Hikes in California

The Cleo’s Bath Hike is an awesome alpine adventure that can be enjoyed by intermediate hikers and families with older children. Leading explorers along the shoreline of Pinecrest Lake, this route opens to the granite river valley, wonderful wading pool, and waterfall. This trail offers an unparalleled experience in the Stanislaus National Forest.

The Chimney Rock Trail is an underrated adventure in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Compared to the Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail, this route sees less traffic but boasts equally picturesque scenes of the coastline.

The hike up to Lake Helen is a classic adventure in the Shasta-Trinity National Forests that beckons intrepid adventures year-round. Located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Shasta, the second-highest volcano in the Cascade Range, this hike is well revered. Hike up Avalanche Gulch to the glacial lake and high camp which offer epic views of the majestic landscape.

Indulge yourself with a natural spa treatment in the great outdoors along the Remington Hot Springs Trail. A lovely path leads visitors down through mixed forestlands adorned with vibrant wildflowers to a collection of three sulfuric hot tubs perched above Kern River.

Leading you through a lush primeval forest of redwoods and along the banks of Redwood Creek, the Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail offers no shortage of picturesque scenery. This easy-going adventure affords anyone a good time and the crowds that flock to the area are a testament to its beauty. Try to find the world’s tallest tree– Hyperion, which is found off the trail, hidden in the woodlands!

The Figueroa Mountain Hike is a must-add to your adventure itinerary. This wonderfully scenic trail wanders through mountainside meadowlands abundant with vibrant wildflowers before culminating at the summit, which boasts 360-degrees panoramas of the encompassing landscapes.

The Alum Rock South Rim Trail is an unassumingly beautiful adventure in the foothills of San José that boasts wonderful scenery. Explore the area’s diversity of flora and fauna while indulging in the unique geological features—such as natural hot springs, rock walls of layered strata, and sandstone outcrops.

The Olompali State Park Loop is a short and sweet way to get a taste of the plants and animals that are in the area. Many facts can be learned by exploring all areas of the Olompali Park, including the self-guided interpretive signs which tell stories of the indigenous people who used to live in the area.

The hike up Lembert Dome is one of the easier ways to get to the top of anything in Yosemite National Park. Get great views over Tuolumne Meadows and stop for a snack when you're done with the walk at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill.

Popular with locals, the 49 Palm Oasis hike climbs over a small pass then descends to emerge onto a quaint oasis. Count the palms – there should be 49 of them!

The Desolation Canyon Trail traverses an incredible canyon that is as barren as it is beautiful. A moderately difficult route, the Desolation Canyon Trail is best suited for families with older children and those looking for a more casual hiking experience.

The Hot Creek Interpretive Trail is a short route that is appropriate for all skill levels, and families with young children. The trail brings you along Hot Creek - a geothermally heated waterway surrounded by the imposing mountains of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The Hot Creek Interpretive Trail possesses a number of educational plaques to help inform visitors on the natural history of the area.

The Cluster Lakes Loop Trail is a stunning route within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Leading you along the shoreline of a number of breathtaking lakes, the route is considered to be an excellent location for wildlife viewing. A longer route with a notable amount of elevation fluctuation, the Cluster Lakes Loop Trail is ideal for intermediate and experienced hikers.

Hiking the Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a fun adventure in San Bernardino National Forest that will provide lovely forest views and the chance to learn about local plant species. While out on the trail, you will loop around the forest and stop at a number of interpretive signs that offer valuable information on the flora surrounding Big Bear Lake. Be sure to stick to the laid out path out of respect for the environment and other hikers.

Hiking the Mount Tallac Trail is a technical trek that boasts breathtaking vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the alpine lakes that adorn the glacial basins. A commanding landmark along the shores of Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac offers countless adventure opportunities, attracting thousands of intrepid explorers year-round. If you are seeking a challenging hike, then the Mount Tallac Trail is an excellent option.

The Ely Mountain Hike is a stunning excursion that boasts wonderful vistas of the High Sierra from the summit of the granite peak. Indulge yourself in the lush wilderness adorned with granite outcrops and past a shimmering lake as you hike up to the panoramic overlook.

A trip to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park is well worth the detour. Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, the Calaveras South Grove Trail is an enchanting nature walk, unparalleled in its beauty. Explore the grove chock-full of ancient giant sequoias and marvel in their grandeur.

The Bass Lake Hike offers the best of both worlds—coastal views and a lake. What more could you ask for? This family-friendly adventure wanders along the dramatic headlands before guiding explorers beneath the tree canopy to picture-perfect lake.

Beckoning explorers from all over the state, Pluto’s Cave Trail boasts a unique experience in the Klamath National Forest. Located on the outskirts of Mount Shasta, hikers can explore the lava tubes that were carved nearly 200,000 years ago by lava flow. Adventurers of all ages will be captivated by the complexity of the partially collapsed cavern.

Explore a dense collection of old-growth sequoias along the Trail of 100 Giants. This family-friendly hike travels through Long Grove Meadow, boasting an enchanting experience whilst showcasing some 1,500-year-old behemoths.