12 Secluded Sierra Spots Made For Outdoor Lovers (And 2 You Can Skip)

The Sierra Nevada mountains offer some of the most breathtaking wilderness experiences in America, with hidden gems tucked away from tourist crowds. I’ve spent years exploring these majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and ancient forests to find truly secluded spots where nature remains pristine.

Here’s my guide to 12 spectacular Sierra hideaways worth seeking out—and 2 overhyped locations you can cross off your bucket list.

1. Desolation Wilderness’s Hidden Velma Lakes

Ever dreamed of swimming in crystal-clear alpine water with nobody around? The Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness deliver exactly that experience. I discovered these gems on a backpacking trip when I veered off the more popular Tahoe trails.

You’ll need a wilderness permit, but the extra planning pays off with solitude that’s increasingly rare in the Tahoe Basin. The granite landscape surrounding these lakes creates natural infinity pools with views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.

2. Grouse Ridge’s Forgotten Trail Network

Many outdoor enthusiasts buzz right past this treasure while heading to Tahoe. Grouse Ridge, located near Nevada City, offers a network of trails connecting dozens of small lakes without the crowds you’ll find elsewhere. The high elevation (7,000+ feet) means cooler temperatures during summer months.

My favorite route links Island Lake to Glacier Lake through forests of fragrant Jeffrey pine. Camping here feels like having your own private Sierra playground. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the stocked lakes that rarely see pressure from other anglers.

3. Sonora Pass’s Secret Hot Springs

If you’re willing to hike a bit off the beaten path, these natural hot pools offer the ultimate reward. Located near Sonora Pass at 9,000 feet elevation, these geothermal wonders remain relatively unknown compared to the crowded hot springs elsewhere in California.

The mineral-rich waters are perfectly positioned to provide soakers with panoramic views of jagged peaks. I’ve spent entire evenings here watching alpenglow paint the mountains while soaking my tired hiking muscles. Pack a headlamp for the return trip, as you won’t want to leave before sunset.

4. Lost Lakes Wilderness: Truly Lost

This aptly named wilderness area lives up to its moniker by remaining one of the least visited spots in the entire Sierra range. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lost Lakes Wilderness protects a landscape of scattered alpine lakes and peaks without the name recognition of its neighbors.

You’ll find no maintained trails here—just pure backcountry navigation challenges and rewards. During my three-day exploration, I encountered more bears than humans! The fishing is extraordinary, with native trout that rarely see artificial lures. Bring good maps and navigation skills if you venture here.

5. Dinkey Lakes Wilderness’s Pristine Cirques

Don’t let the funny name fool you—there’s nothing dinky about the spectacular glacier-carved cirques in this wilderness area. Located between Yosemite and Kings Canyon, this compact wilderness packs incredible scenery into its 30,000 acres without drawing the crowds of its famous neighbors.

First Light Lake became my favorite spot after witnessing sunrise there last summer. The morning light transforms the granite walls into glowing orange cathedrals. Wildlife abounds here—I’ve spotted pine martens, deer, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring above the lakes.

6. Mokelumne Wilderness’s Secret Canyons

Hidden between the more famous Tahoe and Yosemite regions lies the Mokelumne Wilderness—home to deep canyons that few hikers ever see. The rugged terrain has kept this area pristine, with the Mokelumne River carving dramatic gorges through ancient volcanic rock.

My journey through Salt Springs Reservoir to the upper canyons revealed swimming holes with water so clear I could count pebbles 20 feet below. The diverse geology creates unusual rock formations unlike anywhere else in the Sierra. Fall brings spectacular color as aspens line the waterways with golden splendor.

7. Carson-Iceberg Wilderness’s Forgotten Valleys

While everyone flocks to Yosemite Valley, the valleys of Carson-Iceberg Wilderness remain blissfully empty. This area features bizarre volcanic formations alongside classic Sierra granite, creating a landscape photographer’s dream that few have captured.

