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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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 -
Winters, CaliforniaFly Fishing on the Putah
4.0Putah Creek is a little over an hour drive from SF without traffic. The creek has flows beginning in April, which can reach up to 700cfs during the summer months. The creek begins to drop after September. Keep in mind that wet-wading isn't recommended until the river is under 300cfs. Most fly fis...Read more -
Topanga, California
Top of Topanga Overlook
1 mi / 1613 ft gainThe Top of Topanga Overlook is where you can simply park your car, and sit in one of the benches to view the San Fernando Valley. But there is one hiking trail in that area which lets you get better vantage points, as well as a quick workout. Once you get to the overlook, park your car and safel...Read more -
Orick, California
Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop
5.019.42 mi / 2799 ft gainThis is the itinerary for our 3 day backpacking trip at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in early May. The original plan was to backpack Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park. A couple issues stopped us from doing that: The water level was too high in May and multiple Park Rangers warne...Read more -
Etna, California
Hike to the Etna Mountain Summit
6 mi / 800 ft gainTo start off, you're going to want to navigate to the Etna Summit Trailhead (5956 ft). There's a small parking lot off to the side and we did not need any passes for our overnight trip. Since the summit isn't the main destination for many people in this area, you'll want to follow the Pacific Cre...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead
6.67 mi / 1273 ft gainParking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP
2.4 mi / 900 ft gainInspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bri...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park
4.82.3 mi / 505 ft gainThe Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Watch the Sunset in El Capitan Meadow
After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss).Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, walk over to the eas...Read more -
Auburn, California
Hike Training Hill
4.54.5 mi / 1126 ft gainTraining Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon. The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River. Training Hill is r...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Summit Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route
5.05 mi / 6600 ft gainWith over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Chilnualna Falls
4.37.81 mi / 2277 ft gainMany visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnual...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Camp at Hole In the Wall Campground
5.0You may think a desert is barren and ugly with little to offer the avid outdoorsman. The truth is very far from that. The Mojave, like any other great outdoor location offers great hikes, amazing views, wildlife, and a night sky that is hard to beat anywhere else. The Mojave just like all great d...Read more -
Groveland, California
Wapama Falls
4.71 mi / 623 ft gainHetch Hetchy has a completely different character than other areas of Yosemite National Park, and the hike to Wapama Falls is an excellent way to explore this relatively remote section of the park. You can only imagine what this valley looked liked before it was dammed and is second to none compa...Read more -
Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more
