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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Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest to Half Dome
18.52 mi / 0 ft gainBecause this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
20 Lakes Basin Loop
5.07.81 mi / 915 ft gainThis trail is overall very easy to hike, but the 9.1mi distance at a 10,000ft altitude is what makes it a bit of a doozy for people who aren't frequent hikers. That said, if you are a relatively in-shape individual, you should have no problem with this trail. Remember to take frequent water bre...Read more -
Ventura, California
East Anacapa Island Loop
2.31 mi / 269 ft gainLeaving from either Ventura or Oxnard via Island Packers, this full-day hike is in the middle of the Santa Barbara Channel on a small island, about one hour from Los Angeles by car and one additional hour by boat. Without a beach on which to anchor, your boat will pull into Landing Cove and idle ...Read more -
Burney, California
"Stand by Me" Bridge
4.0The "Stand by Me" bridge is located in Northern California about 20 miles north of Lassen National Forest and two and a half miles (2.4 mi) from Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The bridge is approximately 7.5 miles north of Burney, CA. From the town of Burney, take Hw...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing The Egg
5.0Once you've seen The Egg, you'll understand where it gets its name. This giant, egg shaped boulder near Stinson Beach provides about a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.12c. There is no trad climbing, only top rope and sport.You'll find all the easier slab routes on the eastern face. These are perf...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Stand Up Paddle Dana Point Harbor
5.0Whether I’m looking for a quick workout on the water, wanting to catch some waves, or simply explore the coastline, Dana Point is one of my favorite places to paddle. There is plenty of parking close to the beach, so you don’t have to walk far with your board. It’s also a great spot to launch as ...Read more -
Oakhurst, California
Shadow of the Giants Trail
4.01.09 mi / 174 ft gainThe Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove. Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area tak...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Arch Rock Nature Trail
4.31.24 mi / 92 ft gainThis is a rock formation very popular with young crowds at Joshua Tree. The views from this hike are spectacular. If you hike this trail at sunset, the gorgeous colors of the ski are reflected onto the rocks. There is a plaque along the trail detailing rock formations and facts about the parks ...Read more -
Auburn, California
Rock Climb at the Quarry
5.02.6 mi / 800 ft gainMany thanks to the Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS) and the Access Fund for their hard work in re-opening this location to make it climbing-legal. Where to Park:Put in "Parking lot for the Quarry Trail, California 193, Auburn, CA 95603"This is the designated parking lot ...Read more -
Humboldt County, California
Hike the Humboldt Redwoods River Trail
3.4 mi / 450 ft gainYou probably won't find as many people along this trail (which I like!) as it's unmarked and sits just south of Rockefeller Loop which draws a good number of visitors, primarily because it has the tallest trees (also definitely worth a visit!). The River Trail is a relatively short, flat hike wit...Read more -
Hume, California
Camp at Princess Campground
Situated just off the stretch of road that connects the two sections of Kings Canyon, Princess Campground is the perfect home base for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. In addition to its central location, it takes reservations, so you can book a roomy spot well in advance o...Read more -
Santa Barbara, California
La Cumbre Peak via Tunnel Trail
9.96 mi / 3310 ft gainTunnel Trail is a great way to get to the top of La Cumbre Peak. You get to the trailhead by taking Tunnel Road until it dead ends at a large water tower, there you can park your car and start on foot. You take Spyglass Ridge Road up which is a paved fire road until it becomes dirt when you get o...Read more -
Klamath, California
Hike the Yurok Loop Trail
4.01 mi / 20 ft gainThe Yurok Loop Trail is a small loop on the northern end of the growing California Coastal Trail. This family-friendly hike starts at a picturesque lagoon near False Klamath Cove before crossing a bridge and entering the Sitka spruce forest. From the trail junction, you have the choice of passin...Read more -
Poway, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain
2 miStart by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...Read more -
Independence, California
Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes
5.026.02 mi / 7106 ft gainThe hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...Read more -
Malibu, California
La Jolla Canyon Falls
1.75 mi / 449 ft gain...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...Read more
