Best Backpacking Destinations in Sacramento, California, United States
1. American River Canyon
Experience the beauty of rugged canyons and white-water rapids on a backpacking trip along the American River.
- Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife
- Difficulty Level: Offers a range of trails from easy to challenging
- River Access: Provides access to the American River for fishing, swimming, and rafting
2. Folsom Lake Recreation Area
Explore the beautiful Folsom Lake with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Water Activities: Opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
- Campground Availability: Multiple campgrounds available for overnight stays
- Hiking Trails: Various trails for hikers of all skill levels
3. Tahoe National Forest
Discover pristine wilderness with abundant opportunities for backpacking and camping.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe bears, deer, and various bird species
- Backpacking Routes: Offers a network of backpacking routes ranging from short day hikes to multi-day trips
- Scenic Drives: Beautiful scenic drives perfect for exploring the forest before starting your backpacking adventure
4. Sierra Buttes Trail System
Explore over 60 miles of singletrack trails with stunning views of the Sierra Buttes.
- Diverse Trails: Variety of trails offering challenges for all skill levels
- Scenic Views: Stunning views of the Sierra Buttes and surrounding wilderness
- Bike-Friendly: Popular spot for mountain biking in addition to backpacking
5. Placer County Backcountry
Experience the solitude of the Placer County backcountry with its vast wilderness areas.
- Solitude: Offers a true backcountry experience with minimal crowds
- Wildlife Habitat: Home to various wildlife species, including black bears and mountain lions
- Diverse Landscapes: Features diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to rugged canyons
6. Joaquin Miller Park
Backpack through the scenic Joaquin Miller Park with its redwood groves and historic homes.
- Historic Significance: Home to several historic homes dating back to the Gold Rush era
- Redwood Groves: Features groves of towering redwood trees
- Urban Setting: Located in the Oakland Hills, providing easy access from Sacramento
7. Caples Lake and Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Backpack to Caples Lake, then explore Kirkwood Mountain Resort for scenic views and outdoor activities.
- Lake Access: Access to beautiful Caples Lake for fishing and boating
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Kirkwood Mountain and the surrounding wilderness
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding
8. Desolation Wilderness
Experience the solitude of Desolation Wilderness with its crystal-clear lakes and rugged terrain.
- Solitude: Offers a true backcountry experience with minimal crowds
- Crystal-Clear Lakes: Features numerous crystal-clear lakes for swimming and fishing
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains
9. Emigrant Wilderness
Explore the Emigrant Wilderness with its vast wilderness areas and alpine lakes.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe bears, deer, and various bird species
- Alpine Lakes: Features numerous alpine lakes for swimming and fishing
- Diverse Landscapes: Features diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to rugged canyons
10. South Yuba River State Park
Hike through the beautiful South Yuba River State Park with its historic sites and stunning river views.
- Historic Sites: Home to several Gold Rush-era historical sites
- River Access: Access to the South Yuba River for swimming, fishing, and rafting
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the South Yuba River and surrounding hills
11. Mokelumne Wilderness
Experience the solitude of the Mokelumne Wilderness with its rugged terrain and crystal-clear lakes.
- Solitude: Offers a true backcountry experience with minimal crowds
- Crystal-Clear Lakes: Features numerous crystal-clear lakes for swimming and fishing
- Rugged Terrain: Offers challenging hikes through rugged terrain
12. Rubicon Trail
Backpack along the scenic Rubicon Trail with its stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains
- Diverse Terrain: Features diverse terrain, including hills, forests, and meadows
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
13. Caples Lake Trail
Hike the Caples Lake Trail with its stunning views of Kirkwood Mountain and the surrounding wilderness.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Kirkwood Mountain and the surrounding wilderness
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe bears, deer, and various bird species
14. Lake Tahoe Rim Trail
Backpack along the scenic Lake Tahoe Rim Trail with its stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains
- Diverse Terrain: Features diverse terrain, including forests, meadows, and alpine lakes
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
15. Donner Memorial State Park
Hike through Donner Memorial State Park with its historic sites and stunning views of Donner Lake.
- Historic Sites: Home to several Gold Rush-era historical sites
- Lake Access: Access to Donner Lake for fishing, swimming, and boating
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains