Backpacking & Hiking
Backpacking and hiking trails are popular with enthusiasts throughout the Sierra Nevada.
Breathtaking scenery accompanies hiking opportunities for all skill levels both on and off the trail
through the spectacular wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and
Sequoia
& Kings Canyon National Parks.
Popular locations include Kaiser Peak,
Shaver Lake, Tamarack Ridge, Tollhouse and Wishon.
Contact the Yosemite,
Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks and the
Sierra National Forest for trail
information. Equipment rental, supplies, introductory classes and trail information is also available through
Yosemite Fitness -
5075 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno, CA, (559) 229-ROCK (7625)
Cycling
Designated bike trails can be found throughout Fresno and Clovis. (Bikeways map) Especially popular is the route leading from
Woodward Park through Friant
to Millerton Lake.
For bikeway maps call (559) 233-4148. Bicycle rentals are also available year-round in
Yosemite at Yosemite Lodge,
(209) 372-1208, and at Curry Village from April through October. (209) 372-8319
Bird Watching
Fresno County offers many locations for viewing birds in spectacular natural habitats for beginning
to advanced birders. From urban ponds to lakes, foothills and wilderness birders can find many birds
including Hawks, Grebes, Ducks, Falcons, Plovers, Gulls, Doves, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, Mockingbirds,
Swallows, Jays, Robins, Starlings, Warblers, Sparrows and Blackbirds.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers bald eagle
tours in January and February – Reservations required. (559) 822-2332
Horseback Riding
Yosemite National Park offers two-hour, half-day
guided trips, or a special all-day trip to the Valley’s rim, (209) 372-8348. Packing trips are available
through Yosemite Trails Pack Station in Fish Camp at (559) 683-7611, D & F Pack Station at
Huntington Lake, (559) 893-3220, and Horse Corral
Pack Station in Sequoia National Forest,
(559) 565-3404. For horsepacking around Edison
and Florence lakes,
call the High Sierra Pack Station, (559) 299-8297 (winter) or (559) 285-7225 (summer).
Horseback riding is also available for guests and visitors at
Wonder Valley Ranch.
Mountain Climbing
Yosemite Mountaineering School can fit the
needs of beginners and advanced climbers. (209) 372-8344
Off-Highway Routes
There are 19 off-highway vehicle routes and one motorcycle area available in the
Sierra National Forest.
They range from 2 to 30 miles in length and 1,800 to 9,500 feet. The routes are generally open June through
November. Call (559) 297-0706 for information.
Rock Climbing
Popular climbing adventures abound in Fresno County, Courtright Reservoir
being one of the favorites with locals. Contact the Sierra National Forest
at (559) 297-0706 or
Yosemite Fitness
at (559) 229-ROCK (7625)
See also:
Courtright Reservoir (Lakes & Rivers)
Cross Country Skiing (Winter Sports)
Skiing (Winter Sports)
San Joaquin River Parkway (Lakes & Rivers)
Whitewater Rafting (Water Recreation)
Wishon Reservoir (Lakes & Rivers)
Yosemite Fitness
(Amusements)