California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle. It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail). The summit is larg...Read more -
Emigrant Gap, California
Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail
5.06.41 mi / 1522 ft gainLoch Leven Viewpoint Trail is an out-and-back trail to a viewpoint of the Loch Leven Lakes that is moderately difficult located near Truckee, California. This trail is just under 6.5 miles. If you're willing to add a little more than a mile to your adventure, you can head all the way to Upper Loc...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Magee Peak & Crater Peak
7.19 mi / 2887 ft gainThe trail to Magee Peak and Crater Peak makes for a fairly strenuous hike (mostly due to altitude). This USFS out-and-back trail has incredible views of the major peaks in the Northern California & Southern Oregon. Take in a spectacular close-up of Lassen NP and great views of Shasta, Castl...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Arroyo Terrace Trail
5.01.54 mi / 194 ft gainArroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Eagle Rock Nature Trail
4.01.66 mi / 430 ft gainEagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.Read more -
Occidental, California
Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop
5.36 mi / 853 ft gainHunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail
2.23 mi / 719 ft gainCahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Los Angeles, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 1293 ft gainAraby and Berns Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Azusa, California
Smith Mountain Trail
6.69 mi / 3189 ft gainSmith Mountain Trail is an awesome day hike located near Glendora, California. This out-and-back trail offers great views of the Los Angeles National Forest and the potential for continuation to Bear Creek for even more variety of scenery. Smith Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike with an el...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit
17.51 mi / 2949 ft gainTahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
La Quinta, California
Boo Hoff Trail
12.7 mi / 2323 ft gainBoo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Pushwalla Palms Loop
4.33 mi / 741 ft gainPushwalla Palms Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Thousand Palms, California.Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Castle Lake
Castle Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a glacial lake with picturesque views of Mt. Shasta. In the middle of the lake, researchers float a platform in the middle of the lake to study the lake's environment. This is a great destination to swim to. Nearby Hike:Heart Lake is a great ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Caramba Overlook
12.97 mi / 2779 ft gainCaramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more