Crossing the Sierra during the summer season is a right of passage for many that love to adventure into the Sierra for travel and recreation. Typically the three largest scenic Byways (Tioga Pass/ 120, Sonora Pass/108 and Ebbett’s Pass / 4) open in mid may to Early June each season and recreational visitors scramble up and over these passes for camping, fishing, sight seeing etc. For many this is a perfect Family hiking zone in the Sierra. Here is a quick guide to Family Hikes Off Sierra Scenic Byways for your next visit planning.

lassen queit side california

However the one constant question we receive at Sierra Rec is where is a great place to take my kids hiking. where should we explore with the family. so here we go with a short list of our favorite Family friendly Hikes on the Sierra Scenic Byways.

Lassen Volcanic meadow st bernard ad
upper Kinney lake

Ebbett’s Pass HWY 4 – Family Hikes

  • Arnold Rim Trail: This 17-mile trail network offers various sections suitable for family hikes. The San Antonio Creek Trail and the Arnold Rim Trailhead are excellent starting points.
  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park : This park features several hiking trails suitable for families, including the North Grove Trail, which takes you through a grove of giant sequoias.
  • Lake Alpine: Located near Bear Valley, Lake Alpine offers a beautiful setting for family hikes. The Lake Alpine Trail and the Inspiration Point Trail are both great options for enjoying the surrounding nature.
  • Wolf Creek – Carson Iceberg Wilderness – This trail is 5 miles off the highway, but provides families a safe place to explore the Wilderness following wolf creek up the canyon several miles. Beautiful meadows, forest covered trail with plenty of canyon valley views. wildflowers in the Early summer and Fall color sin the fall are spectacular.
  • Upper Kinney Reservoir on the PCT – this short 2 mile hike on the PCT is a perfect summer family hike that includes swimming opportunities, hanging hammocks on the lake shore, rock climbing, backpacking and camping. Explore the dam and Lower Kinney Lake if time allows.
leavitt meadow
Leavitt Meadow Sonora Pass June 2023

Sonora Pass Highway 108 – Family Hikes

  • Pinecrest Lake: Located near Pinecrest, this popular recreation area features a scenic lake surrounded by hiking trails. The Pinecrest Lake Loop Trail is a family-friendly option that offers beautiful views of the lake. Looking to explore further follow the creek up to the tea cups and on into the emigrant wilderness.
  • Emigrant Wilderness: Situated off Highway 108, the Emigrant Wilderness provides numerous hiking opportunities for families. Trails like the Kennedy Meadows Trail and Relief Reservoir Trail offer stunning scenery and the chance to explore the wilderness.
  • Columns of the Giants: This unique geological site near Dardanelle offers a short interpretive trail that showcases towering columns of volcanic rock formations. It’s a great educational hike for families.
  • Leavitt meadows to Lane or Roosevelt or secret Lake. Loop trail options for all three available as well. This is a great early summer hike destination as the snow melts on the Sierra above. These lakes are swimmable in mid summer, fishing is popular her and if you desire a great horseback ride through Leavitt Meadow pack station provides a great family afternoon in the Sierra.
  • Clark Fork Trail: This trail, accessible from Clark Fork Campground, offers a moderate hike with beautiful wildflowers and views of the Clark Fork River. It’s a great choice for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. another close by trail is the Arnot Creek trail. this trail is a bit more challenging, but also a great Sierra ezxpereince.

