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
Mt. Tamalpais Pantoll Loop
The Mt Tamalpais Pantoll Loop hike takes you through old growth redwood groves, windy trails following the creek, a few mini waterfalls, many species of ferns and lots of gorgeous views. This trail often has lots of banana slugs hiding in the shade along the trail.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Boy Scouts Trail
This gorgeous hike traverses from the range that separates the upper Pinto Basin with the lower Mojave. Stunning and secluded, over the course of the hike you will see the landscape transform. Requires a vehicle shuttle.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Zabriskie Point
Boasting incredible views of the surrounding Death Valley National Park landscape, Zabriskie Point is an excellent route choice for those who want to enjoy amazing scenery without having to exert themselves too much. A short and relatively flat route, the Zabriskie Point path is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.
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June Lake Loop Trail
An ideal route for intermediate hikers, and families with older children, the June Lake Loop Trail is a stunning route within Inyo National Forest. A great trail to see wildlife and take in the scenery of the surrounding landscape, the June Lake Loop Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike!
User Ratings
Eagle Lake Recreational Trail
Eagle Lake Recreational Trail is a relatively short route within Lassen National Forest that is ideal for families with young children and beginner hikers. Peaceful and scenic, the views of nearby Eagle Lake and the surrounding mountainous environment ensure that hiking along Eagle Lake Recreational Trail is an experience you won't soon forget.
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Castle Rock Trail
The Castle Rock Trail is one of the more popular hiking routes within San Bernardino National Forest, and it is for good reason. While out on the trail, you will climb up a steep and often rocky path to reach a breathtaking vantage point at the summit of Castle Rock, where you will take in views overlooking Big Bear Lake. Hikers should take note that parking is limited at the trailhead and fills up quickly, so make sure to arrive early to secure a space.
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Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is a great addition to anyone’s South Tahoe adventure itinerary. Hike along the shores of the crystal-clear alpine lake and marvel in the panoramas of the bounding craggy peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Easy-going and impressively scenic, we can’t recommend this lovely trek enough.
User Ratings
Bald Mountain Trail
The Bald Mountain Hike is an epic adventure in the Sierra National Forest that boasts incredible vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Trek the primitive route over granite outcrops and up through pine and fir forestlands to a fire lookout. You’ll love this hike—trust us!
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Hyatt Lake Trail
The Hyatt Lake Hike is an epic off-trail adventure in the Stanislaus National Forest. The unique granite topography and expansive alpine views offer an unparalleled experience. If you seek an exciting excursion through the high country, then you have come to the right place.
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Bear Valley and Coast Trail
The Bear Valley and Coast Trail is an incredible adventure in the Point Reyes National Seashore that exhibits the beauty and diversity of the coastal environment. Explore the fog-shrouded forest before opening up to sweeping ocean views from the fragile headlands. This hiking route is one of a kind, and we cannot recommend it enough.
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Potem Falls Trail
Potem Falls is a hidden gem in the Greater Redding Area that affords anyone a good time. Discover the beautiful oasis by way of the Potem Falls Trail and hop into the crystalline pool at the base of the sheer-21 m waterfall. This hike beckons adventurers in the Californian summer heat.
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Hume Lake Loop
The Hume Lake Loop is a beautiful nature trail that traces the shoreline of the shimmering reservoir. Nestled amongst the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this scenic adventure boasts incredible sightseeing as well as an abundance of outdoor pursuit opportunities. Explore this wonderful natural sanctuary the next time you find yourself in the Sequoia National Park.
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Boy Scout Tree Trail
The Boy Scout Tree Trail boasts a magical experience that hikers of all skill levels and ages can enjoy. Explore the primeval redwood forests bounded by lush vegetation before reaching the cascading waterfall. Offering a diversity of scenery, this trek packs a punch.
User Ratings
Sand Dollar Beach Trail
The Sand Dollar Beach Trail is a must-visit when in the Big Sur. The long stretch of pristine beach boasts the ideal opportunity for sightseeing, beachcombing, surfing, fishing, and lounging. Explore the postcard-perfect seashore bound by the crashing surf and dramatic headlands—you won’t be disappointed.
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Lake Merritt Hike
The Lake Merritt Hike is a wonderful urban walk in Oakland, CA. Wander around the perimeter of the shimmering tidal lagoon and enjoy the encompassing gardens at your leisure. This revered route is family-friendly and accessible, attracting adventurers of all skill levels and ages year-round.
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Hidden Valley Loop
This very popular Hidden Valley Loop hike quickly transports hikers from the busy road into a spectacular small valley, entirely surrounded by the classic boulders of Joshua Tree. The loop is well travelled and mostly flat, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Clouds Rest Hike
The hike to Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park is a fun day out and leads to one of the best viewpoints in all of Yosemite. Although it’s one of the more difficult trails, the Clouds Rest hike is one of the best in the whole park.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
China Camp Loop
The China Camp Loop hike offers many great views of all of the surrounding areas including the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge. This hike has gradual elevation gain and then steep loss at the end.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road
Death Valley National Park is among the hottest and driest places on the planet - making the Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road route that much more impressive. Ending at a stunning oasis deep within the park, the route is spectacular simply because of how contrasting its scenery is in comparison to the arid desert environment characteristic of the majority of Death Valley National Park.
User Ratings
Saddlebag Lake Trail
A family-friendly route in Inyo National Forest, the Saddlebag Lake Trail is a scenic pathway that traverses the shoreline of beautiful Saddlebag Lake. A route with great views of the surrounding landscape, Saddlebag Lake Trail is also considered an excellent place to view wildlife.