Eldorado National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Eldorado National Forest is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. Spanning over 600,000 acres, this national forest is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the highlights of Eldorado National Forest is its extensive network of hiking trails. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there is something for everyone. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, passes through the forest, providing incredible opportunities to experience the beauty of the wilderness.

For those who prefer to explore on wheels, Eldorado National Forest offers fantastic mountain biking trails. The rugged terrain and varied landscapes make it an ideal destination for adrenaline-pumping rides. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find trails that cater to your skill level and provide thrilling experiences.

Water enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Eldorado National Forest. The forest is home to numerous sparkling lakes, tranquil rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can go boating, fishing, swimming, or simply relax by the water's edge and soak in the serene atmosphere.

In addition to its natural wonders, Eldorado National Forest is rich in history and cultural heritage. The forest is dotted with remnants of the Gold Rush era, and visitors can explore the historic mining towns and learn about the region's fascinating past. The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, located nearby, offers a glimpse into the lives of the gold prospectors who flocked to California in search of fortune.

Camping is a popular activity in Eldorado National Forest, and there are numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the area. Whether you prefer a secluded spot in the wilderness or a more developed campground with amenities, you will find the perfect place to pitch your tent and immerse yourself in nature.

Alternative names: Area: 932.38 mi²Elevation: 4721 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°45'0"N, 120°21'43"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

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Eldorado National Forest Top Attractions

Eldorado National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Eldorado National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sierra-at-Tahoe, Hell Hole Reservoir, Wrights Lake, Loon Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Winter sport • Outdoor activities • Ski area
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe is a ski and snowboard resort in Twin Bridges, California south of Lake Tahoe. Sierra-at-Tahoe is approximately 16 miles south of Stateline, Nevada and 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Route 50 and is contained within the Eldorado National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Hell Hole Reservoir
Hell Hole reservoir is an artificial, crescent-shaped lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range 10 miles west of Lake Tahoe in California, United States. The lake is about 3.5 miles long when at full capacity.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Wrights Lake
Wrights Lake is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, west of Lake Tahoe on the western border of the Desolation Wilderness. It can be reached via Wrights Road off U.S. Route 50 and the Ice House Road.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest of El Dorado County, California, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Rock
Lover's Leap
Lover's Leap is a steep granite cliff band in El Dorado County, California, United States, a landmark which catches the eye as one travels by, and a popular destination for climbers.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Salt Springs Reservoir
Salt Springs Reservoir is a reservoir in the eastern portions of Amador County and Calaveras County of California in the Sierra Nevada about 30 miles east-northeast of Jackson.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Caples Lake
Caples lake is a reservoir that is located near Kirkwood, California along highway 88. The lake was used as a halting place for wagon travelers who were trekking the historic Mormon Emigrant trail during the Gold Rush.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Talking Mountain
Talking Mountain in El Dorado County, California is a peak in the Sierra Nevada located on the high ridge that extends eastward from the summit of Ralston Peak in the Eldorado National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Bassi Falls
Bassi Falls is a waterfall in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, to the west of Lake Tahoe in the El Dorado County, California. It falls for 109 ft. It is off of a 5-mile 4x4 road which leads to a trailhead just 1/2 mile from the falls.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Francis Lake
Francis Lake is a small backcountry lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, to the west of Lake Tahoe in the Eldorado National Forest. There are no trails to this lake. This lake is very near Loon Lake.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain in the Sierra Nevada of California is located east of Silver Lake and west of Kirkwood Mountain Resort in the Eldorado National Forest. The mountain has two peaks, the 9,414-foot main peak and a 9,412-foot sub-peak west of the main peak. The main summit is the highest point in Amador County.
Dam
Bear River Dam
Bear River Dam is a dam in Amador County, California, due east of Sacramento. The rockfill dam was constructed in 1900 with a height of 83 feet, and a length of 748 feet at its crest. It impounds the Bear River for hydroelectric power generation and municipal water supply.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Union Valley Reservoir
Union Valley Reservoir is a reservoir in eastern El Dorado County, California, about 20 miles northeast of Placerville. The 277,000 acre-feet lake is in Eldorado National Forest in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 4,870 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Baltic Peak
Baltic Peak is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada foothills of El Dorado County in the U.S. state of California. The nearest city to this peak is Grizzly Flats, a small unincorporated community.
38°48'42"N • 120°7'26"W
Twin Bridges trailhead
The Twin Bridges trailhead or Pyramid Creek trailhead is located off U.S. Route 50 a couple miles east of Strawberry, California, west of Echo Pass. Some of the destinations most accessed by the trailhead are Horsetail Falls and Ropi Lake or Lake of the Woods as well as the rest of the Desolation Wilderness.
38°32'41"N • 120°14'31"W
Lower Bear River Reservoir
Lower Bear River Reservoir in Pioneer, California is created by its own dam, the Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam, and is owned by PG&E. The reservoir lies at 5,800 feet above sea level and covers 727 acres.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Carson Pass
Carson Pass is a mountain pass on the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, in the Eldorado National Forest and Alpine County, eastern California. The pass is traversed by California State Route 88.
38°48'38"N • 120°1'52"W
South Fork American River
The South Fork American River is a major tributary of the American River in El Dorado County, California, draining a watershed on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada east of Sacramento.
Dam
Slab Creek Dam
Slab Creek Dam is a dam in the American River watershed of the central Sierra Nevada, within El Dorado County, California. The dam and reservoir impound the upper South Fork American River for hydroelectric power, and are named for Slab Creek, a nearby tributary.

Day trips

Eldorado National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Eldorado National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Nevada State Capitol (Carson City), Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (Folsom), Vikingsholm (South Lake Tahoe).

43 milesNE
Historic government offices
Nevada State Capitol, Carson City
The Nevada State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Nevada located in the state capital of Carson City at 101 North Carson Street. The building was constructed in the Neoclassical Italianate style between 1869 and 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
44 milesW
Park
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, Folsom
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is a historical site preserving an 1895 alternating current hydroelectric power station—one of the first in the United States.
20 milesNE
Museum, Forts and castles, Historical place
Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe
Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California, U.S. and on the National Register of Historic Places.
31 milesN
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
Watson Log Cabin, Tahoe City
Watson Log Cabin in Tahoe City, California, was built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is the only historic log cabin in the Tahoe City area. The cabin is now owned by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and is open to the public seasonally.
42 milesS
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Mercer Caverns, Murphys
Mercer Caverns is a show cave located one mile north of Murphys in Calaveras County California. It is named after the gold prospector Walter J. Mercer who discovered the caves around 1885 and filed a claim. The caverns have a large number of speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites.

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Best Time To Visit Eldorado National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Eldorado National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Eldorado National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Eldorado National Forest are: