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Amador County

Pioneer

Gateway to the High Sierra

~3,200 3,100 ft

Pioneer is a mountain community along Highway 88 in upper Amador County, serving as the gateway to Kirkwood ski resort and the stunning Carson Pass region. Surrounded by tall pines and granite peaks, Pioneer offers a four-season outdoor lifestyle with skiing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking all within easy reach. The town provides essential services and a laid-back mountain atmosphere for residents and travelers alike.

Where to Eat

  • Pioneer Market & Deli
  • Far Horizons 49er Village restaurant
  • Nearby Kirkwood dining

Where to Shop

  • Pioneer General Store
  • Mountain hardware and supply shops

Things to Do

Ski or snowboard at Kirkwood

Hit the slopes at one of Tahoe's best-kept-secret resorts

Fish at Bear River Reservoir

Cast a line for trout in a beautiful mountain lake setting

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

Access the PCT from Carson Pass for jaw-dropping wildflower hikes

Mountain biking

Ride singletrack through pine forests and granite terrain

Activities & Destinations

CampingFishingBoating

Bear River Resort

An all-season mountain resort at 6,000 feet on Bear River Reservoir, offering camping, fishing, boating, and deluxe lodging units 42 miles east of Jackson.

5 activities →

Where to Stay

RV Park & Cabins

Far Horizons 49er Village

Family-friendly campground with cabins, RV sites, and a pool

Campground & Cabins

Bear River Resort

Lakeside cabins and campsites at Bear River Reservoir

Ski Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Slope-side condos and lodges for ski season and summer adventures