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
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
The Lady Johnson Bird Grove Trail boasts an enchanting experience that hikers of all skill levels and ages can enjoy. Wander through the environment reminiscent of a fairy tale, characterized by old-growth redwoods, wild mushrooms, and a diversity of flora. This wonderful hike is a must-add to your California adventure itinerary.
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Salmon Creek Falls Hike
Indulge in the mesmerizing scene of 37 m cascades along the Salmon Creek Falls Hike. This family-friendly adventure is well worth the detour off State Route 1—and the crowds that congregate in the area are a testament to its beauty, enjoy!
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Mission Peak Loop
The Mission Peak Loop is a revered adventure on the outskirts of Fremont that attracts hundreds of daily adventurers eager to indulge in the unrivaled views of the Bay Area. Not familiar with the hike? You’ll surely recognize the "Mission Peeker '' marker pole at the summit which is a frequently-photographed landmark often featured on the 'gram’.
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Abbotts Lagoon Trail
Abbotts Lagoon Trail is a fantastic nature walk for bird lovers and beach enthusiasts! After walking a flat trail, you can continue to walk along the pristine beach for as far as you’d like.
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The Mist Trail
We love The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. This hike takes you to Vernal and Nevada Falls where the refreshing cool down on hot days is incredible. There are also many options to shorten this hike, suitable for all levels, without the need to go to the top.
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Ubehebe Crater Trail
The Ubehebe Crater Trail is a stunning route within Death Valley National Park. The route circles the large and visually striking Ubehebe Crater, offering incredible views of the impressive volcanic geological formation. For those willing to put the time and effort in, a trail to the bottom of the crater also exists.
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Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
With a spectacular variety of cacti and other desert plants, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail takes you on a short footpath alongside the beautiful desert vegetation. The trail boasts a number of interpretive signs throughout its length to help inform you about the greenery surrounding you. In addition to desert vegetation, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is also an excellent place to see lizards, snakes, and other wildlife.
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Treasure Lakes Trail
The Treasure Lakes Trail is a magical route within Inyo National Forest that is ideal for intermediate hikers, and families with older children. Traversing steadily inclining terrain, the route brings you to a pair of tranquil lakes where incredible sightlines can be enjoyed.
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Reflection Lake Trail
The Reflection Lake Trail is an ideal route for those seeking a more casual hiking experience. Short and with little to no elevation incline along its extent, the trail is appropriate for all skill levels and families with young children. Along with its relative ease, the route boasts incredible views of the surrounding Lassen Volcanic National Park landscape.
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Jenks Lake Trail
The Jenks Lake Trail is a laidback hiking experience in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you uphill to a charming lake. While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest alongside Frog Creek to eventually arrive at the peaceful woodland shores of Jenks Lake. Hikers should take note that parking and navigation along the trail are easy, although you will likely want to arrive early to beat out the crowds.
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Eagle Lake Trail
Explore all that California’s high country has to offer along the Eagle Lake Trail. This scenic High Sierra adventure boasts breathtaking panoramas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and Lake Tahoe from the charming glacial basin. This easy-going excursion is a must-add to your Tahoe itinerary.
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Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Trail
Reconnect with nature and escape the stressors of the real world along the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Trail. Offering impressive views of the boulder bounded river, the mossy forestlands, and surrounding mountains—the stunning scenery along this route is limitless. Open and airy, this scenic day-hike is a must-add to your adventure itinerary.
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Boulder Lake Hike
Exhibiting the grandeur and beauty of the high country, exploring the Boulder Lake Hike boasts an exceptional experience. Traveling deep into the wilderness, this route will overwhelm you with picture-perfect scenes of the alpine landscape.
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Sky Trail and Bear Valley Loop
The Sky Trail and Bear Valley Loop is an extraordinary day hike in the Point Reyes National Seashore featuring dramatic coastal treks and relaxing meanders through the enchanting forestlands. Most days you will be treated to fog-shrouded views of the looming firs and pines trees pierced with sunbeams. This magical adventure is a must-add to your hiking itinerary.
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Castle Lake Trail
The Castle Lake Trail is a picturesque adventure in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This revered route travels along the shoreline of the glacial basin up to an exposed divide that boasts uninterrupted vistas of Mount Shasta and the Klamath Mountains. Beckoning intrepid spirits year-round, this trek is a must-add to your hiking itinerary.
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Moro Rock Trail
The Moro Rock Trail is a wonderful adventure in the Sequoia National Park that boasts incredible views of the Great Western Divide. Climb up a 350-step staircase to the summit of the granite monolith and you will be rewarded for your efforts with the breathtaking alpine scenery.
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Damnation Creek Trail
The Damnation Creek Trail boasts a dramatic adventure through the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park. This epic hike explores an old-growth redwood forest, plunging over 305 m down to the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
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Mount Pinos Trail
The Mount Pinos Trail is an excellent day hike in the Los Padres National Forest that can be enjoyed by adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Meander through chaparral brush and mixed conifers stands an epic overlook of Santa Barbara, the San Andreas Fault, the Caliente Range, and more.
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Mount Diablo Hike
Though not the tallest mountain in the state, the hike to Mount Diablo is a revered adventure in the Bay Area that offers famous views. Hike up through mixed oak woodlands and dense communities of chaparral to the Summit Building, which boasts sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sierra Nevada, the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Cascades, and more.
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Yosemite Valley
Walking along the Yosemite Valley is one of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park. Savor the moments exploring this iconic natural landscape with enormous mountains and spectacular scenery.
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