I am looking to introduce a group of guys into the outdoors. Their physical abilities vary and really my goal is to help them get away from the office and the day-to-day buzz that can weigh any of us down. If anybody knows a good spot based on my criteria, please let me know. I'm mostly interested in a peak because that is my personal favorite, but a subpeak, lake, or other secluded spot would suffice.

Within a three hour drive of Sacramento
Class I or II (minimal, super-easy class III ok on a short section)
Destination is ~1-2 miles from trailhead
No quota for permits or no permit required
Nearby lodging available (motels, cabins, etc)
Preferably has a nice view
The more secluded from tourists/popular routes the better.


I'm open to any suggestions and thanks in advance

195 wrote:I am looking to introduce a group of guys into the outdoors. Their physical abilities vary and really my goal is to help them get away from the office and the day-to-day buzz that can weigh any of us down. If anybody knows a good spot based on my criteria, please let me know. I'm mostly interested in a peak because that is my personal favorite, but a subpeak, lake, or other secluded spot would suffice.

Within a three hour drive of Sacramento
Class I or II (minimal, super-easy class III ok on a short section)
Destination is ~1-2 miles from trailhead
No quota for permits or no permit required
Nearby lodging available (motels, cabins, etc)
Preferably has a nice view
The more secluded from tourists/popular routes the better.

I'm open to any suggestions and thanks in advance

Round Top
The Sisters
Red Lakes
Stevens
Waterhouse
Pickett
Hawkins

A couple of ideas if lodging expense is not a issue:

Hike here:
English Mountain
http://www.summitpost.org/english-mountain/907829
Stay/camp here:
http://www.sierrahotsprings.org/camp.htm

Hike Here:
Markleville Peak
http://www.summitpost.org/markleeville-peak/154986
Stay here:
http://www.sorensensresort.com/

Hike here:
Sierra Buttes
http://www.summitpost.org/sierra-buttes/150520
Stay here:
http://www.plumascounty.org/Places%20to ... sbasin.htm

You also might try the Clear Lake area:
NoonDueler has done a nice job of documenting peaks/hikes in the area:
http://www.summitpost.org/clear-lake-area/906643

This lodging in the Clear Lake basin looked interesting:
http://www.featherbedrailroad.com/

More ideas also at Old Reliable:
http://www.petesthousandpeaks.com/Capti ... drct2.html

if only day trippin you probably won't need any permits anywhere

marmaduke has good suggestions, but if you want to avoid Tahoe:

brokeoff mountain in Lassen NP, stay in Mill Creek or Chester. Hotel in Mineral is a little too uneventful. plenty of other cool stuff to see in the park too.

sierra buttes would be a good one

clearlake stuff would be kinda boring IMO, with so much good stuff in Norcal

Not really Tahoe, Hope Valley. Stay in Markleeville area, real quiet.

The best two mile hike I know is hwy 50 echo lake, from the bridge/outlet head east 100' to the ridge, then left towards Dumbo and Flagpole Peak. Great views of Tahoe basin.

Hey hey,

I'd go fer Lassen park. Any treeless hills would amaze any office dwellers, especially moon rises, stary nights, sunrises and sets. And remember to tell them the story of when the mountain was bigger, before it exploded. Hard to wrap ones mind around such power, not often seen in cubicles!!
Best
Johnny

Here is a secluded option fairly close to Sacramento. I have video of the northernmost sequoia grove from a friend. Placer County Sequoias: Auburn Ca to Foresthill Ca via Foresthill Rd 16 miles. Foresthill Ca to Bear Spring 23.5 miles via Mosquito Ridge Rd (paved but twisting-popular with motorcycles and skateboarders) to Jarvis Rd a 1.5 mile spur off Mosquito Ridge Rd. Sequoias are a 1/2 mile from its end. BTW 10 miles further on Mosquito Ridge is French Meadows Reservoir which shows up on Biker's video on you tube. The forest service could give more complete directions.