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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Vidal, California
Visit the Rice Shoe Fence
3.0If you're traveling on CA-62, keep an eye out on the south side of the road for the enormous shrine of retired footwear from passers by. Be sure to leave some of your own well worn footwear and take some photos of the shoe clad desert landscape. Make sure to pull a safe distance from the side of ...Read more -
Porterville, California
Trail of 100 Giants
1.44 mi / 226 ft gainLocated off the M-90 (closed from Nov.-May) in the Sequoia National Forest, the Trail of 100 Giants provides a perfect stroll for nearby campers or a quick 30-minute stop for families driving by to get a glimpse of some truly awe-inspiring, overhead views. $5 day parking and restrooms can be fo...Read more -
Ventura, California
Chinese Harbor via Prisoners Harbor
14.11 mi / 2703 ft gainThe hike to Chinese Harbor is a 14-mile out-and-back hike from Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island or a much more manageable 8-mile out-and-back hike from Del Norte backcountry campground. If you are spending the day on the island courtesy of Island Packers, a trek to Chinese Harbor might be di...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
McGee Creek
5.03.68 mi / 728 ft gainMcGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offer...Read more -
Trinity Center, California
Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake
25 mi / 4448 ft gainThe Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...Read more -
Danville, California
Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail
5.07.8 mi / 2299 ft gainAlthough steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop
5.02.85 mi / 328 ft gainThe Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. This is also a great location for trail running...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike the Echo Lake Trail
4.05 mi / 688 ft gainThe Echo Lakes Trail goes through California's Desolation Wilderness and features incredible views. This trail is rated as moderate, and is best for excited beginners or intermediate hikers. This hike takes roughly 3.5-4 hours. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is best used fr...Read more -
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California
Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park
5.03.02 mi / 656 ft gainYou'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach Back Bay Trail
4.010.62 mi / 499 ft gainThe Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Summit Telescope Peak
12.2 mi / 3258 ft gainThe trail starts at Mahogany Flat campground which can be hiked to from the Charcoal Kilns to the north or more immediately accessible via 4WD on a dirt access road - use caution when driving this road in icy conditions. Once at the Mahogany Flat Campground, the trailhead is towards the south an...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop & Coast to Crest Trail
3.010.16 mi / 1946 ft gainStarting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...Read more -
Ukiah, California
Hike Montgomery Woods State Nature Reserve Loop
4.52 mi / 150 ft gainThis is a great find. We saw it on the map it was on the way from Mendocino to our next stop, Napa Valley. So glad we took the time to visit. It is a small park with about a two mile loop hike in a valley floor loaded with huge redwoods and few people. The trail is very easy and starts along a sm...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Hike the Sugar Bowl Loop in Kings Canyon NP
4.56.5 mi / 1480 ft gainFirst and foremost, to get to this trailhead you need to drive down a 2-mile, one lane dirt road that is quite steep. It is highly recommended you do this in an AWD or 4WD vehicle, especially since the road can be muddy from snowmelt or after a recent rain. We have a 2WD car but used chains for e...Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...Read more
