Recreation
The Eldorado National Forest is an ideal place for people seeking to escape from busy urban lifestyles. Its climate and topography offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, camping and cross-country and downhill skiing.
It is located one hour from the metropolitan area of Sacramento which has a population of over one million people, and two to three hours driving time from the San Francisco Bay area, with a population of over six million. The Forest therefore plays a vital role in the environment, health and well being of over seven million people.
The Eldorado National Forest is also situated near the original California gold discovery site on the American River at Coloma, and still boasts numerous gold-bearing rivers and streams.
View more information on:
- Roads and OHV Trail Status
- Current Conditions web page: reservoir levels, fish stocking, highway conditions, fire restrictions, etc.
The Bear River Reservoir Area offers access to multiple seasonal campgrounds, hiking trails, OHV routes, and equestrian opportunities.
This area has well known OHV and non-motorized trail systems. Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride in the popular Fleming Meadow trail system.
Desolation Wilderness is located along the crest of the Sierras north of Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.
Enjoy the mix of motorized and non-motorized recreation areas within the Georgetown Area. Explore hiking, OHV, equestrian, and picnic areas.
Gerle Creek was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region.
Escape the bustle of the city in this off the beaten path area of the forest.
Enjoy the historic Pony Express Trail and the South Fork of the American River running alongside U.S.
Explore the quieter side of the Eldorado National Forest in the Highway 88 Corridor. Hiking trails abound, as well several climbing areas, and stunning alpine lakes.
Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing and boating at this popular spot in the Crystal Basin.
Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls, and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area.
Located at 3,900 feet, Salt Springs Reservoir is on the southern edge of the Mokelumne Wilderness and the Blue Hole Trail around the northern edge of the lake offers access
The 105,165 acre Mokelumne Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests.
Silver Fork Road provides access to several campgrounds, hiking options, equestrian trails and camping, and OHV routes in the heart of the Placerville Ranger District.
Stumpy Meadows Area provides an enjoyable setting in a conifer forest with easy access to an array of water activities.
Located at 4,800' elevation in the heart of the Crystal Basin, Union Valley Reservoir is the largest lake in the area.
Investigate some history while visiting Van Vleck Bunkhouse at a historic ranch site or Robbs Hut near an old lookout.
Wrights Lake faces the majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. The area is well-known for its hiking, wildflowers and birding.
The Pacific Crest Trail, or the PCT, is arguably the most famous of the nation's designated National Scenic Trails. Winding its way through spectacular vistas fr
Recreation
Harvey West Cabin
Hell Hole Campground
Horse Canyon Trail
Ice House Bike Trail
Ice House Campground
Ice House Reservoir Area
Jones Fork Campground
Kirkwood Lake Campground
Kirkwood Lake Loop Trail
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
