Hikes in California
Where to Hike in California
Angeles National Forest Hiking
Death Valley Hiking
Inyo National Forest Hiking
Joshua Tree National Park Hiking
Lake Tahoe Hiking
Lassen Hiking
Los Angeles Hiking
Los Padres National Forest Hiking
North Bay Hiking
Palm Springs Hiking
Point Reyes National Seashore Hiking
Redwoods National and State Parks Hiking
San Bernardino National Forest Hiking
San Francisco Hiking
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Hiking
Shasta-Trinity National Forest Hiking
Sierra National Forest Hiking
Stanislaus National Forest Hiking
Yosemite National Park Hiking
Activities in California
Hiking in California is an amazing experience. And not only because of Yosemite National Park––which is definitely a highlight! California is also home to numerous national and state parks, recreational areas and monuments that are filled with amazing hiking trails.
California is one of the most diverse states when it comes to nature. Here, you can find yourself hiking in the mountains one day and exploring the amazing pacific beaches the next. It is full of beautiful mountain peaks, lush green forests and beautiful beaches. Not to mention the Giant Sequoia Trees, volcanoes and an abundance of wildlife.
The state calls to the hearts of adventurers from around the world, promising incredible weather, natural beauty, rolling vineyards and on occasion, epic ski hills (that are perfect for hiking!). Interested? Then check out the best hikes in California!
15 Great Hikes in California
- Hidden Valley Loop: This is a classic Joshua Tree hike that takes in the stunning boulders native to the area.
- Warren Peak: One of the few elevated hikes in the area, considering most of Joshua Tree is flat, this makes for a fun, quick climb to the rocky summit of Warren Peak.
- Ryan Mountain: Set off on this popular hike to reach the summit for outstanding panoramic views over Joshua Tree National Park.
- Panorama Trail: This is not only one of the best hikes in California, but makes our shortlist for hikes across America. You simply can’t miss this one! Follow the Mist Trail to reach stunning Panorama Trail and eventually, panoramic Glacier Point!
- Yosemite Valley: Take in all the highlights of the iconic Yosemite National Park from this easy trail. While not overly challenging, hikers are rewarded with incredible mountain views from all angles.
- Clouds Rest Hike:: Those looking to get their heart pumping and legs burning will love this challenging hike. Crest the Cloud Mountain summit to observe all of Yosemite Valley from high above.
- Mount Dana: Tackle this unofficial path to get far away from the crowds, while still taking in unbelievable views! Most of this hike requires a steep ascent and will have your legs wobbling by the end.
- Mount Hoffman: While you’ll have to wait for the snow to melt each year to tackle this one, the legendary John Muir regarded this summit to be the most dramatic in the entire valley. We have to agree!
- Yosemite Falls: For an up close and personal view of the iconic Yosemite Falls, you’ll want to tackle this hike. Meander through the park, taking in the gorgeous mountain views, until you reach the magical falls.
- Tomales Point Trail, Marin County: This hike is unique, as it’s located within Tule Elk Preserve, nestled near the Pacific Ocean and as such, is often covered in fog. With beautiful seashore views from the top of Tomales Point, we wouldn’t recommend skipping this one.
- Kirby Cove: For unparalleled views of the surrounding Bay area, you won’t find any better than on Kirby Cove. Lookout over the amazing Golden Gate Bridge and snap a photo or two, then walk the rocky shore and indulge in a picnic lunch.
- The Mist Trail: On hot summer days, this hike is incredibly refreshing, as you pass two incredible waterfalls offering a breezy mist to cool hikers down and unbeatable views.
- Lembert Dome: One of the easier mountains to summit in the Yosemite area, Lembert Dome provides beautiful lookout points over Tuolumne Meadows and a delicious grill at the base for a post-hike snack.
- Lost Horse Loop Trail: Weave past a historic gold mine set against an incredible desert landscape on the Lost Horse Loop trail. With slightly challenging elevation gain, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views at the top.
