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
-
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail
1 mi / 100 ft gainKnown as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach...Read more -
Santee, California
Crystal Cave
4.00.46 mi / 59 ft gainStarting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it. Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or ...Read more -
Plumas County, California
Little Jamison Falls
3.01.89 mi / 495 ft gainTo get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bouldering In The Buttermilks
5.0The Buttermilks is a historical climbing area that is home to some of the worlds most famous rock climbs. It is located at the base of the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, CA. In this region there are 3 main bouldering areas: The Happies, The Sads, and The Buttermilks.The Buttermilks are massive gr...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Ladyface Peak
4.52.05 mi / 971 ft gainLadyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...Read more -
Campo, California
Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus
4.5From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike the East Molera Trail
3.2 mi / 1390 ft gainHoused in Andrew Molera State Park, the East Molera Trail is easily accessible from Highway 1 with parking and restrooms available to hikers. A $10.00 entry fee is required but also provides entrance to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park just a few miles down the road.The trail head is located east of t...Read more -
Olympic Valley, California
Thunder Mountain Trail
5.03.19 mi / 1939 ft gainThe Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Palisades Alpine Meadows. Palisades may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain ...Read more -
San Geronimo, California
Roys Redwood Preserve Loop
5.02.37 mi / 430 ft gainRoy's Redwoods Preserve is an easily missed pocket of Redwoods off Nicasio Valley Road in Marin County. Don't miss it: heading North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd--the gate for this little park is about a half mile up on the right. From the main entrance you enter a ...Read more -
Napa, California
Lake Marie Road, Marie Creek, Buckeye Trail Loop
3.55.8 mi / 961 ft gainEnter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...Read more -
Cambria, California
Camp at San Simeon State Park
4.0San Simeon has two campgrounds to choose from – San Simeon Creek Campground has 115 campsites for tent or RV camping. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and nearby there is firewood for sale. Your other choice is the primitive Washburn Campground, located 1 mile inland. From this plateau, y...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Off-Road Jacoby Canyon
2.9 miThis is now my favorite trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ranging from desert scenes at the bottom and pine trees at the top, you experience such high levels of outdoors feel you can't resist. This trail has so many awesome spots for camping and off-roading that it has a great mix for ...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...Read more -
Ventura, California
Potato Harbor via North Bluff Trail
4.49 mi / 463 ft gainThe 4.5-mile North Bluff Trail traverses the colossal cliffs of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park from Scorpion Anchorage to Potato Harbor. Arrive via an Island Packers boat to Scorpion Anchorage and, upon disembarking, walk straight ahead. Just past the restrooms (one of only tw...Read more -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
1 mi / 20 ft gainThis old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop
5.08.65 mi / 1722 ft gainThe hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods. HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...Read more