California
Looking for the best hiking in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near California
-
Etna, California
Hike to the Etna Mountain Summit
6 mi / 800 ft gainTo start off, you're going to want to navigate to the Etna Summit Trailhead (5956 ft). There's a small parking lot off to the side and we did not need any passes for our overnight trip. Since the summit isn't the main destination for many people in this area, you'll want to follow the Pacific Cre...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP
2.4 mi / 900 ft gainInspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bri...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead
6.67 mi / 1273 ft gainParking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park
4.82.3 mi / 505 ft gainThe Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...Read more -
Auburn, California
Hike Training Hill
4.54.5 mi / 1126 ft gainTraining Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon. The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River. Training Hill is r...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Camp at Hole In the Wall Campground
5.0You may think a desert is barren and ugly with little to offer the avid outdoorsman. The truth is very far from that. The Mojave, like any other great outdoor location offers great hikes, amazing views, wildlife, and a night sky that is hard to beat anywhere else. The Mojave just like all great d...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Chilnualna Falls
4.37.81 mi / 2277 ft gainMany visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnual...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Summit Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route
5.05 mi / 6600 ft gainWith over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...Read more -
Groveland, California
Wapama Falls
4.71 mi / 623 ft gainHetch Hetchy has a completely different character than other areas of Yosemite National Park, and the hike to Wapama Falls is an excellent way to explore this relatively remote section of the park. You can only imagine what this valley looked liked before it was dammed and is second to none compa...Read more -
Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Head Nature Trail
4.71.67 mi / 121 ft gainSitting west of the San Andrea fault, the Bodega Head is a massive chunk of granite from the Salinian Block, a geological terrane that contains Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands, and shares its origins with the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Head itself having been carried hundreds of miles to t...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Placerville, California
Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
5.0Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT
5.020 mi / 2000 ft gainThis trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
McCloud, California
Algoma Campground
The Algoma Campsite is a free campsite along the Upper Portion of the McCloud River. It features eight sites and a pit toilet. Unlike the other campgrounds in the area, this site receives very little traffic and has no fee. To get there, take SR 89 east from the McCloud Ranger Station for 13 mi...Read more