Sacramento: Pinecrest Lake Loop
Giant stands of ponderosa pine alternate with patches of wildflowers along the rugged shorelines of Pinecrest and Catfish lakes on this isolated 5.9-mile loop.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 8.1
Waypoints
PCL001
Location: 38.1938133239746, -119.993392944336
Trail follows W bank of Pinecrest Lake
PCL002
Location: 38.1940498352051, -119.992958068848
Pass dock and cabins on R; continue under tall ponderosas
PCL003
Location: 38.1961212158203, -119.987380981445
Trail leads to giant granite outcrop; wildflowers litter treeless sections
PCL005
Location: 38.2001495361328, -119.982032775879
Bear L @ Y onto less-traveled trail; listen for the tap-a-tap of woodpeckers drilling for lunch
PCL006
Location: 38.2077827453613, -119.978050231934
Old-growth forests frame lower Catfish Lake; head N to second lake
PCL007
Location: 38.2090606689453, -119.977401733398
Upper Catfish Lake; return to main Pinecrest Lake trail
PCL008
Location: 38.2009201049805, -119.971168518066
Cross South Fork Stanislaus River; rocky outcrop ahead
PCL009
Location: 38.1945724487305, -119.977119445801
Good location for a quiet picnic lunch
PCL010
Location: 38.1901359558106, -119.987167358398
Trail turns into pavement; trek .6 mile through Pinecrest Campground back to car
PCL004
Location: 38.199577331543, -119.989311218262
Fine views across picturesque blue waters