- Split Rock Trail: This dreamy spot is incredible for photographers, with a dense collection of boulders, incredible local cacti and stunning cliffs––all which can be accessed on this quick hike.
When is the Best Time to Hike in California
California is an incredible state for year-round hiking, it’s one of the reasons we love it so much! Regardless of season, there is always a perfect trail to be found. Spring is perhaps our favourite for the stunning wildflowers that dot the trails that time of year, plus it also offers more moderate temperatures than scorching hot summer. May to June provides a nice cool breeze, less crowded hiking trails and incredible greenery as the world comes back to life after following the winter season.
Best Regions to Hike in California
There are so many fantastic regions for hiking in California, it’s hard for us to choose a favourite! Joshua Tree National Park has become Instagram famous in the past few years for its incredible desert landscapes, rusty-coloured mountains and wild cacti that are native to the land. It also has become known for its ever-popular boho scene from indy hotels to rustic airstream escapes. North Bay is one of the most-loved locations in the Bay area and it’s not hard to see why. You can immerse yourself in incredible coastal views, charming oceanside towns and some of the best hiking trails along the water's edge. And of course, Yosemite National Park, one of the most renowned National Parks in California, if not the world. With beautiful mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, pristine lakes and glistening glaciers, you can’t miss this iconic hiking region.
Other Activities in California
One of our favourite outdoor activities in California involves hitting the waves for a surf sesh. Offering some of the best beginner waves in the world, we like to visit the beach early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. Another epic outdoor activity? Scrambling and boulder climbing! With unbelievable rock faces across the state, there is no shortage of adventurous spots to practice some freehand styling.
California's Adventure Tours
If you’re looking for a high-adrenaline tour, why not let 10Adventures help? With our wide-range of adventure tours in United States, all you have to do is pack your bag—the rest is taken care of! From climbing a 3,048 m peak in Yosemite to backpacking across the peaks of Sierra Nevada––10Adventure tours have got it all.
How to Plan a Trip to California
Ready to explore the natural beauty of California? Read on to find our favourite spots for eating, sleeping, exploring and playing! We’ve rounded up complete guides to some of our favourite destinations in California, so all you have to do is pack a bag! From Yosemite, to North Bay, to Joshua Tree, we’ve got you covered.
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Route guides for Hiking in California
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Panorama Trail Route Guide
If we only did one hike in Yosemite, the Panorama Trail would be it. We think it's one of the best hikes in the USA. The route up the Mist Trail, along the Panorama Trail to Glacier Point and then down the 4.0mi path is the best hike in all of Yosemite National Park.
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Hill 88 Loop Route Guide
Hill 88 Loop, located in the Golden Gate Recreation Area in Marin County, is an excellent choice for dog lovers who wish to take their four-legged friends on hiking adventures near the beach. This is a great trail with amazing views, but if you do not like dogs be sure to avoid the busy times of day!
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Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail Route Guide
The Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail is a stunning route in Death Valley National Park. Short, flat and family-friendly, the route takes you onto arid salt flats that are both picturesque and humbling in their sheer vastness. The Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail is simply a must do when visiting Death Valley National Park.
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Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop Route Guide
The Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop is an easily accessible and scenic route within Joshua Tree National Park. Being both short and with little elevation change, the loop is perfect for families and those seeking a more casual hiking experience. The Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop leads the hiker through beautiful large boulder gardens and windswept desert shrubbery.
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Cinder Cone Nature Trail Route Guide
Short in distance and with a moderate amount of elevation incline, the Cinder Cone Nature Trail is a family-friendly route with lots to offer! Leading you on a fascinating and informative journey throughout an incredible volcanic formation, the trail is mesmerizing in its uniqueness. In addition to its intriguing geology, the views found throughout the Cinder Cone Nature Trails duration are sublime.
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Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail Route Guide
The Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail is a popular hiking route in the San Bernardino Forest that leads you to a series of relaxing thermal pools set along the creek. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the rugged desert landscape until you arrive at the edge of Deep Creek where you can soak in the relaxing hot springs before heading back. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is very rough and will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.