Echo Summit Highway 50 – Family Hikes

  • Echo Lakes: Situated near Echo Summit, the Echo Lakes area offers a range of hiking trails suitable for families. The Echo Lakes Trail and the Upper Echo Lake Trail provide access to beautiful alpine lakes and stunning mountain scenery.
  • Lover’s Leap: Near Strawberry, Lover’s Leap offers a popular climbing area and a scenic hiking trail. The Lover’s Leap Trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.
  • Van Sickle Bi-State Park: Situated near South Lake Tahoe, this park offers a network of trails suitable for families. The Van Sickle Trail takes you through forests and meadows, offering beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
  • Sly Park Recreation Area: Located near Pollock Pines, Sly Park offers a variety of family-friendly trails. The Lakeview Trail and the Creekside Trail are excellent options for leisurely walks near Jenkinson Lake.
  • Wrights Lake Trail into Desolation wilderness or around the lake. – Wrights lake is located a few miles north of Highway 50 but provides a exceptional family hiking around the meadow on the East side of the lake. This will also give the family easy access to desolation wilderness and several popular lake hikes.
Emigrant Lake2017
Emigrant Lake2017

Carson Pass Highway 88 – Family Hikes

  • Carson Pass: Located near Kirkwood, Carson Pass is a beautiful area with several family-friendly hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail, the Winnemucca Lake Trail, and the Caples Lake Trail are all great options for families to enjoy the scenic views and alpine landscapes. The Caples Lake trail will travel to emigrant lake which gives families a great waterfall experience and a trail with less people then the Carosn Pass to Winnemucca trail
  • Meiss Meadow trail – the beginning of this trail is a bit more challenging then its counterparts on the South side at carson Pass, but the Meiss meadow trail in the spring wildflower season is beautiful and the vista views from the saddle are hard to beat. Check out our guide to Meiss country here.
  • Woods Lake: Near Markleeville, Woods Lake is a serene alpine lake that offers a family-friendly hiking trail. The Woods Lake Loop Trail is an easy loop that takes you around the lake, providing opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting.
  • Blue Lakes: Situated near Hope Valley, Blue Lakes offers family-friendly hiking trails with beautiful lake views. The Upper Blue Lake Loop Trail and the Lower Blue Lake Trail are both enjoyable options for families.
  • Silver Lake: Situated near Kit Carson, Silver Lake is a picturesque spot with hiking trails suitable for families. The Silver Lake Nature Trail and the Thunder Mountain Trail offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Yuba Pass Highway 49 – Family Hikes

  • Sierra Buttes: Located near Sierra City, the Sierra Buttes offer a challenging but rewarding hike for families with older children. The Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail takes you to the iconic fire lookout tower, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Sardine Lakes: Near Sierra City, the Sardine Lakes area offers family-friendly hikes with beautiful lake views. The Sardine Lakes Loop Trail and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) to Upper Sardine Lake are great options for families to enjoy the scenery and possibly spot some wildlife.
  • Independence Lake: Situated near Truckee, Independence Lake offers a tranquil setting for family hikes. The Independence Lake Nature Trail is an easy loop trail that takes you around the lake, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and potentially see some bird species.
  • Yuba Pass Interpretive Trail: Situated at Yuba Pass, this interpretive trail offers an educational experience for families. The trail features informative signs that provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and history of the area.
  • Downieville: This charming town along Highway 49 offers access to several family-friendly hikes. The Downieville Trail System includes trails such as the Lavezzola Creek Trail and the Deer Creek Trail, which provide options for exploring the surrounding forests and streams.

Tioga Pass Highway 120 – Family Hikes

  • Tuolumne Meadows: Located in Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails. The Tuolumne Meadows Loop Trail, Cathedral Lakes Trail, and Lembert Dome Trail are all excellent options for families to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
  • Tenaya Lake: Situated along Tioga Pass Road, Tenaya Lake is a beautiful destination for a family hike. The Tenaya Lake Loop Trail provides a gentle stroll around the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding granite peaks.
  • May Lake: Accessible from the May Lake Trailhead, the hike to May Lake is a family-friendly option in Yosemite. The trail is moderately easy and leads to a picturesque alpine lake, where families can enjoy a peaceful picnic.
  • Gaylor Lakes: Accessible from the Tioga Pass entrance, the Gaylor Lakes Trail is a moderate hike that leads to a series of alpine lakes. Families can enjoy the stunning views of granite peaks and meadows along the way.
  • Spillway Lake via Mono Pass trail: this trail is a easy gradual climb up into the Mono pas drainage. spillway lake is the lowest of the many lakes in the area with a beautiful meadow setting and plenty of adventure options. Plenty of deer and wildlife as well as wildflowers on this 10,000 ft elevation hike.

