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Bear Valley

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Overview

Bear Valley is located on Highway 4 between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite—about three hours east of San Francisco, California. It is around one hour from Angels Camp, California. This hidden jewel of the Sierras has something for everyone.

Visiting Tips

Dependent on snow conditions, trails open usually around the end of June and the season runs until the snow falls.

Camping & Lodging

There are cabins to rent at Lake Alpine in the summer that serve as an excellent home base for your mountain bike adventures.

Call for Reservations: 209-753-6350.

Food & Drink

The Bear Valley General Store carries ice, food, groceries, snacks, fresh-brewed coffee, fishing supplies, beer and wine. Also located in the village is Sky High Pizza and Pub, Creekside Dining Room.

Other Activities

Bear Valley is surrounded by lakes, trails and wilderness areas that provide world-class recreational opportunities. Mountain and road biking, flat-water kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf, fishing, camping, hiking, rock climbing and bouldering, tennis, whitewater rafting, competitive sporting events, and annual festivals. Purchase a "Bear Valley Adventure Map" at the Bear Valley Adventure Co. for a complete description of rides and activities in the area.

Recommended Routes in Bear Valley - 1

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Favorite Osborne Ridge panoramic view.
Difficult Difficult

Osborne Ridge Loop

3.9 mi 6.3 km 688' Up 209.58 m Up 687' Down 209.4 m Down

South L…, CA
Explore in 3D

Bear Valley Hiking

  • 27 Miles 43 Kilometers of Trail
  • 1 Recommended Route
  • 1 Easy Trail Easy Trails
  • 5 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 2 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Share what you know about this area!

Weather Averages


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Trails in Bear Valley - 7

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3.3 mi 5.3 km #1Bear Valley to Alpine Lake Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.6 mi 2.6 km #2Union Rock Lake Trail
Easy Easy
Arnold, CA
Easy Easy
Arnold, CA
3.2 mi 5.2 km #3Wheeler Lake Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
1.2 mi 2.0 km #4Osborn Crest #18E41
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
15.1 mi 24.4 km #5Emigrant Trail #19E01
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.8 mi 3.0 km #6Rock Lake Trail
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA

Photos of Bear Valley - 12

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Elephant Rock Lake
Nov 9, 2015 near Pioneer, CA
Sunrise at Elephant Rock Lake.
Nov 9, 2015 near Pioneer, CA
Spring flowers dot the trail.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Osborne Ridge panoramic view.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Giant Sequoia tree - an unexpected gem.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Purple strickweed colors this hike.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Rock Lake
Oct 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
View looking southwest.
Jun 29, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wrong kind of "wildlife" for a Wilderness area IMHO.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wheeler Lake trailhead.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wooded area opens up revealing dramatic cliffs.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
View of Wheeler Lake (before the cows arrive).
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
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