McLeod Lake Trail
A brief high-reward woodland trek through a haunting ghost forest killed by volcanic CO2 venting, opening to a pristine white-sand alpine beach at McLeod Lake. The ideal first high-country hike.
○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
1.5 miRound Trip
150 ftElev. Gain
EasyDifficulty
45 min-1.5 hoursEst. Time
8,929 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
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Virginia Lakes Trail to Burro Pass
Starting at 9,800 feet, this Hoover Wilderness trail threads past five beautiful lakes framed by multi-hued volcanic peaks before climbing to Burro Pass — a wide-open saddle with panoramic views deep into the backcountry.
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Lundy Canyon Trail
One of the most underrated hikes on the 395 corridor. Aspen groves, beaver ponds, mining ruins, and three cascading waterfalls in a canyon that feels completely removed from the road. Fall color here rivals anything in California.
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Hilton Lakes Trail
The uncrowded alternative to the always-jammed Little Lakes Valley, accessed from the same Rock Creek Road. A chain of nine alpine lakes in a spectacular granite basin above treeline with views of Bear Creek Spire and Mount Huntington.
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Green Creek Trail to East Lake
The northern gateway to the Hoover Wilderness — tunnels of yellow aspens along West Fork Green Creek, massive old-growth junipers, and a rewarding climb past Green Lake to the multi-hued shores of East Lake.
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Harvest Hosts vs Boondockers Welcome vs The Dyrt PRO — Which Van Life Memberships Are Worth It for California Travel
Honest comparison of three van life memberships for California Highway 395 travel. Which one is worth it, which combination makes sense, and what each actually delivers.