Lover's Leap -- 3 miles roundtrip, Strawberry, CA --
August 28, 2016As of now, this hike is our "go-to" hike for whenever family or friends come in town. With a 600' climb towards the end of the hike, it offers enough challenge to satisfy any fitness gurus that may be hiking along with you while still remaining hike-able for younger kids and beginner hikers.
The trailhead is located within Camp Sacramento, which is past the village of Strawberry. Parking is on your lefthand side after you turn off of highway 50 for Camp Sacramento. It is about a 5 minute walk up and through the camp to the start of the trail. It feels a little wonky to start your hike in the middle of a summer camp, but it is a short walk to the trailhead and trust me you want to start this way! There is another trailhead starting from the Strawberry Lodge side that gains 1,000' in 1.5 miles. We did not do this hike from the Strawberry Lodge starting point and do not suggest it for kids or beginner hikers.
Right from the start you will encounter Aspen groves, trickling waterfalls, and wildflowers. As you are walking on the trail there will be 2 XP trails, first on the left and the second on the right, just keep on walking straight.
Towards the end of the trail it gets steep and a little slippery. The trail floor switches from dirt to crumbly granite, so watch little feet extra carefully (and your own!). About when the elevation started to climb is when our 4 year old started to fade, and rightfully so, it was steep! If this happens to you, I encourage you to keep on hiking! Take it slow. The top offers gorgeous views of Ralston Peak, Horsetail Falls, Pyramid Peak, and the American River.
It is extremely windy at the top, which adds to the beauty of the hike. Watching the tops of old hardwood trees sway in the wind against the unreal blue mountain sky is mesmerizing. Watch children and your own steps carefully. The face of Lover's Leap is a popular place for climbers and is a sheer 600' drop off from the top. With the gusting wind and slippery granite, my momma bear anxiety had me holding on tight to my son's arm, shoulder, hand- whatever I could grasp and squeeze! Make sure you do take a peak (without the kids) over the edge of the cliff though, it'll get your heart beating faster.
Pack a lunch and have a picnic up top. It's the best outdoor seating with a view you'll ever enjoy. Keep an eye out for chipmunks though, they are notoriously sneaky and greedy for goldfish.
Before you head home make sure to stop and get an espresso at the general store in Strawberry!
DETAILS
LOCATION: Lover's Leap is a landmark granite dome that can be see off of highway 50. After you pass Twin Bridges, drive another 1.25 miles and you will see a sign for Camp Sacramento. Turn off and follow the driveway to the lower parking lot, near the archery ranger. Walk up the road past the camp to the trailhead, you will pass the main lodge and dining hall.
LENGTH: 3 miles round trip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate hike, the 'moderate' part being the last 1/4 mile being uphill and on granite.
PARKING: Free- park at the lower parking lot for Camp Sacramento
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