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Hiking Near Kirkwood, 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.

Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Classic Hike Route

Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
27.74 mi
+4,818 ft
Lovers Leap Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Lovers Leap Out-and-Back

Family Friendly
moderate
2.37 mi
+489 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
62.44 mi
+10,993 ft
Maggie's Peak

Classic Hike Route

Maggie's Peak

Family Friendly
strenuous
3.97 mi
+1,772 ft
TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Classic Hike Route

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Fall Colors
moderate
16.3 mi
+2,042 ft
Spooner Lake to Tunnel Creek Station

Classic Hike Route

Spooner Lake to Tunnel Creek Station

Fall Colors
moderate
13.07 mi
+1,343 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.

Dangberg Loop

Hike Route

Dangberg Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
4.23 mi
+603 ft
Kirkwood Lake Trail

Hike Route

Kirkwood Lake Trail

Lake
easy
1.2 mi
+31 ft
Meiss Family Cabin

Hike Route

Meiss Family Cabin

Less Crowded
easy
2.82 mi
+322 ft
Hidden Lake

Hike Route

Hidden Lake

Birding
moderate
3.88 mi
+577 ft
The Potholes Swimming Hole

Hike Route

The Potholes Swimming Hole

Lake
easy
1.45 mi
+136 ft
Shealor Lake

Hike Route

Shealor Lake

Lake
easy
1.16 mi
+261 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.

PCT: Sonora Pass to Echo Lake

Hike Route

PCT: Sonora Pass to Echo Lake

Lake
moderate
73.47 mi
+14,273 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake

Lake
extreme
73.05 mi
+13,997 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail: Big Meadow To Echo Lake

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Big Meadow To Echo Lake

Dogs Allowed
extreme
17.59 mi
+3,356 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail

Dogs Allowed
extreme
256.97 mi
+51,973 ft
Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Classic Hike Route

Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
27.74 mi
+4,818 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail: Kingsbury South to Big Meadow

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Kingsbury South to Big Meadow

Dogs Allowed
moderate
21.92 mi
+3,632 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.

Thunder Mountain

Hike Route

Thunder Mountain

Views
moderate
7.65 mi
+1,949 ft
Round Top Loop

Hike Route

Round Top Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.58 mi
+2,280 ft
Woods Lake Loop via Winnemucca Lake

Hike Route

Woods Lake Loop via Winnemucca Lake

Lake
moderate
5 mi
+1,231 ft
Winnemucca Lake and Elephant's Back

Hike Route

Winnemucca Lake and Elephant's Back

Lake
strenuous
6.87 mi
+1,308 ft
Big Meadow Trailhead to Dardanelles Lake

Hike Route

Big Meadow Trailhead to Dardanelles Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,429 ft
Ralston Peak

Hike Route

Ralston Peak

River/Creek
strenuous
5.63 mi
+2,681 ft