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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Crestline, California
Hike the Heart Rock Trail
4.51.8 miThis short but nice hike near Crestline, CA in the San Bernadino Forest is one for the whole family. Although finding the trailhead/parking lot can be a bit confusing, it is definitely worth it. Driving in from the Inland Empire/LA Area, follow The Rim of the World Trail (SH18) until you see the...Read more -
Big Sur, California
3 Branches of the Limekiln
4.01.98 mi / 696 ft gainThe Limekiln Trails offer up a moderate hike with defined trails, creek crossings, and limited elevation. From the parking area, head east under the canopy of redwoods until you get to the bridge, where there’s a kiosk marking the trail. The three branches are ~0.5 miles each, making it easy to ...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake
5.05.6 mi / 1785 ft gainStarting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake
5.08.71 mi / 971 ft gainThis is an awesome out-and-back hike for the weekend warrior. The trail begins at the western-most point of Caples Lake, and takes you to Emigrant Lake. The first 2/3 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some ...Read more -
Newbury Park, California
Boney Peak
4.012.04 mi / 3025 ft gainThe hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Malibu Lake Overlook
5.04.12 mi / 741 ft gainTo get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake
5.014.46 mi / 2717 ft gainGarnet Lake is one of the premier stops along the Pacific Crest Trail. However, even if you don't have time for an entire thru-hike (like most of us), this beautiful lake is still easily accessible as an overnight trip! While there are many possible routes for reaching Garnet Lake, the Agnew Me...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Watch a Sunset at College Cove Beach
5.00.25 miFollow the trail leading from the end of the parking lot down onto the beach. From the parking lot to the beach the walk is about a quarter of a mile, with a slight decrease in elevation as you move down to the beach. To get to the beach, take 72B off of Highway 101 and turn west onto Main Stree...Read more -
Oroville, California
Hike to Hollow Falls
5.01 miThe first step of this fun little hike is to park at the handy parking lot located at 2488 Cherokee Rd., Oroville, CA up on Table Mountain. Many people park here for the hike to the more well-known Phantom Falls, which is a much longer hike than the one to Hollow Falls. From the lot, look for an ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Stoney Point Park Loop
4.00.73 mi / 141 ft gainOnce you've parked along Topanga Canyon Blvd, make your way down the street and start the trail off near the steel gate, close to the horse stables. As you make your way in, you will notice some rock climbers practicing on the lower elevation rocks. Make your way around this rocky park, counter-...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Merced Grove
5.03.32 mi / 682 ft gainMerced Grove is technically the smallest and most secluded of the three sequoia groves found in Yosemite National Park, which lends itself to be less crowded offering a peaceful solitude hike. The trailhead is located at the Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road. This trail begins by foll...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Little Baldy
5.03.28 mi / 636 ft gainA short hike with impressive views of Sequoia National Park, the Little Baldy trail is the less touristy version of Moro Rock. When we hiked it on a beautiful Sunday morning in the summer, we had the entire summit to ourselves. Even if other hikers had been up there, it would have still felt em...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Bumpass Hell Trail
4.72.71 mi / 502 ft gainDue to hazardous snow and ice, Bumpass Hell Trail closes during the spring and may not open until July. From the Bumpass Hell Parking Area, the trail traverses the rocky slopes of Bumpass Mountain. The trail slowly ascends 200 feet with views of the valley to the west and Lassen Peak to the nort...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Photograph Death Valley's Wildflower Bloom
4.52 mi / 200 ft gainEvery spring, a few plants and flowers spring up from the driest place in North America, California's Death Valley National Park. Knowing where to go is important, but not as important as knowing when to go. Wildflower season only lasts a few weeks before daytime temps hit 80º and the flowers go ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay
4.5There is a reason Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world and that is because of its stunning beauty! I am sure you have experienced it during the day, but the bay really comes alive at night. The Milky Way reaches over all of Emerald Bay and it is a sight to see! Head out...Read more -
Highway 108, California
Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake
5.03.6 mi / 1280 ft gainTrailhead Coordinates: 38º 19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8897ftThe trail is kind of tricky to find. It is West of the PCT trailhead at Sonora Pass and it is not marked. You park along the side of Hwy 108 and scramble down an embankment where a creek flows at the bottom. Cross this creek and you ...Read more
