California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Big Sur, California
Explore San Carpoforo Creek
4.0Just south of Ragged Point, San Carpoforo Creek is an open beach that is fun to explore. There is a quick hike from the highway to the beach. During heavy rain years, the creek will be flowing deeper, so you might need to do some swimming. There are waves occasionally here with a couple of surfe...Read more -
Escondido, California
Clevenger Canyon South West Trail
5.04.39 mi / 1099 ft gainClevenger Canyon South West Trail located in San Diego is a moderately challenging 4.4-mile round-trip hike with expansive views of the San Pasqual Valley and surrounding peaks. Located near the northern edge of the Clevenger Canyon area, the trail takes you through open, exposed terrain with ste...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Vulcan Steps
5.00.18 mi / 79 ft gainVulcan Steps is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
Salinas, California
Hike or Trail Run around Toro Park
Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills ofToro Park. For a $2 admission fee you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. While the map ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike down to Jade Cove
2.00.3 mi / 65 ft gainThe entrance to jade cove is off the side of the road on Hwy 1. There is lots of side parking available. You go down a short unmarked trail and keep left. You'll find yourself at the top of a cliff/mountain side that uses 2 ropes to get down. The first rope is short and not super difficult. ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Ocean Overlook Loop Trail
4.02.7 mi / 397 ft gainOcean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Descanso Steps
4.00.1 mi / 20 ft gainThe steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. Cool relics of a mostly-forgotten past. These particular steps take you down from...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Wedding Rock Trail
5.00.23 mi / 85 ft gainWedding Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.Read more -
Wawona, California
Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park
This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...Read more -
Canyon Lake, California
Kabian Memorial Park Loop
5.03.48 mi / 335 ft gainKabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.Read more -
Ventura, California
Cycle Santa Ana Road
6.5 mi / 500 ft gainThe Santa Ana to Lake Casitas via Foster Park segment of Santa Ana Road is a gorgeous, 6.5 mile road that cuts through the heart of Ventura Canyon. Santa Ana Road eventually ends at Casitas Road and the Lake Casitas Recreation Area. From there you can go west over over the pass and down to the Ri...Read more -
Little Lake, California
Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway
5.0197.06 mi / 9354 ft gainEastern Sierra Scenic Byway is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Little Lake, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail
5.01.72 mi / 121 ft gainCypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to the beach at Border Field State Park
2 mi / 26 ft gainThe beach at Border Field State Park is southernmost beach in California. This beach begins (on US Maps) at the Mexican border and continues north to the mouth of the Tijuana River. The State Park shares its land with the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve which are both operated b...Read more -
Santa Barbara, California
Red Rock Pools
0.89 mi / 10 ft gainRed Rock Pools is a relatively popular swimming hole located along the Santa Ynez River about an hour outside of Santa Barbara, California. The trail to the swimming hole is relatively short, but more pools can be found if you follow the Gibraltar Trail down to the Gibraltar Dam (an additional ...Read more -
Independence, California
Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail
5.02.22 mi / 112 ft gainManzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.Read more
