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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Redwood City, California
Hike the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Loop
3.75.5 mi / 1000 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road.Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cordil...Read more -
Lompoc, California
Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse
4.09.3 mi / 171 ft gainIt must be approaching low tide to complete this hike! This hike begins at the Jalama Beach Campground. Head out on the beach a couple of hours before low tide and follow it until you reach the lighthouse. It is important to note that the land above the high-tide line, the top of the cliffs, and...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail
5.012.4 mi / 2300 ft gainThe Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike. For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake. As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...Read more -
Altadena, California
Millard Falls
3.01.27 mi / 289 ft gainTo get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop
4.53.31 mi / 856 ft gainThere are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...Read more -
Lompoc, California
Camp and Surf Jalama Beach
4.3Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is th...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Evolution Valley via Florence Lake
4.530.36 mi / 3238 ft gainYou can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Foothills Park
1.7Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right. Like any typical park it's open from sunset to sundown and you wont have to worry about parking or any fees. Once you drive in you'...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail
5.04.05 mi / 764 ft gainStarting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Crystal Lakes
5.09.8 mi / 2200 ft gainThe trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...Read more -
Orick, California
Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods
4.1Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Orick, CA about 50 miles North of Eureka, Ca and 25 miles South of Crescent City, CA. Take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway exit off of Highway 101. Along this road there is a prairie where wild Roosevelt Elk can be spotted. They are wild so keep y...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon
5.02.08 mi / 89 ft gainThe backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...Read more -
Pescadero, CaliforniaCamp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Glendale, California
Brand Library Loop
5.06.56 mi / 2648 ft gainYour adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...Read more -
Ross, California
Phoenix Lake Loop
4.52.85 mi / 518 ft gainEnjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...Read more
