Park
Eldorado National Forest
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Campgrounds
60
Trails
60
Points of interest
4
Next 24 hours
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Eldorado National Forest
California · San Joaquin watershed
About this park
Eldorado National Forest
Eldorado National Forest is a beautiful forest located in the state of California. The forest spans across 655,000 acres and offers visitors an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
One of the main reasons to visit Eldorado National Forest is its stunning natural beauty. The forest is home to an array of wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can also explore the various lakes and rivers in the area, including the American River, Jenkinson Lake, and Union Valley Reservoir.
There are several points of interest in Eldorado National Forest, including the Desolation Wilderness and the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. The Desolation Wilderness is a protected wilderness area that offers visitors a chance to explore untouched nature. The Crystal Basin Recreation Area is known for its beautiful alpine lakes and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Interesting facts about Eldorado National Forest include that it was established in 1910 and was named after the legendary city of gold. The forest is also home to the Mokelumne Wilderness, which is home to several rare and endangered species.
The best time of year to visit Eldorado National Forest is during the summer months when the weather is mild and dry. However, visitors can also enjoy the forest during the fall when the leaves change color and the temperatures cool down.
Overall, Eldorado National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of California. With its array of outdoor activities and stunning scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the main reasons to visit Eldorado National Forest is its stunning natural beauty. The forest is home to an array of wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can also explore the various lakes and rivers in the area, including the American River, Jenkinson Lake, and Union Valley Reservoir.
There are several points of interest in Eldorado National Forest, including the Desolation Wilderness and the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. The Desolation Wilderness is a protected wilderness area that offers visitors a chance to explore untouched nature. The Crystal Basin Recreation Area is known for its beautiful alpine lakes and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Interesting facts about Eldorado National Forest include that it was established in 1910 and was named after the legendary city of gold. The forest is also home to the Mokelumne Wilderness, which is home to several rare and endangered species.
The best time of year to visit Eldorado National Forest is during the summer months when the weather is mild and dry. However, visitors can also enjoy the forest during the fall when the leaves change color and the temperatures cool down.
Overall, Eldorado National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of California. With its array of outdoor activities and stunning scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
StateCalifornia
WatershedSan Joaquin
Latitude38.4582°
Longitude-120.4455°
In the park
Streamflow in Eldorado National Forest
Live USGS discharge at streamgauges inside the park boundary.
In the park
Snowpack in Eldorado National Forest
Current snow depth at SNOTEL stations inside the park boundary.
In the park
Trails in Eldorado National Forest
Named trails whose route falls inside the park.
09n34
2.1 mi · Hiking, Running
09n44
2.9 mi · Hiking, Running
09n47a
3.6 mi · Hiking, Running
09n54
2.0 mi · Hiking, Running
10n29 Forest Service Road
3.2 mi · Hiking, Running
11 North 35 Recreation Road
1.9 mi · Hiking, Running
12n51
0.9 mi · Hiking, Running
16e18
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
8 North 37
2.7 mi · Hiking, Running
8n 21
2.6 mi · Hiking, Running
8n 45
2.8 mi · Hiking, Running
8n 50
1.3 mi · Hiking, Running
8n60
2.8 mi · Hiking, Running
9n60
3.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Approach To Luther Spires
0.7 mi · Hiking, Running
Armstrong Pass Trail
3.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Barret Lake Jeep Trail (12n77)
2.8 mi · Hiking, Running
Beauty Lake Trail
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Caldor Road
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Caldor Road
2.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Carson Emigrant National Recreational Trail
4.2 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Cody Lake Trail
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Cody Meadows
1.7 mi · Hiking, Running
Cody Meadows Road
2.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Cold Creek Trail
2.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Corral Trail
2.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Dru Barner Trail
1.6 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Eagle Hill Road
1.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Forestdale Creek Trail
2.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Forestdale Loop Road
1.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Granite Springs Road
4.8 mi · Hiking, Running
Helix Flat Avenue
3.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Hemlock Avenue
0.1 mi · Hiking, Running
High School Trail
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Horesthief Road
4.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Ice House Mountain Bike Trail
4.9 mi · Biking
Long Canyon 4wd Trail
4.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Lyons Creek Trail
4.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Mace Mill Loop
6.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Meadow Loop Road
4.7 mi · Hiking, Running
Miner's Pit Trail
0.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Mud Lake 4wd Trail
4.0 mi · Hiking, Running
Munson Meadow Trail
8.3 mi · Hiking, Running
Old Luther Pass Road
2.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Pardoes 4wd Trail
7.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Powerline Trail
3.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Pyramid Peak Trail
3.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Rock Creek Loop
1.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Rock Creek Loop
7.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Sciaroni Road
3.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Shealor Lakes
1.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Silver Fork 4wd Trail
0.9 mi · Hiking, Running
Snowkirk
1.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Tamarack Avenue
0.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Truckee Marsh
0.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Union Valley Bike Trail
5.6 mi · Biking
Valley View Trail
1.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Willow Creek Road
5.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Winnemucca Trail
1.8 mi · Hiking, Running
Y Connector
0.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
In the park
Camping in Eldorado National Forest
Campgrounds inside the park, with today's conditions score.
In the park
Points of interest in Eldorado National Forest
Landmarks and points of interest inside the park boundary.
Detailed forecast
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Hourly detail
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
Loading hourly forecast…
Deep dive
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
Long-term outlook
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Loading 15-day outlook…
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Eldorado National Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
FAQ
About Eldorado National Forest
What can I do at Eldorado National Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Eldorado National Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Land designation
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.