The Sierra National Forest is known as the “land of many uses” and likewise, it is a “land of many activities.” We believe in nature’s awesome ability to rejuvenate, invigorate and connect. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of our favorite activities around beautiful Bass Lake, Yosemite, and the surrounding area.

For more information, please contact The Pines Resort or call our partners at the Visit Yosemite| Madera County visitors bureau.

The Pines Resort (559)-642-3121 www.basslake.com

Visit Yosemite|Madera County (559) 683-4636 https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/

Come and experience why Sunset Magazine named Bass Lake as one of the “West’s Best Lakes!”

Cheers to the great outdoors!

BASS LAKE AREA

Watersports

Source: submitted by guest

On-site at The Pines Resort, as well as on the south side of the Lake

There are three boat rentals at Bass Lake. Bass Lake Watersports is located next to Ducey’s Restaurant, on-site at The Pines Resort. It is open year-round and has just about every type of boat and watersport equipment that you can think of. There are also two, seasonal ones on the south side of the Lake – Miller’s Landing and Forks Resort. Each offer a variety of rentals:

Kayak
Canoe
Jet Ski
Pontoon and BBQ
Wakeboard
Water Ski
Tubing
On-site of The Pines Resort or around the lake

Fishing

Bass Lake is home to the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby. Here you can catch Trout, Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Catfish, Crappie, Carp and Bluegill in Bass Lake. Read more…

Hiking Bass Lake

There are many trails surrounding Bass Lake. The three most popular trails are listed below.

Willow Creek and Angel Falls

HIKE 7 miles from The Pines Resort
Willow Creek Trail has a safer trail high above the creek, as well as the more dangerous option of climbing the rocks that line the creek. It is a very beautiful trail with lots of unique things to see, including plenty of waterfalls. Those wanting to relax can spend time playing in the creek. Although, some of the rocks are very slick and caution is advised. More…

Way of the Mono

HIKE 2 miles from The Pines Resort
The Way of the Mono trail is a very short 1 + mile loop with a scenic vista called Mono Rock, which overlooks Bass Lake. This is a great photo spot, and the very easy trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and experience levels.

Goat Mountain

HIKE 3 miles from The Pines Resort
Goat Mountain is the mountain that is located directly across the lake from The Pines Resort. It has 2 starting points, including one at Forks Campground and one at Spring Cove Campground. The trail is 4+ miles round-trip with a gain of 1,700+ ft.

Brown’s Ditch and Flume Hike

HIKE 5 miles by the Central Camp Road
The relative ease of the hike and striking views of the mountains make it a popular destination but it is not without its risks. If you don’t like heights or walking on a narrow metal grid on top of a flume as it crosses over several deep ravines, sit this hike out. Read more…

Bass Lake Scenic Drive

Distance: Around Bass Lake | 26 miles of shoreline

The drive around Bass Lake offers many places to see the lake from different perspectives. On the north side, there are many million-dollar homes and several waterfalls. On the south side, there is a beautiful lakeside drive through the Sierra National Forest with day-use beaches and more. The drive around Bass Lake is about 10 miles, but unfortunately, you cannot drive over the dam on the east end.

Biking

Bass Lake is home to some of California’s best mountain biking trails

Around Bass Lake Paved Road – Many people bike around Bass Lake with road bikes on local roads. People who want a challenging bike ride up Beasore Road, which is a very steep road that climbs up to 7,500 ft and is located directly north of The Pines Resort.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnrA5eynreU/?tagged=basslake

007 Off-road – 007 is a famous downhill mountain bike trail known around California for its flowing path and scenic mountain views. This is an advanced trail and typically would require a higher-end mountain bike with front and rear shocks.
Willow Creek Off-road – This is a very technical trail in a beautiful setting. You will see Angels Falls, Devil’s Slide, and many more waterfalls and quiet areas. All the different rock formations, trees, and moss make this trail unique.
Goat Mountain Off-road – As explained on the previous page, this trail is about 4+ miles round-trip and leads to a lookout tower with spectacular views of Yosemite.
Beasore Road Paved road with many off-road turn-off trails along the way – The paved Beasore Road is a 12.46 mile bike ride in Bass Lake with a total ascent of 3685.62 ft and a maximum elevation of 6,997.77 ft. Due to the elevation, the road may not be suitable for driving or biking until May or June once the snow has melted.

There are also many off-road trails that you will pass along the way.

Beasore Road Activities

Distance: Begins across the street from The Pines Resort

Besides bike riding, Beasore Road is also a very popular spot for all sorts of other off-road activities, including ATV, dirt bikes, snowmobiling, truck excursions, hiking and more.

Beasore Road is part of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. There are many great lookouts overlooking Bass Lake and the Sierra. One of the most popular sites is Globe Rock.

Jones Store – This historic store is set within a beautiful meadow pasture where cowboys used to bring their cattle for greener pastures during the dry summers. The store has no electricity and is closed during the winter season. They are known for their famous homemade pies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/4_22sWg5d1/?tagged=jonesstore

Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

100 miles of scenic drive through Yosemite’s backyard, often called the “Hidden Yosemite.” The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is an 82.7- mile route through the Sierra National Forest. Many examples of the Sierra’s most distinctive granite domes, meadows, and glacial valleys can be seen along the way. Read more…

PICTURE GALLERY

: Source: submitted by guest

: Photo by: Chris Mohs / Source: https://www.facebook.com/YMSPRR

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Yosemite South Entrance is 17 miles (30 min) from The Pines Resort There are many scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other interesting places to stop along the drive through Yosemite that doesn’t require hiking. Below are a few of our favorites.

