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

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California

    Hike Deer Hollow Farm Trail

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 259 ft gain
    Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails.  Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering aroun...
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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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  • Tahoe City, California

    Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

    3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
    Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
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  • Fairfax, California

    Lake Lagunitas

    4.0
    1.68 mi / 0 ft gain
    Located near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...
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  • San Diego, California

    Mission Trails 5 Peaks

    15 mi
    The 15-ish mile route we took made it a great workout, but it didn’t crush us. We left the apartment at 6 am and were back home with plenty of time to prep cook and eat a big dinner before 5 pm. Although I completed the hike in 1 day(and I highly recommend it)many people completed each hike indi...
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  • Tecopa, California

    Hike the Amargosa River Trail

    8.9 mi / 561 ft gain
    Explore the beauty of the Mojave Desert and its wide-open tranquil spaces with this easy 5 mile hike beginning in the parking lot at the China Ranch Date Farm. This is a primitive trail that follows the historic T&T railroad grade, through Amargosa Canyon with washed out remnants of the old t...
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  • Saratoga, California

    Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop

    2.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop

    5.0
    16.03 mi / 5177 ft gain
    Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.
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  • Platina, California

    Hike to Massacre Natural Bridge

    5.0
    1 mi
    Natural Bridge is a historic/geologic site located near Hayfork, CA off Wildwood Road near Chanchelulla Peak in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To get there take Hwy 36 or 299 to Hwy 3/Hayfork, then take Wildwood Road to Forest Service Road 31N19 (unpaved)- Natural Bridge is a mile or two off...
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Hike around the Dumont Dunes

    5.0
    Dumont Dunes is an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area administered by the Bureau of Land Management as a recreational area for off-road vehicle sports, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and rock collecting. While most people come here to ride ATVs across the dunes, we opted to take a hike up the dunes ...
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  • San Rafael, California

    Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail

    5.0
    5.85 mi / 1089 ft gain
    This San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail.  This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

    4.5
    2.63 mi / 587 ft gain
    The Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail.  The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...
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