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
Trillium Falls Trail
The Trillium Falls Trail is a wonderful adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Wander through the primeval redwood grove abundant with a diversity of flora and fauna and indulge yourself in the sights and scenes of a cascading waterfall.
User Ratings
Hot Springs Canyon Trail
The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a unique adventure in the Los Padres National Forest that offers a natural spa treatment along the way. Meander through the forested canyon beautiful with lush flora and a river that offers a series of blue-hued hot springs for soaking. Get lost? Simply follow the smell of sulfur.
User Ratings
Fort Funston Coastal Trail
The Fort Funston Coastal Trail boasts an unrivaled experience, offering breathtaking ocean views and the opportunity to explore the remnants of the decommissioned naval defense base. Adventurers of all skill levels and ages can explore this wonderful seaside trail—including your pup!
User Ratings
Indian Cove Nature Loop
This short, flat nature loop takes hikers through the desert area of Indian Cove. With information signs illustrating local botany and great views of the rock towers in the area, this is a thoroughly enjoyable little hike.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Yosemite Falls
Don't hike to the top of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park. Spend your time only on the best and see both falls and avoid the challenging final ascent to the top of the Upper Falls (where there is no real view of the stunning cascades anyways!).
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
A hike at Kruse Rhododendron State National Reserve is full of rhododendrons in bloom if you go between April and early-June. There are typically lots of mushrooms and fungus growing on the downed trees in the preserve. If you are someone who is excited about botanical diversity this hike is amazing!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Willow Canyon Trail
A canyon lovers hike, the WIllow Canyon Trail has lots to offer. Rated as moderate due to its length and relatively large elevation incline, the WIllow Canyon Trail is an ideal route for the intermediate hiker. Boasting a number of small waterfalls - made even more impressive considering the harsh desert environment - the route should definitely be on your Death Valley National Park hiking list!
User Ratings
Crystal Lake Trail
A stunning route, Crystal Lake Trail traverses some lovely forested terrain before arriving at picturesque Crystal Lake. A fairly short route, Crystal Lake Trail is both family friendly and easily accessible. The route boasts incredible views of the surrounding Inyo Forest Landscape and is regarded as an excellent place to see wildlife.
User Ratings
Rainbow Lake Trail
The Rainbow Lake Trail is a charming route with Lassen Volcanic National Park. Taking you through a beautiful coniferous forest and along the shoreline of picturesque mountain lakes, the Rainbow Lake Trail boasts incredible views of the surrounding landscape. A longer route with a notable amount of elevation incline, the route is ideal for intermediate and experienced hikers.
User Ratings
Bertha Peak Trail
The Bertha Peak Trail is a wonderfully scenic hiking route in the San Bernardino National Forest that will see you climb uphill for sweeping landscape views. While out on the trail, you will climb up the Cougar Crest Trail through the forest, before pushing up to the summit of Bertha Peak for a fantastic sightline over Big Bear Lake. While the trail isn’t overly difficult, there are some rugged sections with rocky terrain, so make sure to take your time and watch your footing.
User Ratings
Tallac Historic Site Loop
Discover the history of South Lake Tahoe along the Tallac Historic Site Loop. The easy-going loop trail is a wonderful adventure boasting breathtaking panoramas of the shimmering alpine lake bounded by the Sierra Nevada’s from the historic estates. Open year-round, accessible and scenic, this route is worth adding to your adventure itinerary.
User Ratings
Dinkey Lakes Trail
The Dinkey Lakes Trail is a must-add to your Sierra National Forest adventure itinerary. Wander through lush forestlands to not one but four shimmering alpine lakes imposed by looming granite bluffs and towering pines. This scenic trek is sure to impress.
User Ratings
Calaveras North Grove Trail
The Calaveras Big Trees State Park is undoubtedly one of the most underrated adventure destinations in the Stanislaus National Forest. Located within the park is the Calaveras North Grove Trail, a family-friendly nature walk beneath the shade of the looming sequoias. This impressive trek is a must-add to your hiking itinerary—trust us.
User Ratings
Wildcat Camp Trail
Reconnect with nature, enjoy epic views and get your heart pumping along the Wildcat Camp Trail. This scenic hike in the Point Reyes National Seashore travels through forested valleys, meadowlands, coastal grasslands, and creek canyons down to Wildcat Beach on the Pacific.
User Ratings
Landers Lake Loop
Beckoning intrepid spirits and experienced hikers, the Landers Lake Loop is awaiting your exploration. Wander along beautiful babbling creeks through mixed woodlands, alpine meadows, and granite gardens up to the crystalline lake bounded by the craggy cliffs of Red Rock Mountain. Exhibiting the diversity of flora and fauna, this adventure is well worth adding to your hiking itinerary.
User Ratings
Giant Forest Loop Trail
The Giant Forest Loop Trail boasts an unrivaled experience, guiding explorers amongst some of the world’s oldest and grandest giant sequoias on the planet! This enchanting adventure will shrink you down to the size of an ant as you wander the path amongst the monstrous old-growth sequoias—hikers of all ages and skill levels can participate.
User Ratings
Grove of the Titans Trail
The Grove of the Titans Trail is a wonderful adventure through a forest draped with green moss and decorated with gigantic redwoods. This picture-perfect scene affords anyone a good time, indulging novice hikers and children alike.
User Ratings
Gaviota Peak Hike
The Gaviota Peak Trail is a heart-pumping expedition in the Los Padres National Forest that boasts unrivaled views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Those seeking a challenging day-hike will enjoy this adventure.
User Ratings
Mori Point Loop Trail
The Mori Point Loop Trail, located in the Golden Gate Recreation Area, is an excellent adventure ideal for hikers of all skill levels and ages—including your four-legged friend! Explore the lush coastal headlands decorated with vibrant wildflowers and marvel at the gorgeous maritime scenery.
User Ratings
Split Rock Trail
Weaving in and out of towering cliffs, slick boulders, and one of the densest collections of rock formations in the park, the Split Rock Trail is a photographer’s dream. Throughout this relatively easy flat loop trail you can enjoy amazing atmosphere, suitable for the whole family.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty