Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
The trail begins at an unsigned dirt path in Bear Valley about 150 fee east of the large parking area.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
The first portion of trail follows the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail, and markers can be followed at trail forks.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
The route is about 3.4 miles one way, though two parallel trails can make it a semi-loop if it's hiked as a round trip.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
The smooth grades and meandering path make this trail popular among mountain bikers.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
A wood sign marks the fork. Both trails ultimately reach Lake Alpine in about the same distance.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
The Lake Alpine trail fork tends to be more scenic and more crowded, while remaining closer to the route of Highway 4.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
Lake Alpine is a popular recreational lake destination, with day use spaces, camping, boat rentals and swimming areas.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
If returning on the Emigrant Trail, a path signed as the Lakeshore Trail leads to the looping path back to Bear Valley.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
A trail signed as Emigrant Trail follows an interior route on the south side of Osbourn Ridge back toward Bear Valley.
Shaun Hunter
Photo Date: 
09/07/2020
Several natural freshwater springs flow from the mountainside along the Emigrant Trail.