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
Stubby Springs Trail
The Stubby Springs Trail is ideal for hikers seeking a more secluded route, as it is less trafficked then many others within Joshua Tree National Park. A longer route, the Stubby Springs Trail possesses an abundance of varieties of cacti, wildflowers, and other desert vegetation.
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Crown Prince Lookout Trail
The Crown Prince Lookout Trail begins by traversing relatively flat terrain before arriving at two large and distinct boulder piles. You can choose to admire the boulder piles from the ground or choose to attempt the slight scramble to the top where stunning views of the surrounding area can be enjoyed.
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Short Loop and Fault Line Trail
The Short Loop and Fault Line Trail is a scenic route in Joshua Tree National Park. Alongside its path, cacti, wildflowers and other charming desert vegetation grow in abundance. Unique geological formations are also visible throughout the Short Loop and Fault Line Trail as the route meanders its way through the craggy environment of the highlands.
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Burnt Hill Trail
A moderately difficult hike, the Burnt Hill Trail is perfect for the beginner hiker who is looking for a bit more of a challenge. The route is both not too long, and inclines in elevation steadily for the most part, making it a good stepping stone to more challenging hikes within Joshua Tree National Park. Wildlife along the route is also abundant.
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20 Mule Team Canyon Trail
Short in distance and with little elevation incline, the 20 Mule Team Canyon Trail is ideal for families with young children and beginner hikers. The route leads you to an incredible vista where beautiful views of the multicolored hillsides characteristic of the area can be enjoyed.
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Wildrose Peak Trail
Fairly long, and with a large amount of elevation fluctuation, the Wildrose Peak Trail is considered to be a more difficult route within Death Valley National Park. That being said, the panoramic views of the surrounding area found on Wildrose Peak are well worth the effort!
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Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point
The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point hike is a moderately difficult route that is ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children. Regarded as an excellent route for wildlife viewing, the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point hike will not leave you disappointed.
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Manly Beacon via Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Trail
Passing the stunning geological formation of Manly Beacon, the Manly Beacon via Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Death Valley National Park! A moderately difficult route, the Manly Beacon via Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Trail is ideal for intermediate hikers.
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Texas Springs Trail
The Texas Springs Trail is a short route with nice views in Death Valley National Park. Easily accessible from Texas Springs Campground, the route is family-friendly and appropriate for all skill levels. Take your time and enjoy the nice views!
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Ibex Dunes Trail
A moderately difficult route, the Ibex Dunes Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers, and families with older children. Traversing Ibex Sand Dune, the route is stunningly beautiful and is considered to be a hidden gem within Death Valley National Park.
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Panamint Dunes Trail
The Panamint Dunes Trail is a stunning route within Death Valley National Park. Traversing the Panamint Sand Dunes, the trail is both entertaining to hike, and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding landscape. Take your time, and enjoy the beauty of the Panamint Sand Dunes!
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Historic Stovepipe Well Trail
Taking you through an abandoned water well complex that once provided locals with a lifesaving water source, the Historic Stovepipe Well Trail is a unique route in Death Valley National Park. Short and with no elevation incline, the route is perfect for beginner hikers and families with young children.
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Marble Canyon Petroglyphs Trail
The Marble Canyon Petroglyphs Trail is a fairly long route with a sizable amount of elevation fluctuation and is therefore not recommended for beginner hikers or families with children. A beautiful route that takes you through the stunning grandeur of Marble Canyon, the Marble Canyon Petroglyphs Trail is well worth the effort!
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Fall Canyon Trail
The Fall Canyon Trail is a scenic route in Death Valley National Park that brings you through a majestic canyon before ending at a beautiful vista. Considered a moderately difficult trail due to its length and elevation incline, the Fall Canyon Trail is also an excellent route for wildlife viewing.
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Inyo Mine Trail
Short and with little elevation fluctuation, the Inyo Mine Trail is a perfect route for families and those who are interested in history. Taking you through an abandoned mining complex, the Inyo Mine Trail is an incredible route that offers insight into the history of resource extraction within the Death Valley National Park region.
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The Grandstand via Racetrack Trail
A short trail that is not too physically demanding, The Grandstand via Racetrack Trail is an excellent route for beginner hikers and families with young children. Taking you through the Grandstand - a unique rock formation in an otherwise characterless landscape - the route is picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera!
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Corkscrew Peak Trail
Considered to be one of the more challenging routes within Death Valley National Park, the Corkscrew Peak Trail is both long and has a rather large elevation incline throughout it. While the Corkscrew Peak Trail is considered to be difficult, it is an amazingly beautiful route that is worth the effort for those willing to put the work in!
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Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop
Short in distance and with relatively little elevation incline, the Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop is ideal for beginner hikers and families with small children. Traversing the scenic terrain of Death Valley National Park, the route is also considered to be a great place for viewing wildlife.
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Coffin Peak Trail
A beautiful route within Death Valley National Park, Coffin Peak Trail leads you to a stunning vista where panoramic views of the surrounding area can be enjoyed. While not physically demanding, the trail is not along a designated park pathway, and so it is rated as moderately difficult.
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Kaleidoscope Canyon Trail
A beautiful route within Death Valley National Park, the Kaleidoscope Canyon Trail is a must do for those who love canyon hikes! Kaleidoscope Canyon is imposing in scale, and possesses an abundance of lovely colours owing to its geological makeup. If that wasn't enough, the route is also considered an excellent place to view wildlife.