Hiking
You will absolutely fall in love with the network of trails that wind trough the Camp Nelson area. Some of the trails are just off the main highway and run not to far from it. Though, you would never know you were so close, it does provide a degree of safety for those who don't want to venture too far. Other paths run through the parklands and wind around mountain meadows and pass creeks and streams. The choice of hiking degrees of difficulty is yours to make.

Back Packing
A Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are many dirt roads & trails in order to get to some of these spots. This lush pine forest is convenient & close to Bakersfield & Fresno. Camping is allowed any place on mineral soil 100 feet from trail or water. (no camping on meadows) Ground fires are only allowed with fire permit. Check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping rules.

Bouldering & Climbing
The granite faces and chimneys are what this part of the sierra is known for. If you don't have equipment, there's plenty of free-climbing available on medium to large boulders and smaller outcroppings. The area is diverse and breathtaking, so come and enjoy all that Camp Nelson has to offer.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is available at the packing station a few miles up the hill from the lodge.

Photography
Beautiful shots abound in this high country setting. You will burn up your film or media stick on the various scenics, animals, and wildflowers in the area. You'll also get great snapshots of people having fun, because that's what we do here.

Fishing
Camp Nelson is the gateway to the Golden Trout Wilderness. Local guides are available and fly fishing is the name of the game here. If you're looking to just have fun and maybe pass on the art of angling to your kids, our local streams are easy to show kids a rewarding time. The fishing is easy and they bite all summer long here. So drop a lure or a worm and have some fun.

Hunting
You'll find specatular hunting for big game, upland game and challenging varmint hunting around Camp Nelson. The area is particularly known for bear hunting and quail. Fall sees a mix of hunting options for licensed hunters in the area. There are even special youth hunts nearby in Springville, put on by the Hunter Heritage program in association with the California Fish and Game Department. Be sure to sign up early and get a good night's rest here at the lodge before your morning hunt.

Amateur Astronomy
The clear mountain air and the lack of city light glare enhances the night sky. The heavens seem so close you can touch them. Stars, unseeable in the low country are visible here, and fill the night sky like you can't imagine. Bring your telescopes, or even binoculars. You will enjoy a rare treat seeing astral phenomena that you don't see at home. Make sure you're here for the meteor showers in August for a brilliant night display of natural fireworks.

Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is popular in the Upper Tule Recreation Area. The Bakersfield Snowmobilers Club is a good source of information. Here is a link to their web page describing snowmobiling near Quaking Aspen and Ponderosa.

Cross-Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is very popular in the Sequoia National Monument. Skis can be rented at Ponderosa about 13 miles up the mountain from Nelson Lodge. Additional information.

Dome Rock
Drive two miles south of Ponderosa on the Great Western Divide Highway (190) to road 21S69. Follow the dirt road until it ends. From there it's a short hike to the top of Dome Rock. You can see the Kern Canyon 3000 feet below, the giant granite needles, and Lake Isabella. Dome Rock is also a popular spot for amateur astronomers.

Camp Nelson Trail
A short distance from the lodge, this trail crosses mountain streams and passes giant Sequoias. The full length of the trail takes a couple of hours down and three hours up. It is well worth the effort, but from the lodge you can hike a short distance on the trail and see some beautiful sites. From the lodge drive east on Nelson Drive until the road ends. The trail head is at the end of the road.