Getting there: We recommend taking HWY 41 to go into Yosemite and coming back through HWY 120 (Route HWY 120 will add approximately 20 minutes to your drive back to The Pines Resort).

On April 8th, U.S. National Park Services has announced that reservation system will resume on May 21st and stay in place until September 30th, 2021. This is to stay in compliance with the recommendations from the public health officials to allow the Park to be responsive to changing conditions, protect public and employee health, and sustain park operations. Read more…

Glacier Point

Distance is 54 miles (1hr 35min) from the Pines Resort
Up close and personal eye-level view of Half Dome. This spot, along with Tunnel View, are the most popular views in Yosemite. There is a shuttle bus and a waiting line for people at Badger Pass during the peak times of visitation.

Pro tip: Go to Taft Point first. Here, you can bypass the line as they will let passengers stand at Taft Point, and then go on to Glacier Point.

Tunnel View

Distance is 43 miles (1hr75min) from The Pines Resort
This is the best place to get a view of the entire Yosemite Valley and most of the major mountains and peaks. This is the iconic postcard picture of Yosemite. They say it looks different every time you see it because of weather, sunlight, clouds, and the changing season.

Bridalveil Falls

Distance is 44 miles (1hr 20min) from the Pines Resort
Located near Tunnel View, this waterfall is very easily accessed, allowing you to get close to the base of the falls. For the more adventurous, there are boulders that you can climb to get right under the falls, but it can be dangerous as the rocks are slippery when wet. Do so at your own risk, and please read and follow all warning signs. *Construction until Fall 2021*

Lower Yosemite Falls

Distance is 50 miles (1hr 30min) from the Pines Resort
Located in Yosemite Valley, this will get you to the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Hikers can go on to climb to the very top of Yosemite Falls.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia

Home to roughly 500 giant sequoia trees, Mariposa Grove is a must-see. Hike along its popular trails, including:

Grizzly Giant Loop
2-mile hike giving you the opportunity to see Fallen Monarch, Grizzly Giant, California Tunnel Tree, and the Bachelor & Three Graces.
Mariposa Grove Trail
- 7-mile hike that will take you to the beautiful Wawona Point, the upper grove, and the Grizzly Giant Loop.
Guardians Loop
- 5-mile hike including Grizzly Giant Loop and the upper grove.

Other Yosemite Attractions

Yosemite Valley Attractions Distance is 47 miles (1hr 25min) from the Pines Resort

Ansel Adams Museum – Ansel Adams is the most famous photographer of Yosemite and has a museum, studio, and camera store located in the Village. *closed due to covid*
Yosemite Visitors Center – Year-round facility offering Yosemite maps & brochures, nature exhibits, a theater, and a bookstore.
Ahwahnee Hotel – Built in the 1920s the Hotel is an architectural gem with huge rock columns, wood beams, high ceilings, massive fireplaces, and a beautiful setting. It looks like something straight out of Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. This is a nice place to grab lunch or a drink, even if you are not staying here.

Yosemite National Park | Hiking

Amongst other things, Yosemite is well-known for its epic hikes. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite in an intimate way, away from the crowds. It’s a great bonding experience as well as a wonderful, therapeutic workout.

Mirror Lake Trail

This is one of the only trails in Yosemite that is open year-round. It starts at the very end of the Yosemite Valley and is located at the base of Half Dome.

Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: minimal

Taft Point

This is one of the most breathtaking lookouts in Yosemite. It is an easy hike through the woods that leads to a sheer 1 km cliff looking out over Yosemite Valley. The sunsets here are amazing.

Distance: 2.2 mile (3.5 km) round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hour(s)
Elevation gain: 200 feet (60 meters) descent
Closed to hiking in winter (roughly Nov-May)

Mist Trail (Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall)

This is one of the most popular trails in the park. Here you can see two waterfalls, that flow from the same river. The lower portion is open year-round, but the upper portion closes depending on the weather in the winter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnrIq1Xhlv_/?tagged=misttrailyosemite

Yosemite Falls Trail

Being the tallest waterfall in North America makes this a very strenuous hike, but very doable for anyone of a moderate fitness level. The top portion is very vertical and filled with switchbacks going up the mountainside. It is all south- facing, meaning there is a lot of sun, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Open year- round, depending on weather conditions.

Pro tip: You can bypass the line for the shuttle to Glacier Point if you say you are going to Taft Point in the summertime when it is busy. You can also continue the trail in the other direction to Sentinal Dome which is about the same distance hike.

Clouds Rest

One of the most beautiful 360-degree lookouts in Yosemite. This is a strenuous hike along a narrow ridge and is not for the faint of heart. We recommend starting at Tenaya Lake, which is located along Tioga Pass.

Distance:14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip
Clouds Rest Elevation: 9,926 feet (3,025 meters)
Elevation Gain:1,775 feet (540 meters)
Closed winter-spring

OTHER AREA ACTIVITIES

Yosemite is open year-round with access from HWY 41 (south gate) and HWY140 (west gate) is open all year. The trails and lookouts above 6,000 ft elevation are closed in winter through mid-spring due to snow. There are still many activities to partake in during the winter.

Badger Pass Ski Resort

Snowboard, Ski, Tubing, Cross country ski rentals, Snow show rentals | (209) 372-8430