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California

Looking for the best backpacking in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near California

  • Bishop, California

    Treasure Lakes Trail

    5.0
    5.79 mi / 1375 ft gain
    The Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...
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  • Bass Lake, California

    Camp at Greys Mountain Campground

    / 5293 ft gain
    From Greys Mountain Campground, Sierra National Forest is your oyster! Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and (sometimes) potable wate...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

    16 mi / 4775 ft gain
    The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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  • Siskiyou County, California

    Climb Mt. Shasta via the Hotlum-Bolam Ridge

    10 mi / 7200 ft gain
    The Hotlum-Bolam route follows the ridge between the Hotlum and Bolam Glaciers on Shasta's north side. It's an intermediate route that isn't much more technical than the south side routes, except for icy sections and possible late-season open crevasses. For this reason it's a popular alternative ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike from Kirk Creek Campground to Vicente Flat Trail

    10.9 mi / 3454 ft gain
    The Vicente Flat Trail is well kept and wide, with many campsites at the end. This trail is very close to Cone Peak, and is used for mountain biking, trail running, birding, and nature trips. 
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  • Pinecrest, California

    Camp at Baker Campground

    5.0
    / 6224 ft gain
    Baker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...
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  • Lake Hughes, California

    Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Horse Trail to Bear Campground

    11.63 mi / 2396 ft gain
    This is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you're through-hiking or sectional hiking, you'll have to hit it eventually. Try and avoid it in the late summer or early fall because of heat, and gnats. Find a way to check the bug report, we got marauded by gnats 90% of the way (early October) and ap...
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  • Susanville, California

    Camp at ​Cheney Creek Primitive Campsite

    3 mi
    Cheney Creek has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites. There is a primitive hike in or bike in campsite at Cheney Creek along the Bizz Johnson Trail, which is beside the Susan River. The primitive self contained camping site is 1.5 miles east of the Devil's Corral Trailhead on t...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Drake Lake Trail

    4.6 mi / 840 ft gain
    The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Backpack to Nelson Lake

    17 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Head to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake

    32 mi / 2400 ft gain
    The hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Backpack to Red Slate Mountain

    22 mi / 5600 ft gain
    I would recommend you spend the night in the area to acclimatize, since the trailhead does start at ~8,000ft and you will be hiking up to ~10,500ft at the end of the first day and climbing up to 13,100ft on the second day. One option would be to reserve a spot at the nearby McGee Creek Campground...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Camp at Bayview Campground

    5.0
    Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...
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  • Old Station, California

    Hike to Snag Lake via the Cinder Cone

    12.5 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Start from the Butte Lake trailhead, off Highway 44 at the north end of Lassen Volcanic National Park. From the parking lot walk past the little boat launch and the trailhead is obvious in front of you.  Be mentally prepared to be walking in loose sand for most of this trip (and bring ankle or kn...
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  • Bishop, California

    Climb Columbine Peak's NE Ridge

    15 mi / 5000 ft gain
    Directions This Bishop Pass Trail starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head the rest ...
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge

    4.0
    4.75 mi / 1335 ft gain
    Located in the San Bernardino National Forest and part of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are a relaxing site for those of us without access to a Jacuzzi. There are at least 4 pools of hot (not just warm) water that you can soak in with your fellow neighbor (who may or may not...
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