Hikes in California

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.

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.

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 1,916 m 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.