A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Kingvale, 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.

Hole in the Ground Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hole in the Ground Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
15.72 mi
+2,175 ft
Castle Peak Summit

Classic Hike Route

Castle Peak Summit

Views
moderate
5.71 mi
+1,929 ft
PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Lake
extreme
37.42 mi
+5,437 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
62.44 mi
+10,427 ft
Shirley Canyon Trail

Classic Hike Route

Shirley Canyon Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
5.57 mi
+1,951 ft
TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Classic Hike Route

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Fall Colors
extreme
16.3 mi
+2,020 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.

Rowton Peak Loop

Hike Route

Rowton Peak Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
4.24 mi
+929 ft
Mount Judah Loop

Hike Route

Mount Judah Loop

Views
easy
2.24 mi
+686 ft
Tahoe Donner: Glacier Way to Ski Hut

Hike Route

Tahoe Donner: Glacier Way to Ski Hut

Fall Colors
easy
4.04 mi
+414 ft
Donner State Park Tour

Hike Route

Donner State Park Tour

Lake
easy
3.16 mi
+129 ft
Island Lake via Round Lake Trail

Hike Route

Island Lake via Round Lake Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.85 mi
+258 ft
Tahoe Donner Nature Loop

Hike Route

Tahoe Donner Nature Loop

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.17 mi
+205 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.

Hole in the Ground Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hole in the Ground Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
15.72 mi
+2,175 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section L - Donner Summit to Highway 49

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section L - Donner Summit to Highway 49

Lake
extreme
59.41 mi
+16,134 ft
PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Lake
extreme
37.42 mi
+5,437 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
62.44 mi
+10,427 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section K - Echo Lake to Donner Summit

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section K - Echo Lake to Donner Summit

Lake
extreme
62.74 mi
+10,294 ft
Five Lakes Basin

Hike Route

Five Lakes Basin

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.01 mi
+1,633 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.

Loch Leven Trail

Hike Route

Loch Leven Trail

Lake
strenuous
7.83 mi
+1,544 ft
Castle Peak Summit

Classic Hike Route

Castle Peak Summit

Views
moderate
5.71 mi
+1,929 ft
Warren Lake Trail to Frog Lake Cliffs

Hike Route

Warren Lake Trail to Frog Lake Cliffs

Lake
strenuous
9.53 mi
+1,697 ft
Mt. Judah Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Judah Loop

Lake
moderate
5.5 mi
+1,336 ft
Penner Lake

Hike Route

Penner Lake

Family Friendly
moderate
6.24 mi
+816 ft
Shirley Canyon Trail

Classic Hike Route

Shirley Canyon Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
5.57 mi
+1,951 ft