Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest.
Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
Backpacking
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Arnold Rim Trail - Cedar Center Trailhead
Site Open
Arnold Rim Trail - Cedar Center TrailheadFor maps and more information on the trail, visit https://arnoldrimtrail.org/.
Arnold Rim Trail - Logging Museum Trailhead-Arnold
Site Open
The northern terminus of the Arnold Rim Trail is at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in the community of White Pines. From the museum’s parking lot, look for the start of the trail across the…
Arnold Rim Trail - San Domingo Southern Trailhead
Site Open
This is the southernmost trailhead for the Arnold Rim Trail and San Domingo section of the trail.For maps and more information on the trail, visit https://arnoldrimtrail.org/.
Arnold Rim Trail - Valley View Drive Trailhead
Site Open
Arnold Rim Trail - Valley View Drive TrailheadThe access off this road provides the shortest route to destinations like Cougar Rock and Top of the World.For maps and more information on the trail,…
Arnot Creek TH
Site Open
Bee Gulch Trailhead
Site Open
The Bee Gulch Trailhead accesses the Bee Gulch Trail and Alpine Bypass Trail. The upper end of the Bee Gulch Trail connects to the Underwood Valley and Lake Valley Trailheads.
Bell Meadow TH
Site Open
Campgrounds - Highway 120 Corridor
Situated in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Groveland Ranger District offers many beautiful sites for camping in a variety of settings. The Groveland Ranger District manages eight…
Carlon Day Use Area
Site Open
Along Evergreen Road near State Highway 120. Picnic tables, vault toilets, grills.
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness - Highway 108 Access
Site Open
The 161,000 acre Carson-Iceberg Wilderness straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada range, divided almost evenly between the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. Here you'll find…