A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Ponderosa, 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.

Monarch Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Monarch Lakes

Lake
strenuous
9.8 mi
+2,835 ft
High Sierra Trail

Classic Hike Route

High Sierra Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
68.84 mi
+20,641 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.

Trail of 100 Giants

Hike Route

Trail of 100 Giants

Family Friendly
easy
1.26 mi
+126 ft
Unal Interpretive Trail

Hike Route

Unal Interpretive Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
3.15 mi
+828 ft
Isabella Peak Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Isabella Peak Out-and-Back

Family Friendly
moderate
2.16 mi
+618 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.

Kern River Upper to Rincon Trail

Hike Route

Kern River Upper to Rincon Trail

Birding
strenuous
10.06 mi
+1,503 ft
Black Rock to Kern River Trail

Hike Route

Black Rock to Kern River Trail

extreme
18.34 mi
+4,580 ft
Woodpecker Trail

Hike Route

Woodpecker Trail

extreme
14.72 mi
+2,963 ft
Golden Trout Wilderness Loop

Hike Route

Golden Trout Wilderness Loop

Views
extreme
26.31 mi
+6,087 ft
Eastern Sierra Tour

Hike Route

Eastern Sierra Tour

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
65.86 mi
+9,380 ft
Whiskey Flat Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Whiskey Flat Out-and-Back

Dogs Allowed
moderate
11.79 mi
+1,370 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.

The Needles Lookout

Hike Route

The Needles Lookout

Views
moderate
9.74 mi
+2,395 ft
Manter Meadow Loop

Hike Route

Manter Meadow Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.47 mi
+1,572 ft
Crystal Lake

Hike Route

Crystal Lake

Lake
strenuous
9.49 mi
+3,303 ft
Monarch Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Monarch Lakes

Lake
strenuous
9.8 mi
+2,835 ft
Columbine Lake

Hike Route

Columbine Lake

Lake
strenuous
6.52 mi
+3,990 ft
Cirque Peak

Hike Route

Cirque Peak

Views
strenuous
7.85 mi
+3,255 ft