OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Mountain Biking

  • Hit the trail on some sweet single track trails around Bass Lake. A few of our favorites include:
    007
    Goat Mountain
    Willow Creek
    Mary Jane

    For maps and detailed information, rentals tours check out

    Pedal Forward

    Offerings: Bicycle Repair & Rental, Bike Accessories, Concierge Services including Detailed recommendations on where to ride, hike, and recreate based on your ability and interests.

    Address: 40761 Highway 41 #4 Oakhurst, CA 93644

    Phone: 559-676-8842

  • Here is a decent outline to help you find your trail.
    Trail Forks Maps

  • Get a glimpse at some single track trails around Bass Lake with this mini video: Mountain Bike Bass Lake

Swimming and Water Fun

  • Manzanita Lake is a smaller of the beaten path option. Head like your are heading to the south shores of Bass Lake. You will see Manzanita Lake on the right as you make your way along the country road.

  • The popular Bass Lake is a short drive. From Jackass Hostel, we suggest heading towards the South Shore of Bass Lake. Head toward Millers Landing and the Forks Resort. You can explore along the shore. Park in a designated parking area (Fees may apply) or find a pull out near a beach location.

  • Redinger Lake provides additional options with a bit more of a country drive. Great if you are want to take the back roads towards Sequoia National Park.

Visit Giant Sequoias

  • Located 30 miles (48 km) from Jackass Hostel, and just a few miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

    Learn more here: NPS Mariposa Grove

    Mariposa Grove Hiking Trails Link

  • This is a great resource for a hike among the Giant Sequoias. See the article here: Hiking Amongst the Giants

  • NOTE: Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is currently closed for restoration.

    Where: Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove.
    Distance: 6.28 miles, but you can walk much farther or shorter if you wish
    Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    Elevation Range: 5,109′ – 6,040′
    Date: December 2, 2020

    For trail details see full article here: Hiking Nelder Grove Through The Burned Tress to the Granddad Tree

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail and road conditions before heading out: (559) 683-4636

  • This is about a 3 hour drive from Jackass Hostel. Great to visit on your way out of the hostel or to the hostel if you are traveling to or from the LA area.

    Info: Sequoia National Park

Hiking Half Dome

  • Great short trail. Recommended for sunsets/sunrises over Bass Lake and a short drive from the hostel.

    Self-interpretive .6 mile loop trail showing uses of plants among the Mono Indians. (Some signs missing/defaced). Features nice views of Bass Lake.

    For more information visit Hikespeak.com

  • The Willow Creek trail is / Angel Falls is a 3.1 mile loop along a stunning water way and is one of our FAVORITES.

    You’ll pass great views, and lots of swimming holes. Please remember not to swim above the falls! This trail is rated dangerous in certain seasons.

    This is a BUSY trail. We recommend getting there early or hiking on weekdays instead of weekends.

    For more info: Willow Creek Trail

  • Short and sweet with big reward located in the Sierra National Forest.

    Approximately 1 hour drive from Jackass Hostel

    Where: Sierra National Forest
    Distance: 1.8 miles
    Difficulty: Easy to moderate
    Elevation Range: 7,184′ – 7,503′

    For trail details see the full article here: Hiking Up To Fresno Dome

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail conditions: (559) 683-4636

  • The Lewis Creek National Scenic Trail to Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail.

    Located about 25 miles (30 min drive) from Jackass Hostel. This trail features waterfalls, beautiful spring flora and is rated as moderate. Best hiked from March until November.

    For trails details see: Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail conditions: (559) 683-4636

Hikes Nearest the Hostel

Day Hikes in Yosemite

  • Located about 33 miles (53 km) from Jackass Hostel inside the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park in Wawona, Chilnualna Falls is an awesome day hike.

    Where: Yosemite National Park
    Distance: 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with options to go farther
    Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    Elevation Range: 4,171′ – 6,340′
    Elevation Gain: 2,148′

    For trail details see the full article: Hiking Up Chilnualna Falls

  • Start in Yosemite Valley. Explore along The Mist trail.

    Where: Yosemite National Park
    Distance: 9.29 Miles (15 km)
    Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    Elevation Range: 3,992′ – 6,044′
    Elevation Gain: 2,845′

    For trail details see full article: Looped Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls

  • The hike of all days hikes. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is an icon. This super challenging hike requires planning ahead PLUS, you will need a permit to summit.

    Be prepared more info: Hike Half Dome

    Apply for Half Dome Permit

  • A stunning trail along the tallest waterfall in North America. This challenging hike gains about 3,00 feet in 3 miles offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.

    For more detailed info: Hiking Guy Yosemite Falls

    Plus check out this live view: Yosemite Falls Live View

Sunset Hikes

  • Way of the Mono Trail (Great Sunset Hike on Bass Lake)

    Great short trail. Recommended for sunsets/sunrises over Bass Lake and a short drive from the hostel.

    Self-interpretive .6 mile loop trail showing uses of plants among the Mono Indians. (Some signs missing/defaced). Features nice views of Bass Lake.

    For more information visit Hikespeak.com

  • 1.5 hour drive from hostel. A fairly easy 1.8 miles out and back with HUGE reward.

    This is a stunning location to watch the sunset over Yosemite Valley.

    Taft Point shares a trail head with Sentinel Dome.

    For more information: Taft Point Yosemite

  • 1.5 hour drive from hostel. Shares a trailhead with Taft Point.

    This trail features open granite with a minor scramble up to the top of the dome. The reward is 360-degree views of the park. Great from sunset, full moon, sunrise and meteor showers!

    For more information: Sentinel Dome Yosemite

  • 1 hour and 45 min drive from hostel. Glacier Point is a stunning overlook featuring views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and the high country.

    Learn more: Glacier Point Yosemite

  • Located just over an hour from the hostel in the Sierra National Forest. Fresno Dome is for the more adventurous folk. The the hike itself is fairly short and clearly marked, the road to get there is the adventure.

    You’ll find yourself traveling along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Sections of the road will be dirt and may be a bit bumpy in areas.

    Short and sweet with big reward located in the Sierra National Forest.

    Where: Sierra National Forest

    Distance: 1.8 miles

    Difficulty: Easy to moderate

    Elevation Range: 7,184′ – 7,503′

    For trail details see the full article here: Hiking Up To Fresno Dome

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail conditions: (559) 683-4636

Backpacking

  • You’ll need a permit to backpack in Yosemite. Apply here: Yosemite Backpacking Permit

  • A permit is required to backpack in the Sierra National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness. You can attain a permit along with maps and up to date information at the Bass Lake Ranger District Office.

    Phone: 559-877-2218

    Address: 57002 Road 225 North Fork, CA 93643

    We recommend you contact before your trip to check road conditions. Some roads have been closed due past wildfires.

  • We are gathering recommendations and will be sharing soon.