Quieter California and Nevada parks draw fewer crowds than popular spots

The destinations showcase quieter alternatives to well-known outdoor attractions in California and Nevada. Near Tahoe, Wrights Lake offers camping, hiking and paddling, while Calaveras Big Trees State Park has giant sequoias, trails and river access for a modest day-use fee. Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a sparsely visited destination where fall brings colorful foliage, longer dark-sky viewing and generally fewer crowds than summer. Mono Lake features mineral formations rising from saline waters against a Sierra Nevada backdrop, and Castle Crags State Park offers granite spires, hiking and views of Mount Shasta. Sacramento-area hikes include foothill and river routes at Cronan Ranch, Hidden Falls Regional Park and historic Stevens Trail, as well as waterfall and wetlands walks; some require advance parking reservations or preparation for heat and challenging climbs.