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
Sky Meadows Trail
The Sky Meadows Trail is a great route for beginner hikers and families with younger children. Ending at a sublime alpine meadow, the route is not excessively long. Taking you alongside beautiful lakes and charming creeks, the Sky Meadows Trail is regarded as an excellent wildlife viewing route.
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Fern Lake Trail
Appropriate for intermediate hikers and families with older children, Fern Lake Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. The trail ends at stunning Fern Lake, where picturesque views of the surrounding alpine landscape can be enjoyed. Along with its great sighlines, Fern Lake Trail is also regarded as an excellent route for wildlife viewing.
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Eagle CLiffs Lucky Boy Vista Loop
Boasting some of the most stunning rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park, the Eagle Cliffs Lucky Boy Vista Loop is an excellent choice for your next hike. Alongside the uniquely weathered rock found throughout the route's duration, wildlife and desert vegetation viewing opportunities are also plentiful.
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Carey’s Castle Trail
Careys Castle Trail is a little used route starting at the southern border of Joshua Tree National Park. It is renowned for its seclusion, as it is one of the less trafficked trails within Joshua Tree National Park. Likewise, it is also considered to be a great place for both birdwatching and wildflower viewing, depending on the time of year you visit.
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Pinto Mountain Trail
The Pinto Mountain Trail is a secluded and physically demanding route that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. While challenging, the Pinto Mountain summit is an incredibly scenic lookout point that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Joshua Tree National Park landscape. In addition to the views, opportunities for wildlife viewing are also plentiful.
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Rock Caves Loop
The Rock Caves Loop has no shortage of things to see as it weaves throughout many of the notable rock formations within Joshua Tree National Park. From the Old Woman to Intersection Rock, this route ensures that you are never too far away from an interesting landmark. Take your time and explore the variety the Rock Caves Loop has to offer.
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Conejo Well and Eagle Mountains Trail
A comparably long route, the Conejo Well and Eagle Mountains Trail is ideal for those who want to get away from the crowds while also enjoying a relatively leisurely hike. It is unlikely you will see many others on the trail as it takes you through the beautiful desert vista, and up the mountainous terrain adjacent to Eagle Mountain.
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Contact Mine Trail
The Contact Mine Trail is one of the best short hikes available in Joshua Tree National Park. As the route ends at an abandoned mining site, many interesting historical artifacts can be found throughout the route's duration. The Contact Mine Trail is also an excellent place to birdwatch and admire seasonal wildflowers.
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Live Oak Tank and Ivanpah Tank Trail
A moderately trafficked loop, the Live Oak Tank and Ivanpah Tank is a beautiful hike in Joshua Tree National Park. With great views of the surrounding area, the Live Oak Tank and Ivanpah Tank Trail is a leisurely hike that is appropriate for the entire family.
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Boy Scout Trail To Willow Hole Extended Route Trail
The Boy Scout Trail To Willow Hole Extended Route Trail is a longer route than many found within Joshua Tree National Park. Starting on relatively flat terrain, the route climbs in elevation as it makes its way through the craggy environment of the highlands before providing you with spectacular views of the region.
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Lucky Boy Vista Trail To Elton Mine Trail
The Lucky Boy Vista Trail to Elton Mine Trail is a family-friendly route within Joshua Tree National Park. Being a lightly trafficked route, the Lucky Boy Vista Trail to Elton Mine Trail offers a feeling of seclusion not often found on shorter hikes within the park.
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Twin Tanks Hike
The Twin Tanks Hike is an excellent route to see birds, jackrabbits, lizards and other regional wildlife. The route also passes a number of uniquely beautiful rock formations that are perfect for photo opportunities. Take your time, and enjoy the stunning views.
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Big Pine Trail
The Big Pine Trail is an easily accessible route near the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Fairly long, but without being too challenging, the Big Pine Trail hike is ideal for intermediate hikers who are interested in wildlife viewing, and appreciating wildflowers and other desert vegetation.
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Wall Street Mill and Wonderland Wash Loop
The Wall Street Mill and Wonderland Wash Loop is a family-friendly route with no shortage of things to see. The route boasts a number of caves and other interesting rock formations along its duration that are perfect for exploring. The Wall Street Mill and Wonderland Wash Loop will also take you by several abandoned historic sites.
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Lost Horse Mine Trail
The Lost Horse Mine Trail is a moderately difficult route that takes you to the remnants of an abandoned mining site. Here, historical mining artifacts can be observed and learned about through one of the many interpretive signs in the area. Keep your eyes on the sky during your hike, as the Lost Horse Mine Trail is known as a great bird watching location!
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Skull Rock Discovery Trail
A leisurely route, the Skull Rock Discovery trail is ideal for those seeking a family-friendly experience. The trail winds its way though some of the most picturesque rock formations within Joshua Tree National Park, and so make sure you bring your camera with you!
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North View and Maze Trail
The North View and Maze Trail takes you through a variety of landscapes with different, and often contrasting scenery. Beginning in the open desert, the route will wind its way through magnificent boulder gardens before traversing the craggy environment of the highlands. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife found throughout the area!
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North Trail and North Canyon Trail
The North Trail and North Canyon Trail takes you through a number of stunning environments characteristic of Joshua Tree National Park. The route begins by traversing the open desert before winding its way through a stunning canyon section. A lightly trafficked route, it is unlikely you will see many others on the North Trail and North Canyon Trail.
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Crest View Trail
Boasting some of the best views of the Joshua Tree National Park wilderness, the Crest View Trail is an incredible route that will not leave you disappointed. While the scenery found on the Crest View Trail is stunning, the route is not physically demanding, and is therefore appropriate for families and those seeking a more casual hiking experience.
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Canyon View Trail
The Canyon View Trail is an excellent choice for intermediate hikers. Traversing the Joshua Tree National Park landscape, the Canyon View Trail boasts a wide variety of cacti, wildflowers and other desert vegetation. The route is also excellent for bird watching and appreciating the unique geology of Joshua Tree National Park.