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

  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    This is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach.  Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach.  The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline.  This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Milagra Overlook Trail

    5.0
    2.51 mi / 558 ft gain
    Found this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view!   Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...
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  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Douglas City Campground

    The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Emerald Pools

    4.0
    0.68 mi / 49 ft gain
    Emerald Pools is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Emigrant Gap, California.
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Pirate's Cove

    5.0
    3.43 mi / 856 ft gain
    Pirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Leggett, California

    Taber Nature Trail

    0.81 mi / 217 ft gain
    Signs at the trail head for the Taber Trail state it is 1.1 miles long. That is much shorter than the actual 1.8 miles my GPS put it at. The trail sign also claims it is wheelchair accessible. I can see that for a little ways but as the trail begins to climb, I think this would be a tough go.  Th...
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  • San Anselmo, California

    Hiking the Alpi Pontine - Pizzo Diei and Mount Cistella

    12 mi / 4517.7 ft gain
    Drive to the San Domenico ski resort, a lovely small Italian alpine town where you will start. There you can opt to ride the cable car and save yourself about 450 meters of hiking up through ski tracks that are beautiful but will not add much to the adventure and which will already be very energy...
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  • San Jose, California

    Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park

    3.0
    9 mi / 72 ft gain
    This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...
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  • Laguna Niguel, California

    Colinas Ridge Trail

    2.01 mi / 131 ft gain
    First, you'll be parking in the parking lot for the dog park. It's free parking and there are roughly 40 spaces, so there is plenty of parking. I've never seen more than 20 cars here at any one time. Once parked you'll find the trail head/ start on the northwest side of the lot (opposite the dog ...
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  • Fish Camp, California

    Wawona Point via Mariposa Grove

    6.86 mi / 1486 ft gain
    There is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the park...
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  • Orcutt, California

    Hike or Trail Run the Rice Ranch Trail

    4.0
    3.2 mi / 400 ft gain
    Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and o...
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  • Trabuco Canyon, California

    Hike the Bellview to Dove Lake Trail

    2.5 mi / 75 ft gain
    This hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...
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  • Chino Hills, California

    Adobe Loop

    3.0
    1.92 mi / 312 ft gain
    The best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bowden Ranch Trail

    4.0
    3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain
    This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout!  It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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  • Alpine County, California

    Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop

    6.6 mi / 1272 ft gain
    This hike begins near the Woods Lake campground. Start off by hiking towards Winnemucca Lake. You will begin your journey going through the forest beside a crystal-clear stream. Soon the trail opens up to become more open, full of all colours of wild flowers. You follow this breathtaking trail up...
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