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Rubicon Trail Route Guide
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most scenic adventures in California that connects two of the most beautiful state parks, D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay. Explore the shoreline of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, and marvel in the breathtaking panoramas of the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada Mountains. This epic excursion is a must-add to your adventure bucket list.
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Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail Route Guide
The Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail is an amazing adventure in the Sierra National Forest that boasts incredible views of the cascades. Hike through mixed woodlands adorned with granite outcrops and along the surging waters of Willow Creek up to Angel Falls and the Devil’s Slide.
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Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail Route Guide
The Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail is arguably one of the most scenic adventures in the Stanislaus National Forest. Wander past several waterfalls, natural pools, and granite rock formations to the reservoir and dam. Though we will do our best to depict the beauty of this route, we can’t do it justice, as hard as we try!
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Alamere Falls Trail Route Guide
The Alamere Falls Trail travels to one of the world’s rare tidal falls, which surges 40ft over the Point Reyes National Seashore. Located in the Bay Area, this beautiful hike boasts the perfect opportunity to escape the city and rediscover our world’s natural beauty. This spectacular adventure will not disappoint—you have our word!
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Burney Falls Loop Route Guide
The Burney Falls Loop is a great adventure for hikers of all skill levels and abilities. Explore the famous waterfalls that surge over 129ft from the snowmelt of encompassing mountains and through underground springs of porous volcanic rocks. Boasting a postcard-worthy scene, this route is a must-add to your adventure itinerary.
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General Sherman Tree Trail Route Guide
Indulge yourself in the beauty and grandeur of the world’s largest one-stem tree along the General Sherman Tree Trail. This well-revered route in the Sequoia National Park boasts the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant sequoia that so famously adorns the forest.
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Fern Canyon Loop Trail Route Guide
The Fern Canyon Loop Trail boasts one of the most unique hiking experiences in the state. This magical adventure through the Redwood National and State Parks guides eager adventures along the Home Creek bed through a narrow canyon, bounded by walls of lush ferns. There is truly no other scene quite like Fern Canyon—this surreal trail is a must-add to your hiking itinerary.
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Seven Falls Trail Route Guide
Explore the Seven Falls Trail near Santa Barbara, and you’ll discover a collection of hypnotizing waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes bounded by the narrow sandstone walls of Mission Creek. Yielding an unparalleled experience, this revered hike attracts eager adventurers year-round.
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Strawberry Hill Hike Route Guide
The Strawberry Hill Hike is a wonderful adventure in the Golden State Park that boasts countless photo opportunities. Explore the lovely park at your leisure, enjoying the diversity of flora that hem the trails and the sights of the mesmerizing cascade that adorns the hillside.
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Salt Point Trail Route Guide
The Salt Point Trail a great way to experience the serenity of the untouched coastline with very little elevation change. This hike is narrow at times but reveals great views throughout.
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Mount Dana Route Guide
Hiking up to the summit of Mount Dana is a great day out to Yosemite’s second highest peak with astounding views in all directions. We love this hike!
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Dante’s View Trail Route Guide
Dante’s View Trail is a family-friendly route that is neither too long or physically demanding. The route leads you to an incredible lookout point that boasts jaw dropping panoramic views of the surrounding Death Valley National Park Landscape. Take your time, bring the family, and enjoy all that Dante’s View Trail has to offer
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Skull Rock Nature Trail Route Guide
The Skull Rock Nature Trail is a family-friendly hike just off one of the main roads in Joshua Tree National Park. The desert environment has sculpted many of the larger boulders in the area into unique and beautiful formations, with the most notable being Skull Rock itself. With an abundance of desert vegetation, and lots of opportunities to see wildlife, the Skull Rock Nature Trail has something for everyone.
