Best trails in El Dorado National Forest
Looking for a great trail in El Dorado National Forest, California? AllTrails has 94 great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Ready for some activity? There are 56 moderate trails in El Dorado National Forest ranging from 0.7 to 25.3 miles and from 2,234 to 10,872 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
Show more
Park information
Helpful links
Top trails (94)
Horsetail Falls Trail
#1 - Horsetail Falls Trail
El Dorado National Forestmoderate
(1203)
(1203)Length: 3.4 mi • Est. 1 h 41 m
NOTE: parking fee of 8 dollars. If you plan on hiking to the fall you also need to apply for a day permit when you purchase your parking ticket, it’s free but you need this to enter the desolation wilShow more
Bassi Falls
#2 - Bassi Falls
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(711)
(711)Length: 4.3 mi • Est. 2 h 4 m
Easy, short hike to an incredible waterfall. When you reach the base of Bassi Falls, you will be treated to an awesome view of the entire 109 ft. cascade. Later in the summer, there is really not muchShow more
Lake Margaret Trail
#3 - Lake Margaret Trail
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(351)
(351)Length: 4.6 mi • Est. 2 h 13 m
Permits not required for overnight use, though a Campfire permit is required for fires (wood, gas, or charcoal burning). Show more
Ralston Peak Trail
#4 - Ralston Peak Trail
El Dorado National Foresthard(444)
(444)Length: 6.6 mi • Est. 4 h 33 m
The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks.
There are many sights to wonder over as you snake eastward along US-50 towards Lake Tahoe, buShow more
Wrights Lake to Enchanted Pools
#5 - Wrights Lake to Enchanted Pools
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(104)
(104)Length: 3.3 mi • Est. 1 h 35 m
Note: Due to COVID-19 measures, parking lot next to the trailhead is closed so you’ll need to park in the main parking lot about a mile out.
The trail after Twin Lakes branches off is almost non exisShow more
Lyons Creek Trail
#6 - Lyons Creek Trail
El Dorado National Foresthard(209)
(209)Length: 12.3 mi • Est. 6 h 30 m
Lyons Creek Trail is a 12.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pollock Pines, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, caShow more
Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake via Twin Lakes Trail
#7 - Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake via Twin Lakes Trail
El Dorado National Foresthard(109)
(109)Length: 5.6 mi • Est. 3 h 24 m
Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pollock Pines, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primariShow more
Caples Creek Loop Trail
#8 - Caples Creek Loop Trail
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(175)
(175)Length: 9.1 mi • Est. 4 h 42 m
Caples Creek Loop Trail is a 9.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Kyburz, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for Show more
Granite & Hidden Lakes Trail
#9 - Granite & Hidden Lakes Trail
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(83)
(83)Length: 7.1 mi • Est. 3 h 31 m
Granite & Hidden Lakes Trail is a 7.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Kit Carson, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rShow more
Thunder Mountain Summit
#10 - Thunder Mountain Summit
El Dorado National Forestmoderate(91)
(91)Length: 7.6 mi • Est. 4 h 16 m
Thunder Mountain Summit is a 7.6 mile out and back trail located near Kirkwood, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options.Show more
Showing results 1 - 10 of 94
Top national parks
