California

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near California

  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit

    3.5 mi / 1900 ft gain
    For this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...
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  • Kern County, California

    Camp Under Red Rock Canyon

    Red Rock Canyon is a must stop for those driving along Highway 14 between the Owens and Antelope Valleys. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range and features scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and spectacular rock formations. Each tributary ...
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  • Santa Margarita, California

    Photograph Wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument

    5.0
    Driving in from Hwy 58 East, you will be passing through a grapevine, and through some hills. Once you hit the Seven Mile Road, you will start to see fields of yellow flowers all around you - this is where the adventure starts. Just continue to drive along the road until you find a great spot to ...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Bean Hollow State Beach

    5.0
    There are a bunch of places to photograph this beach if you head north on the trail that runs along the beach. There is parking at the beach but it can fill up quickly! The only warning you need is about the tide. Make sure you are watching it the entire time because it can creep up on you and ...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Pick Berries at Swanton's Berry Farm

    Take a spectacularly scenic drive or bike ride out to this quaint coastal berry farm. Look out onto the shimmering ocean while you pick the ripest and sweetest berries yourself. Head inside their shop to enjoy pre-made jams, pies, chocolate covered strawberries, and so much more. While you're ins...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin

    30 mi / 3375 ft gain
    Before heading out, you will need to get a backpacking permit to stay overnight in this area. You can buy one here to pick up in town at the Bishop, CA Ranger Station, in the morning.The trailhead begins at North Lake campground (9,345'), in a beautiful lush area, with streams and aspen groves. A...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake

    16 mi / 4265 ft gain
    Nestled in the heights of the Trinity Alps, this hike to Alpine Lake is not for the faint of heart. Before embarking on this adventure call the Weaverville Ranger station to check snow levels as well as the flow of the Stuart Fork River. If you are too early in the summer season the snowpack wi...
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  • Orick, California

    Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop

    5.0
    19.42 mi / 2799 ft gain
    This is the itinerary for our 3 day backpacking trip at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in early May. The original plan was to backpack Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park.  A couple issues stopped us from doing that: The water level was too high in May and multiple Park Rangers warne...
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  • San Diego, California

    Battle Mountain's Cross

    5.0
    0.45 mi / 256 ft gain
    This is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Backpack to Lower Rock Lake

    3 mi / 713 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...
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  • Topanga, California

    Top of Topanga Overlook

    1 mi / 1613 ft gain
    The Top of Topanga Overlook is where you can simply park your car, and sit in one of the benches to view the San Fernando Valley. But there is one hiking trail in that area which lets you get better vantage points, as well as a quick workout. Once you get to the overlook, park your car and safel...
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  • Etna, California

    Hike to the Etna Mountain Summit

    6 mi / 800 ft gain
    To 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...
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  • Yosemite Village, California

    Watch the Sunset in El Capitan Meadow

    After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss).Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage.  With these items in hand, walk over to the eas...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 505 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP

    2.4 mi / 900 ft gain
    Inspiration 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...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike Training Hill

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 1126 ft gain
    Training 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...
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