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Best camping hiking trails in Placer County
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Best camping hiking trails in Placer County

Why stop at hiking when you can make it an overnight adventure? These camping-friendly trails are perfect for those who want to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars after a day of exploring.

Here are some great trails to explore in Placer County.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Truckee River Hike Trail

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 17.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 30 min

2

Medium

Salmon Lake via Loch Leven Trail

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 10.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 56 min

3

Medium

Little Bald Mountain Trail

Placer County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 58 min

4

Medium

Loch Leven Trail

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (4) · 12.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 26 min

5

Easy

Tahoe Rim Trail and Page Meadows Loop

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (4) · 11.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 40 min

6

Medium

Tinker Knob via Granite Chief Trail

Placer County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 23.8 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

7

Medium

Cascade Lake and Long Lake

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (3) · 20.2 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

8

Medium

American River Trail

Placer County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 35.8 km · Est. 1 day 4 hrs

9

Difficult

North Fork American River via Mumford Bar Trail

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 11.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 46 min

10

Easy

French Meadows Campground Loop

Placer County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 1.6 km · Est. 22 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for camping hiking trails in Placer County

The Hon. Delsie Bogisich avatar

Truckee River Hike Trail

MountainWalker77 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Roland Tristan avatar

Salmon Lake via Loch Leven Trail

Roland · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Beautiful trail 👣 it was up to the mountain the first 2 or 3 miles, Beautiful small salmon lake love it

No reviews available for Little Bald Mountain Trail.

Osman Argueta avatar

Loch Leven Trail

osmanargueta1 · reviewed 6 months ago

star star star star star

Fr. Len Abernathy avatar

Tahoe Rim Trail and Page Meadows Loop

ScoutTracker20 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Placer County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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