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Mount Whitney Trail Route Guide
A physically demanding and technically formidable route, the Mount Whitney Trail is a must-do for the seasoned hiker who enjoys a challenge. Traversing steep switchbacks and taking you alongside sheer cliffs, the route should only be attempted by experienced hikers whose skills, physical ability and equipment are sufficient enough for the rigours of the imposing mountain.
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Lassen Peak Trail Route Guide
A popular route within Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen Peak Trail is jaw droppingly beautiful. Boasting stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Lassen Peak is humbling in its scale. The trail itself is well maintained and is among the most beautiful routes within the region. Appropriate for intermediate hikers and families with older children, you won't want to miss out on Lassen Peak Trail.
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The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail Route Guide
The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is a fun adventure in Palm Desert, California that will take you through some rugged terrain for views of the Coachella Valley. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way uphill across some rocky terrain to reach a viewpoint over the valley, before descending through a small gully on the return leg of the hike. Hikers should take note that you will need to pay an entrance fee for the zoo in order to access the trailhead.
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Eagle Rock Trail Route Guide
Indulge yourself with overwhelming panoramas of Lake Tahoe from the Eagle Rock Trail. Then, ascend a family-friendly footpath up the volcanic outcrop, which sits at an elevation of 6286ft above Tahoe Pines. The craggy bluff boasts arguably some of the best vistas of the shimmering lake and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains that bound the alpine waters.
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Mono Hot Springs Hike Route Guide
There is nothing better than relaxing in a natural hot spring, aren’t we right? Especially when you are surrounded by stunning scenery! The Mono Hot Springs Hike is a wonderful walk through the campground to the San Joaquin River and thermal pools. If you need to relax, head out to the Mono Hot Springs.
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Highland Lakes Loop Route Guide
Indulge yourself in mesmerizing views of the high country along the Highland Lakes Loop. Secluded and scenic, this route offers an unparalleled experience in the Stanislaus National Forest. Wander atop a craggy peak before meandering along the shores of the alpine lakes.
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Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail Route Guide
The Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail offers postcard-worthy scenes of the Californian coast and the charming lighthouse. Hike down 300 odd steps to the historic site and marvel in the uninterrupted panoramas of the Pacific Ocean from the headlands.
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Lake Siskiyou Trail Route Guide
Indulge yourself with beautiful lakeside views along the Lake Siskiyou Trail. Located at the foot of the Trinity Divide, the shimmering reservoir boasts accessible views of Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy and the verdant hills of Cascade Range. Offering an abundance of outdoor pursuits to enjoy year-round, Lake Siskiyou is an epic adventure destination well worth a detour.
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Emerald Lake Trail Route Guide
The Emerald Lake Trail is an incredibly beautiful adventure through California’s high country in the Sequoia & Kings National Parks. Meander through the granite oasis adorned with glacially formed lakes and marvel at the scenes of the craggy ridges of the Sierra Nevada. We love this trek, and so will you!
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Bull Creek Flats Trail Route Guide
The Bull Creek Flats Trail boasts an enchanting experience. Wander through an environment characterized by towering redwoods, lush ferns, year-round creeks, and a diverse repertoire of flora and fauna. This family-friendly adventure through the picture-perfect grove affords anyone a good time.
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Inspiration Point Hike Route Guide
The Inspiration Point Hike is a scenic adventure in the Los Padres National Forest that boasts breathtaking panoramas of the city of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day—distant views of the Channel Islands.
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Shark Fin Cove Loop Route Guide
The Shark Fin Cove Loop is a wonderful expedition along the California coast that boasts breathtaking maritime views. Plunge down onto the pristine beaches and explore the impressive sea cave before climbing up to the cultivated farmlands atop the cape. When in the San Francisco area, a trip to this beautiful setting is well worth the detour.
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Mount Hoffman Route Guide
We loved the hike up Mount Hoffman. The views from the summit were said by John Muir to be amongst the most dramatic in the valley and May Lake is stunning. All around a winner in Yosemite, but wait for the snow to melt!
