Local's Summer: Day Trippers

Day Trippers 

A view of Green Lake from the Green Lake Trail in Bridgeport, CA.

On this week’s edition of ‘Local’s Summer’, we’ve got some of our Staff’s favorite day trips lined up for you! One of the best things about the Tahoe/Reno area is its proximity to outdoor-based communities that offer up a wealth of accessible adventures from biking to climbing to hot springing.

Downieville 

To be fair, it’s always a good time to ride in Downieville. However, passing groups of 10 around each section of trail can be a bit overwhelming. If you’ve already ridden the famous downhill trail, venture out to Big Boulder or Spencer Creek, or just lap the classic! Downieville Outfitters runs a shuttle service until the first major snow falls - roughly the end of October or November - which leaves plenty of time to ride while you wait for ski season to arrive. Jump in the river for an ice cold recovery swim and warm up with a burrito and Modelo at La Cocino de Oro.  

Lakes Basin 

The beloved Lakes Basin is a goldmine for the hiking and biking communities of the Lost Sierra. Only a 45-minute drive north of Truckee, the towns of Graeagle, Clio, Blairsden, and Johnsville offer a vast network of scenic alpine trails and local eateries. Smith Creek, Mt. Elwell, and Lost Lake are bike and hike-friendly trails accessible from downtown Graeagle. While the views are beautiful from up top, the trails are known for their difficult terrain - characterized by chunky, technical, hike-a-bike sections throughout.

For the hikers, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship compiled a comprehensive story map of fire lookout hikes in the greater Plumas area. Gold Lakes Highway boasts superb hiking options between Graeagle and Sierra City and back towards Downieville. Connect the Upper Salmon Lake Trail to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) or connect the 3 segments of the Bear Lake Loop from the Bear Lake Trailhead for an alpine lake-hop. 

Walk around the town of Graeagle for some window-shopping and an ice cream cone, or pencil in a stop at Ronin Brewing or The Brewing Lair for beer. If you’re done hiking before 3pm,  Bread & Butter is our favorite spot for a post-activity lunch. 

Bridgeport 

Bridgeport is an unassuming basecamp to some of the Eastern Sierra’s most breathtaking peaks. A vast network of hiking trails will lead you to jagged mountain tops towering over alpine lakes. If you time it right, you may find yourself walking through expansive yellowing Aspen groves. Buckeye Hot Springs and Travertine Hot Springs can be found right outside of town, while Bodie Recreational Park, best known as California’s largest standing ghost town, is roughly ~15 minutes south of town. We’ve attached two trail reference links to point you in the right direction as you plan your adventures. Stop at The Barn (Bridgeport) or Walker Burger (Walker) on your way back to Tahoe/Reno if you’re in the mood for some tasty finger foods.