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
-
Redcrest, California
Hike through the Founder's Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5.01.3 miThe Founder's Grove is easily accessed from Highway 101 in northern California. The grove is also on the Avenue of the Giants Scenic Highway. This area, named after the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, is flat and has a relatively open understory making it one of the most picturesque gro...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 -
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 -
San Mateo County, California
Run Sawyer Camp Trail
5.012 mi / 300 ft gainThe Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake.There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run easy....Read more -
Mono County, California
Fishing at Convict Lake
4.3Many people come to Convict lake for the fishing. Convict is located only 2 miles off the main highway in the Eastern Sierras. The lake is clear and pristine with beautiful views. There are various ways to fish here; some rent out boats or bring their own and cruise around the lake fishing. O...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail
5.09.75 mi / 1946 ft gainPark at the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. Begin your ascent through scrubby foliage and old pines. Once you arrive at a junction with a bench, turn around. Note that the uphill climb is pretty decent past Sherwin Lakes, so if you're feeling overly winded after the arriving at these lakes, this may be...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit
3.5 mi / 1900 ft gainFor 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...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
5.011.6 mi / 1800 ft gainDrive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpack To Wheeler Lake
5.07.8 mi / 1000 ft gainThe trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...Read more -
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 ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Pick Berries at Swanton's Berry Farm
4.0Take 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...Read more -
Trinity Center, California
Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake
16 mi / 4265 ft gainNestled 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...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin
30 mi / 3375 ft gainBefore 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...Read more -
Santa Margarita, California
Photograph Wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument
5.0Driving 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 ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Bean Hollow State Beach
5.0There 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 ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Battle Mountain's Cross
5.00.45 mi / 256 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more