During my week-long trek here, I discovered meadows filled with wildflowers that stretched to the horizon. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through, but most hikers are focused on making miles rather than exploring the side valleys. Murray Canyon offers particularly spectacular camping with natural stone arches framing your tent views.

8. Emigrant Wilderness’s Hidden Lakes Basin

Just north of Yosemite lies a wonderland of granite-rimmed lakes that sees a fraction of its famous neighbor’s visitors. Emigrant Wilderness features a stunning basin where dozens of lakes are connected by meandering streams and rolling granite shelves.

Y Meadow Lake became my secret spot after discovering it on an off-trail adventure. The surrounding area offers fascinating history too—old miners’ cabins and mysterious rock walls hint at the area’s gold rush past. Unlike many Sierra destinations, you can often find complete solitude here even on summer weekends.

9. Benson Lake’s Caribbean-Blue Waters

If someone blindfolded you and dropped you at Benson Lake, you might think you’d been transported to the Caribbean. This remote lake in northern Yosemite features an unusual white sand beach and striking turquoise waters that seem impossible for the Sierra Nevada.

Getting here requires a challenging multi-day trek that keeps the crowds away. I spent three glorious days having the beach entirely to myself last August. The surrounding peaks create a perfect amphitheater that traps heat, making this one of the few Sierra lakes warm enough for extended swimming.

10. Devil’s Postpile’s Secret Back Country

Most visitors see only the famous columnar basalt formation and nearby Rainbow Falls before heading back to their cars. Few realize that hiking just three miles beyond these attractions leads to a wonderland of secluded valleys and pristine lakes.

The Pacific Crest Trail provides access to this hidden realm where I’ve found empty campsites with million-dollar views. Superior Lake became my favorite discovery—a perfect oval of deep blue nestled beneath stark granite walls. The area’s volcanic history has created unusual features like natural hot springs that you might have all to yourself.

11. Golden Trout Wilderness’s Alpine Meadows

Named for California’s state fish, this southern Sierra wilderness protects some of the most spectacular high-country meadows you’ll ever see. Volcanic soils nurture extraordinarily lush grass and wildflower displays that can stretch for miles along meandering streams.

My trek to Tunnel Meadow revealed a paradise where golden trout are visible in crystal streams from the banks. The high elevation (mostly above 8,000 feet) means fewer mosquitoes than other Sierra locations. Cattle grazing is part of the area’s history, and you might encounter the occasional cowboy still moving herds through these remote pastures.

12. Thousand Island Lake’s Hidden Shores

While the main shoreline of this iconic lake can get busy in summer, few hikers venture around to the northern and eastern shores. I discovered these secluded sections offer the same postcard views of Banner Peak reflected in crystal waters—without another soul in sight.

The extra effort to circumnavigate the lake rewards you with private granite slabs perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Early morning here delivers magical mist rising off the water as alpenglow illuminates the surrounding peaks. Ambitious photographers will find compositions here that haven’t been captured thousands of times before.

13. SKIP: Emerald Bay Overlook

You’ve seen it on every Lake Tahoe postcard, and unfortunately, so has everyone else. While undeniably beautiful, the famous Emerald Bay viewpoint has become a victim of its own popularity. During my last visit, I counted over 200 people crammed into the small overlook area.

The parking situation has become nightmarish, with cars often backed up for a mile along narrow Highway 89. Even on weekdays, you’ll rarely experience anything approaching solitude here. If you must see Emerald Bay, do yourself a favor and kayak to it instead—the water approach offers similar views without the crushing crowds.

14. SKIP: Tenaya Lake Roadside Beaches

Yosemite’s Tenaya Lake gets billed as a “hidden gem,” but that description expired about 20 years ago. The easily accessible beaches along Tioga Road have become impromptu parking lots in summer, with hundreds of vehicles lining the roadside and visitors trampling sensitive shoreline vegetation.

Finding a peaceful spot here now requires arriving before 7am or after sunset. The shallow water near the popular east beach gets uncomfortably warm by mid-summer, and overuse has led to water quality concerns. For a true alpine lake experience, hike to one of the dozens of less accessible lakes in the Yosemite high country instead.