California

Looking for the best chillin 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 Chillin Spots in and near California

  • Kernville, California

    Dispersed Camp along Salmon Creek in Sequoia NF

    There are several dispersed campsites found throughout the Sequoia National Forest. The majority can be found by driving on any of the OHV accessible roads. This particular campsite can be found at coordinates 35.89759, -118.4628. In order to get to the campsite, use Google Maps to get you to the...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike Panum Crater Trail

    5.0
    3.3 mi / 874 ft gain
    If you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...
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  • Vallejo, California

    Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

    4.0
    1 mi / 20 ft gain
    This old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...
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  • San Juan Capistrano, California

    Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    4.0
    2 mi / 220 ft gain
    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size.  The...
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  • San Diego, California

    Climb the Famous California Balboa Bell Tower

    5.0
    This tour allows you to climb up the iconic landmark of Balboa Park. It has never been open to the public to climb until January 2014. An easy seven floor climb brings you to a beautiful viewing deck. From the top of the tower you'll be able to see the glimpses of the San Diego Zoo, the Cuyamaca ...
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  • Topanga, California

    The Labyrinth at Tuna Canyon Park

    1.45 mi / 299 ft gain
    This is a simple but steep 2.4 mile round-trip hike to a clearing on a mountaintop in Topanga/Malibu, about an hour's drive west of downtown LA. At the end of the hike you'll reach a clearing with incredible views. On a cloudy or foggy day, it feels like you're floating above the clouds; on a cle...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Romantic Sunset Snowcat Tour

    Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Experience the sights and sounds of the backcountry in the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat.After a day on the slopes, celebrate a spectacular view over the Ritter Range and the Minarets with a champagne toast...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail

    5.0
    5.02 mi / 1581 ft gain
    At 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the ...
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  • Hume, California

    Hume Lake Loop

    2.7
    2.8 mi / 223 ft gain
    This spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are lo...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall

    5.0
    Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fi...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop

    5 mi / 873 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

    25 mi / 4448 ft gain
    The Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...
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  • Kernville, California

    Hike up Powers Peak in Kernville

    10 mi / 3200 ft gain
    High Level Details: ~10 Miles Round Trip~3,200 feet total elevation gain for tripTrailhead elevation: 2,811 feetHighest Point on the trail: Powers Peak, 5,778 feetEstimated Time to complete: 4-5 hoursNo water source along the way, so bring plenty of water Dog friendly? Yes! We love bringing Linco...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Rock Climb in Camp 4

    5.0
    Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...
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  • La Mesa, California

    Lake Murray Reservoir

    5.0
    6.07 mi / 164 ft gain
    Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph!  If you are shooting the sunset, use your weather app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes pr...
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  • Fresno County, California

    Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls

    4.5
    4.29 mi / 476 ft gain
    The Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Trail is a 4.1 mile hike in Kings Canyon National Park. You feel remote, even with a road nearby. The minimal elevation change makes this a scenic hike for all skill levels. Bring bug spray and wear long sleeve hiking clothing in August, as the bugs are ...
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