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Kirby Cove Route Guide
The Kirby Cove trail is highly traveled by tourists and for good reason. This hike has some of the best views in the Bay Area, with outstanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Kirby Cove Trail also has a rocky shore beach at the halfway point that is excellent for picnics.
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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail Route Guide
A fun hike with scenic views of the surrounding landscape, the Mesquite Flat and Sand Dunes Trail is a must do when visiting Death Valley National Park. Leading you through rolling sand dunes, the route is both fairly short, and lacks any serious elevation fluctuation. The Mesquite Flat and Sand Dunes Trail is therefore a perfect route for the entire family to enjoy.
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Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail Route Guide
The Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail is a leisurely hike with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Considered by many to be a hidden gem of Joshua Tree National Park, the spring that the hike bypasses has been used as a freshwater source since the time of the Cahuilla Indiginious peoples, and is therefore considered to be historically significant. With a diverse mixture of desert plants and flowers, the Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail is a great place to take in the desert aesthetic.
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Devil’s Postpile Loop Route Guide
Short in distance, and with relatively little elevation gain, the Devil's Postpile Loop is an excellent route for beginner hikers and families with young children. The route traverses a scenic pathway before arriving at the stunningly amazing Devil's Postpile - an incredible geological formation that is amongst the most beautiful within Inyo National Forest.
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Bumpass Hell Trail Route Guide
Bumpass Hell Trail is an extraordinary route within Lassen Volcanic National Park. A short route that can be enjoyed by the entire family, Bumpass Hell Trail delivers you to an otherworldly landscape of magnificent geothermal activity. With an abundance of informative plaques to help educate you on what you are seeing, the Bumpass Hell Trail is an incredible route that will not leave you disappointed!
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Dogwood Campground Loop Trail Route Guide
The Dogwood Campground Loop Trail is a laidback hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you on an easy-going route with gradual elevation changes. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way through the undulating terrain and relax in the peaceful forest setting, as you work your way around the grounds of the Dogwood Campground. This hike is great when paired with a fun weekend of camping outdoors.
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Cascade Falls Trail Route Guide
Immerse yourself in California’s high country along the Cascade Falls Trail. This scenic adventure travels through forestlands before opening to the Cascade Falls, which deliver sweeping panoramas of Cascade Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail Route Guide
The Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail checks all the boxes: waterfalls, woodlands, wildflowers, and wonderful views—what more could you ask for? Wander through the mixed forestland adorned with granite outcrops along the running waters of Lewis Fork to not one but two surging cascades.
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God’s Bath Clavey River Trail Route Guide
Hidden local gem turned popular tourist destination—the God’s Bath Clavey River Trail is an incredible adventure in the Stanislaus National Forest. Though there is no explicit trail to the swimming hole and waterfall, there is a local worn path leading to God’s Bath. This epic expedition is a must add to your hiking itinerary—but we beg you to please respect the area and wilderness.
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Abbotts Lagoon Trail Route Guide
The Abbotts Lagoon Trail is a picturesque adventure through sand dunes, along the banks of the lagoons to a quiet beach on the Pacific. Impressively scenic and easy-going—hikers of all skill levels and ages can participate in this seaside stroll.
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McCloud Falls Trail Route Guide
The McCloud Falls Trail offers a collection of three cascades in one quick nature walk. Indulge yourself in the postcard perfect scenes of the cascades plunging through the basalt lava rock canyon. This epic expedition beckons the exploration year-round, enjoy!
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Miracle Hot Springs Trail Route Guide
The Miracle Hot Springs Trail is a unique adventure in the Sequoia National Park that offers a natural spa treatment. Wander the short trail to the hot baths that sit along the Kern River. Indulge yourself in a soak in the natural hot springs—and if you get too hot, cool off in the refreshing river below.
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James Irvin Trail Route Guide
The James Irvin Trail boasts an unforgettable journey through a coastal primeval redwood forest. This enchanting adventure explores a quintessential redwood grove before opening to the Pacific Ocean and the famous Fern Canyon. This magical hike is well worth adding to your Redwoods National and State Parks itinerary.
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