Sherman Pass highway SR 20 Southern Sierra – Family Hikes

  • Domeland Wilderness: Located near Kennedy Meadows, the Domeland Wilderness offers various family-friendly hiking trails. The Manter Meadow Trail and the South Fork Kern River Trail provide opportunities to explore the scenic beauty of the wilderness.
  • Freeman Creek Trail: Situated near Johnsondale, the Freeman Creek Trail is a family-friendly hike that takes you through a lovely forested area. You can enjoy the shade of the trees and the peaceful ambiance along the trail.
  • Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail: Accessible from the Cannell Trailhead, this trail offers a moderately challenging but rewarding hike. It features beautiful meadows, wildflowers, and views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Buck Rock Lookout: Near Johnsondale, Buck Rock Lookout offers a short, family-friendly trail leading to an iconic fire lookout tower. The trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Dome Rock: Dome Rock, located near Johnsondale, offers a family-friendly hike with stunning granite rock formations and sweeping views. The trail to Dome Rock is short and relatively easy, making it suitable for families of all ages.
Sequoia trees Trail of 100 giants

Western Divide Highway – M-107 Southern Sierra – Family Hikes

  • Trail of 100 Giants: Located near Camp Nelson, the Trail of 100 Giants is a family-friendly hike that showcases giant sequoia trees. It offers a paved trail with interpretive signs, allowing families to learn about these magnificent trees while enjoying a peaceful walk.
  • Lewis Camp Trail: This trail, accessible from the Quaking Aspen Campground, offers a moderate family hike through scenic meadows and forests. It leads to a lovely waterfall and provides opportunities for picnicking and nature exploration.
  • Mountain Home State Forest: Situated near Springville, Mountain Home State Forest offers various family-friendly trails. The Alder Creek Trail and the Redwood Meadow Trail are great options for families to enjoy nature walks and discover the beauty of the forest.
  • South Fork Trail: Accessible from Johnsondale, the South Fork Trail follows the South Fork of the Kern River. It offers a family-friendly hike with opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the river’s serene beauty.
  • Freeman Creek Trail: Located near Johnsondale, the Freeman Creek Trail is a family-friendly hike that meanders through a forested area. It provides a pleasant environment for families to enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Sierra Vista Scenic Byway – Family Hikes

  • Shadow of the Giants Trail: This family-friendly loop trail in Nelder Grove is approximately 1.3 miles long and offers an up-close experience with giant sequoia trees. Along the trail, you’ll find informative signs that provide insights into the grove’s ecology and history.
  • Bull Buck Trail: This moderate, 2.4-mile loop trail starts near Nelder Grove Campground and takes you through a serene forest of giant sequoias. It provides an opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful hike.
  • Swinging Bridge Trail: Located near Fish Camp, just a short drive from Nelder Grove, the Swinging Bridge Trail is a family-friendly hike that leads to a historic suspension bridge. It’s a relatively easy trail and offers scenic views of the South Fork of the Merced River.
  • Jackass Meadow – Embark on a picturesque hiking adventure through Jackass Meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse lush landscapes and enjoy the stunning views of this hidden gem
  • Beasore Meadow -Experience the allure of Beasore Meadow in the Sierra Nevada with an exhilarating hiking expedition. Discover the serenity of this enchanting wilderness, where towering trees and wildflower-strewn meadows await, promising an unforgettable outdoor escape for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Nedler Grove – Nelder Grove beckons with its ancient giants and rich history in the Sierra Nevada. Wander amidst the towering sequoias and connect with the past, as you explore this majestic grove brimming with natural wonders and awe-inspiring beauty.
  • Globe rock– Globe Rock captivates visitors with its unique and intriguing geological formation. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, this natural wonder showcases the fascinating results of millions of years of erosion, offering a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and geology aficionados alike.