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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Ventura, California
Backpack to Del Norte Campground on Santa Cruz Island
5.07 mi / 700 ft gainDel Norte Backcountry Campground is located on Santa Cruz Island, one of the islands that makes up Channel Islands National Park. It is California's largest island and is almost three times the size of Manhattan. The easiest way to get to the island is to take Island Packers, a ferry service that...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert
4 mi / 830 ft gainOpen from March until October - but I would not particularly recommend this hike in the summer months, unless you started in the wee almost dark hours. This is the desert and it gets hot early and quickly.This is a former calcite mine with slot canyons, great rock formations and some shady areas ...Read more -
Topanga, California
Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch
4.06.75 mi / 1181 ft gainThis is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure. The trail itself is pre...Read more -
Siskiyou County, California
Climb Mt. Shasta via Avalanche Gulch
5.011 mi / 7200 ft gainThe Avalanche Gulch route is the second easiest, non-technical route to the summit of Mt. Shasta after the Clear Creek Route, but is by far the most popular. Many people complete this climb in one day from the trailhead, but you also have the opportunity to overnight at Horse Camp (7,950 ft.) or ...Read more -
Hume, California
Hike and Fish Hume Lake
2.73.5 mi / 100 ft gainThis spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are lo...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail
5.08.3 miThe incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...Read more -
Lakeside, California
Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve
2.5 mi / 300 ft gainStarting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb the Third Pillar of Dana
From Highway 120 (Tioga Road) you can park at the lot just above Tioga Lake. Another mile up the road is the Yosemite entrance, so if you hit that, you've gone too far. Follow the trail around the south side of the lake and into Glacier Canyon. After about 2 miles you'll start scrambling on the N...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Backpack to Weaver Lake, CA
7 mi / 1075 ft gainThe hike to Weaver Lake begins at the Big Meadows trailhead in Sequoia National Forest (elevation: 7,633 ft.). There is roadside parking at the beginning of the trailhead and more parking available just inside the gate. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet, trash receptacle, and map of the a...Read more -
Tulare County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Bighorn Plateau
Another rare but welcomed flat open space along the JMT. The night sky here will blow you away so if you're a photographer this is a great opportunity to capture the incredibel Sierra night sky. Do be careful about camping in the open space in regards to weather. A thunderstorm in this area could...Read more -
Santee, California
Kwaay Paay Trail
2.4 mi / 846 ft gainPark your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes
3.010.64 mi / 2497 ft gainThe hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.9423587 | Longitude: -120.1010615). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lak...Read more -
Darwin, California
Photograph Panamint Valley from Father Crowley Overlook
0.5 mi / 150 ft gainFather Crowley Overlook is an easily missed overlook on the western edge of Death Valley National Park off State Highway 190 overlooking Panamint Valley. It is easy to miss because the parking area doesn't appear to have a particularly notable vista, but leading off from the parking area to the s...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Texas Spring Campground
This is one of the best campgrounds in Death Valley that gives you the true experience of camping in the middle of a desert. The campground is surrounded with badlands and hills where you can climb to explore and see a panoramic view of mountains all around. Texas Spring campground offers 92 sit...Read more -
Tulelake, California
Explore Crystal Ice Cave, Lava Beds National Monument
1 miThis adventure is only accessed through a ranger guided tour by the staff at Lava Beds National Monument. A reservation is needed, go to recreation.gov to make a reservation space is limited. You will meet at the visitor center. The ranger will take you to the cave. Don't try to find the cave...Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike to Emerald Lakes
7.2 mi / 1719 ft gainIf you are considering this hike, then I am sure you are already familiar with the undeniable beauty that the Eastern Sierra radiates. Any season, any time- it is there. One of my particular favorites for a day hike to experience this beauty is the trek to Emerald Lake outside of Bishop.From Bish...Read more
