft
Sage Flat Loop

Hike Route

Sage Flat Loop

Views
extreme
56.27 mi
+10,310 ft
Kern Peak via Cottonwood Pass

Hike Route

Kern Peak via Cottonwood Pass

Views
extreme
39.18 mi
+6,898 ft
Eastern Sierra Tour

Hike Route

Eastern Sierra Tour

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
65.86 mi
+9,380 ft
Whitney Meadow Loop

Hike Route

Whitney Meadow Loop

Views
extreme
28.83 mi
+3,729 ft
Army Point Pass Loop

Hike Route

Army Point Pass Loop

Lake
extreme
29.82 mi
+5,295 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.

Cirque Peak

Hike Route

Cirque Peak

Views
strenuous
7.85 mi
+3,255 ft
Cirque Lake

Hike Route

Cirque Lake

Lake
strenuous
9.31 mi
+1,448 ft
Cirque Lake via South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Hike Route

Cirque Lake via South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.92 mi
+1,504 ft
Crabtree Pass Route

Hike Route

Crabtree Pass Route

Lake
strenuous
7.06 mi
+2,476 ft
Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Hike Route

Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Views
strenuous
7.91 mi
+2,513 ft
Long John Canyon

Hike Route

Long John Canyon

Less Crowded
extreme
7.93 mi
+5,682 ft