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Hiking Near Virginia Lakes, 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.

Green Creek Trail to East Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Green Creek Trail to East Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.43 mi
+1,657 ft
Saddlebag and 20 Lakes Basin Loop

Classic Hike Route

Saddlebag and 20 Lakes Basin Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.12 mi
+926 ft
Gaylor Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Gaylor Lakes

Family Friendly
moderate
3.8 mi
+1,230 ft
Mount Dana Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Dana Trail

Views
strenuous
5.23 mi
+3,144 ft
Koip Peak Pass

Classic Hike Route

Koip Peak Pass

Fall Colors
strenuous
16.75 mi
+3,439 ft
Eagle Creek to Peak

Classic Hike Route

Eagle Creek to Peak

Fall Colors
strenuous
15.85 mi
+4,893 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.

Red Lake

Hike Route

Red Lake

Lake
easy
1.02 mi
+169 ft
Gardisky Lake Trail

Hike Route

Gardisky Lake Trail

Lake
easy
2.45 mi
+827 ft
Gaylor Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Gaylor Lakes

Family Friendly
moderate
3.8 mi
+1,230 ft
Gaylor Lakes Basin

Hike Route

Gaylor Lakes Basin

Lake
easy
1.8 mi
+189 ft
Horse Creek Trail

Hike Route

Horse Creek Trail

Views
moderate
4.34 mi
+1,092 ft
Dog Lake

Hike Route

Dog Lake

Lake
easy
3.69 mi
+665 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.

Northern Yosemite / Dorothy Lake

Hike Route

Northern Yosemite / Dorothy Lake

Lake
extreme
105.07 mi
+20,459 ft
Yosemite Backcountry Loop

Hike Route

Yosemite Backcountry Loop

Birding
strenuous
58.84 mi
+11,244 ft
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Loop

Hike Route

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
56.76 mi
+11,142 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section I

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section I

Views
extreme
71.69 mi
+14,720 ft
Mono - Parker Double Bypass

Hike Route

Mono - Parker Double Bypass

Lake
strenuous
11.65 mi
+1,766 ft
Koip Peak Pass

Classic Hike Route

Koip Peak Pass

Fall Colors
strenuous
16.75 mi
+3,439 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.

Summit Pass

Hike Route

Summit Pass

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.02 mi
+2,361 ft
Green Creek Trail to East Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Green Creek Trail to East Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.43 mi
+1,657 ft
Saddlebag and 20 Lakes Basin Loop

Classic Hike Route

Saddlebag and 20 Lakes Basin Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.12 mi
+926 ft
Saddlebag Lake to Conness Lakes

Hike Route

Saddlebag Lake to Conness Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.01 mi
+988 ft
Horse Creek Trail to Horse Creek Pass

Hike Route

Horse Creek Trail to Horse Creek Pass

Views
moderate
7.67 mi
+2,150 ft
Mount Dana Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Dana Trail

Views
strenuous
5.23 mi
+3,144 ft