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California
9.5 mi
Distance
1,820 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Eldorado National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Thunder Mountain Loop
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Thunder Mountain Loop is a moderate 9.5-mile circuit offering substantial elevation gain through California's diverse terrain. This loop-style trail provides excellent views and a rewarding full-day hiking experience, combining steady climbing with scenic vistas typical of the region's mountain landscapes.
Sentinels
~2 min drive
Easy 2.6-mile walk with minimal elevation gain, perfect for casual hikers.
Kirkwood Lake Loop
~3 min drive
Easy 3-mile alpine lake loop with gentle elevation gain.
Emigrant Lake
~4 min drive
Moderate 8.83-mile hike to scenic alpine lake with 1,713 ft elevation gain.
Thunder Mountain
~4 min drive
Quick 1.2-mile climb to Thunder Mountain with 181 ft elevation gain.
Lake Margaret
~3 min drive
Scenic alpine lake hike with moderate elevation gain and mountain views.
Caples Creek
~9 min drive
Moderate Sierra creek trail with steady climbing through forest and alpine meadows.
Government Meadow
~5 min drive
Easy 1.2-mile meadow walk with minimal elevation gain.
Strawberry Creek
~3 min drive
Easy creek-side walk through woodland with minimal elevation gain.
Cody Meadows
~9 min drive
Moderate 6.27-mile alpine meadow hike with 1,654 ft elevation gain.
East Silver Lake
~5 min drive
Easy 1.4-mile alpine lake hike with 262 ft elevation gain.