Hikes 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 California, 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.
Hiking regions in California
- Angeles National Forest (100)
- Death Valley (39)
- Inyo National Forest (73)
- Joshua Tree National Park (57)
- Lake Tahoe (70)
- Lassen (22)
- Los Angeles (70)
- Los Padres National Forest (57)
- North Bay (10)
- Palm Springs (24)
- Point Reyes National Seashore (35)
- Redwoods National and State Parks (44)
- San Bernardino National Forest (100)
- San Francisco (65)
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (92)
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest (69)
- Sierra National Forest (50)
- Stanislaus National Forest (52)
- Yosemite National Park (139)
Best Hikes in California
Flint Ridge Section Trail
Leading hikers through lush woodlands decorated with moss, wildflowers, mushrooms, and of course—redwoods, the Flint Ridge Section Trail is unparalleled in its scenery. Indulge in the wonderful primeval forest before the path opens to magnificent coastal vistas—what more could you ask for?
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Matilija Falls Trail
The Matilija Falls Trail boasts an unparalleled experience, guiding intrepid adventurers through a rugged canyon demanding river crossings, scrambling, and careful navigation up to the most picturesque waterfall in the San Padres National Forest.
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Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail
The Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail is a must-add to your to-do list the next time you find yourself in the Bay Area. Explore the lighthouse that has mitigated thousands of shipwrecks and indulge in the beauty of the dramatic Pacific coastline and Golden Gate Bridge.
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Ryan Mountain
This popular hike ascends Ryan Mountain, yielding fantastic panoramic views of the central park. Since this is a popular route with never ending sun exposure, get here early to enjoy the cooler morning air (and hopefully less crowds)!
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
Both wheelchair and stroller accessible, the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a family oriented route that is lots of fun! Leading you alongside a small creek bed, this boardwalk hike possesses a number of interpretive plaques to help educate you on the many varieties of desert vegetation found in the area.
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Mammoth Mountain Trail
A scenic route that offers incredible sightlines of the surrounding region, the Mammoth Mountain Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest. Fairly long in distance, and with a notable amount of elevation gain, the Mammoth Mountain Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers and families with older children.
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Big Leaf Pool and Lower Deer Creek Falls Trail
Big Leaf Pool and Lower Deer Creek Falls Trail is a stunning route within Lassen National Forest. A family-friendly route, the trail takes you alongside charming Deer Creek and through a picturesque forested area that is characteristic of the terrain found within Lassen National Forest.
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Holcomb Valley Campground Hike
The Holcomb Valley Campground Hike is a great family-friendly adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through a wooded valley for views of the surrounding hills. While out hiking the trail, you will leave the campground behind and make your way through the tranquil forest landscape, enjoying the views of the undulating valley terrain before turning back on the return leg. This is a great hiking route to pair with a fun weekend of camping in the area.
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Lake Aloha Trail
The Lake Aloha Trail is an epic adventure through the high country that boasts breathtaking panoramas of the shimmering alpine lakes bounded by the craggy peaks of the Sierra Nevada Range. Put your stamina to the test as you climb up the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail up to the picture-perfect lake.
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Mount Eddy via Deadfall Lakes Trail
The Mount Eddy via Deadfall Lakes Trail is no walk in the park, but the incredible scenery proves well worth the sweat. Summit the highest peak in the Trinity Alps and marvel in the commanding panorama of Mount Shasta. This epic alpine hike will not disappoint.
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Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike
Seeking a family-friendly adventure in the Kings Canyon National Park? The Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike is an easy-going adventure that exhibits a diversity of scenery as it meanders along the South Fork of Kings River through woodlands and lush meadows hidden amongst the towering granite crests of Cedar Grove.
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Cathedral Trees Trail
Explore the lush northern Californian forestlands along the Cathedral Trees Trail. This wonderful nature walk exposes the natural beauty and grandeur of the primeval forests abundant with redwoods, moss, ferns, wildflowers, wildlife, and more.
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Timber Top and Boronda Trail
The Timber Top and Boronda Trail is a wonderful adventure in Los Padres National Forest ideal for intermediate hikers seeking a challenge. Requiring some exertion on the way up, you will be rewarded for your efforts with wonderful scenery.
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Big C and Tightwad Hill Hike
The Big C and Tightwad Hill Hike is a scenic hike above Berkeley that offers wonderful views of the Bay Area. Wander through eucalyptus trees up to the overlook and watch a game taking place in the California Memorial Stadium below.
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Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral
Traversing deep canyons and beautiful red hillsides, the Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral route is a moderately difficult route that is perfect for intermediate hikers and families with older children. Ending at the sublimely beautiful Red Cathedral, the Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral is an excellent choice for your next hike in Death Valley National Park.
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Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail
The Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. Traversing the imposing topography of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the route ends at a tranquil lake where stunning sightlines can be enjoyed.
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Natural Bridge Road Trail
Leading you through gorgeous and imposing canyons, the Natural Bridge Road Trail is a scenic route that is considered moderate in difficulty. The highlight of the route is the trail's namesake - the natural bridge rock formation that overhangs between the two canyon faces.
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Convict Lake Loop Trail
Convict Lake Loop Trail is a beautiful route in Inyo National Forest. Short in distance and with little elevation gain, the Convict Lake Loop Trail is perfect for beginner hikers and families with young children. The route is also dog-friendly, so feel free you bring your furry friends along with you!
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Gower Gulch Loop Trail
Gower Gulch Loop Trail is a moderately difficult route within Death Valley National Park. An incredibly scenic route, the Gower Gulch Loop Trail will bring you through large canyons and alongside unique rock formations.
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Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail
Traversing alongside quaint creeks and through charming meadows, the Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest. As the Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail ends at a natural hot spring, it is an incredibly unique route that you won't want to miss!