30 California Hikes with Unbelievable Views

Get your camera ready.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

There are few places on Earth where you’ll find the diversity in landscape that you’ll find in California. The best way to see it all is, of course, by hiking. Whether you’re looking out over the Eastern Sierra, the Pacific Ocean, or the wide open desert, the views you’ll find on these California hikes will lead to your jaw dropping and your hands reaching for your camera. Check out our list and get ready to see the Golden State at it’s best.

1. Hike King’s Peak


Photo: Josiah Roe

2. Hike the Badlands Loop in Death Valley


Photo: Shannon Kalahan

3. Hike to Phantom Falls


Photo: Xavier Salgado

4. Hike Mount Tallac


Photo: Christian Arballo

5. Hike to Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail


Photo: Joel Bear

6. Hike Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake


Photo: Jake Young

7. Hike to the Summit of Mt. Tamalpais


Photo: Souther Nuon

8. Hike Mt. Livermore


Photo: Clare Healey

9. Hike Clouds Rest


Photo: Addison Klinke

10. Hike to the Etna Mountain Summit


Photo: Greg Balkin

11. Hike to Artist Point


Photo: Sarah Giek

12. Hike Arrowhead Lake


Photo: Gregg Boydston

13. Hike to Lassen Peak


Photo: Christian Arballo

14. Hike the Andrew Molera State Park Loop


Photo: Katch Silva

15. Hike to Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park


Photo: Adam Franklin

16. Hike Otay Mountain


Photo: Kat Carney

17. Hike to the Hollywood Sign via Bush Canyon Trail


Photo: Hunter Day

18. Hike to the Bridge to Nowhere


Photo: Ben Lertsakdadet

19. Hike to Taft Point


Photo: Joel Bear

20. Summit Mt. Baldy


Photo: Brenda Lin

21. Hike the Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake


Photo: Sassy Cuna

22. Hike to the Summit of Mt. Whitney


Photo: Gregg Boydston

23. Hike to San Gabriel Peak


Photo: Mark Garcia

24. Hike at Saddle Peak


Photo: Cameron Gardner

25. Hike up to Bishop’s Pass


Photo: Matt Purciel

26. Hike Sandstone Peak


Photo: Michael Wigle

27. Hike Half Dome via the Mist Trail


Photo: Eddie Jo

28. Hike Iron Mountain via Heaton Flats


Photo: Drew Robinson

29. Hike to Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park


Photo: Ben Lertsakdadet

30. Hike Ryan Mountain


Photo: Matt Purciel

Cover photo: Josiah Roe

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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