Welcome to a Playground Full of Fun and Adventure

Located in Stanislaus National Forest at 5,600 feet in beautiful Pinecrest, CA, Pinecrest Chalet is a springboard to an amazing array of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Hiking and Backpacking

Our backyard is home to two majestic wilderness areas, both located within 15 minutes of the Chalet. Showcasing stunning beauty and spectacular vistas, these protected areas offer 280 miles of world-class hiking trails with hikes ranging from easier half-day treks to challenging all-day adventures—just don't forget your hat, water, and sunscreen.

Discover remarkable sub-alpine meadows and glorious crystalline glacial lakes in the Emigrant Wilderness, situated on the south side of Highway 108. In contrast, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness on the north side of the highway has fewer lakes, but offers greater solitude with fewer annual visitors.

For the more hearty explorers, world-class backpacking—including the famous Pacific Crest Trail—can be accessed at Sonora Pass (9,600 feet elevation) about 35 miles east of the Chalet.

Most of these trails are located at high elevation, and can be reached only during the summer and early fall seasons. For more information, visit our friends at US Forest Service—a ranger district station is located 5 minutes from Pinecrest Chalet. Learn more

Mountain Biking

Pinecrest is a hidden cache of Sierra Nevada trails featuring singletrack downhill routes, fireroad climbs, and abandoned railroad beds. Signature rides include Gianelli Cabin Trailhead to Pinecrest (8,200 feet elevation) and Pinecrest to Twain Harte (3,600 feet elevation).

Mountain bikes and safety gear can be rented at the Pinecrest Hub at Pinecrest Lake. For more information, visit our friends at the US Forest Service.

Rock Climbing

Climb a variety of granite wall routes and bouldering problems in the Emigrant Wilderness Area. The northwest face of Burst Rock boasts a wide range of spectacular climbing routes located approximately one hour from Pinecrest Chalet. Learn more

Kayaking and River Rafting

Experience peace and tranquility in a kayak at beautiful Pinecrest Lake located a mile from Pinecrest Chalet. Start your day with an early morning kayak trip. As you glide along, watch ospreys fish for breakfast and hopefully catch a glimpse of a bald eagle. Rent gear locally at Pinecrest Lake Resort.

If you are looking for some family-friendly outdoor fun, try a Stanislaus River rafting trip with Sunshine Rafting Adventures. These 4–5 hour rafting trips originate out of Knights Ferry (east of Oakdale) and offer access to beautiful scenery and wildlife, as well as stops at a number of public parks.

Fishing and Boating

In Stanislaus National Forest, fish in over 800 miles of rivers and lakes home to rainbow, brook, and German brown trout. Choose from destinations such as aquamarine alpine lakes and streams to a handful of nearby reservoirs, such as the Beardsley Reservoir. Pinecrest Lake features trout fishing for any angler. Fishing licenses, supplies, bait, and tackle are available at the Pinecrest Sports Shop.

Pinecrest Lake Resort offers boat rentals (excluding high-powered boats and jet-skis) for a simple family-oriented experience at Pinecrest Lake.

Horseback Riding

Explore the Emigrant Wilderness Area on horseback. Try hour-long, day-long, or even week-long pack trip options in the summer.

The Aspen Meadows Pack Station is 10 minutes from Pinecrest Chalet. Venture further for more high-country exploration and visit the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station located about 35 miles east of Pinecrest Chalet.

Golf

Visit Mountain Springs Golf Club, located 40 minutes of Pinecrest Chalet, and enjoy an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Muir Graves in the heart of the Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The nearby Twain Harte Golf Club also offers a lighter 9-hole course surrounded by towering pines.

Cave Expeditions, Spelunking, and Zip Line

Just outside of Columbia State Park, Moaning Cavern Adventure Park offers incredible underground cave exploration and zip lines. In San Andreas, CA, you'll find California Cavern State Historic Landmark, offering cave expeditions ranging from short underground walking tours to half day spelunking trips.

Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding, and Snow-shoeing

It's a winter wonderland when the snow arrives in Pinecrest.

At Pinecrest Chalet, you're minutes from an affordable family ski and snowboarding experience at Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area—the closest ski resort to the Bay Area.

With more than 60 total runs and 12 total lifts across more than 800 acres, Dodge Ridge is a complete alpine experience where 1,600 vertical feet descend from an 8,200-foot summit. During the winter weekdays, we offer a Stay and Ski Free promotion with Dodge Ridge. Learn more »

If sledding and tubing is your thing, just 6 miles past Pinecrest you’ll find Leland Meadows Snowplay. Offering a number of fantastic groomed runs, youth snowmobiles, and a dining lodge, this a great family destination on 12 acres.

Sledding, nordic skiing, and snow-shoeing adventures also abound outside your door. Bring your own gear or rent locally.