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

  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Crane Flat Campground

    Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bolete Mushroom Hunting

    Salt Point State Park is a state park in Sonoma County, California, United States. The park covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) on the coast of Northern California, with 20 miles (32 km) of hiking trails and over 6 miles (9.7 km) of a rough rocky coast line including Salt Point which protrudes into the...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach

    Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...
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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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  • Plumas County, California

    Boiling Springs Lake Loop

    2.38 mi / 449 ft gain
    The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the ...
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  • Vidal, California

    Visit the Rice Shoe Fence

    3.0
    If you're traveling on CA-62, keep an eye out on the south side of the road for the enormous shrine of retired footwear from passers by. Be sure to leave some of your own well worn footwear and take some photos of the shoe clad desert landscape. Make sure to pull a safe distance from the side of ...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Camp at Hayward Flat on Trinity Lake

    We drove all around Trinity Lake and this was the best campground we found! Located right on Trinity Lake you will find Hayward Flat Campground.  From Weaverville California you will follow highway 3 north about 20 miles. Then take a right on Hayward Flat road two miles. Boom, you are there.  The...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Castle Rock Trail

    5.0
    6.06 mi / 971 ft gain
    Located near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo.  This tra...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Hike to White Bark VIsta

    2.3 mi / 462 ft gain
    A short 1 mile hike in from Kaiser Pass will lead you to the top of a ridge line with incredible views toward the east. There are two pit toilets located at the top of Kaiser Pass. If you have a high clearance, 4x4/AWD vehicle you can probably drive to this location. (I made it up here in a stock...
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  • Philo, California

    Camp at Camp Navarro

    5.0
    Camp Navarro is located about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco. This redwood getaway is nestled between branches of the North Fork of the Navarro River. Equipped with a lodge, coffee, shop, water and toilets, Camp Navarro allows you to escape from the stresses of city life while still enjoying a ...
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  • Maricopa, California

    Camp and Boulder at Pine Mountain

    Pine Mountain is closed intermittently for the winter season due to snowfall, usually from November through February. Outside of those months, take the Highway 33 north out of Ojai, heading north for about an hour and a half. You’ll see a large turnout as well as a sign reading “Pine Mt Road” on ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Andreas Canyon

    5.0
    1.03 mi / 154 ft gain
    Andreas Canyon in Indian Canyons is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It is one of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a waterfall (Seven Falls) or stay ...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    McGee Creek

    5.0
    3.68 mi / 728 ft gain
    McGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offer...
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  • Lassen County, California

    Backpack the Caribou Wilderness Lakes Loop

    12 mi
    The caribou lakes loop is very laid back, making it a great start for first time backpackers and kids. Word of caution: in the summer the mosquitos are plenty, I'd recommend this loop for the fall. From the parking lot there is a visible sign pointing you in the direction of the trailhead near Ca...
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  • Pinecrest, California

    Backpack to Chain Lakes

    4.4 mi / 864 ft gain
    This trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Camp at Wright's Beach Campground

    / 32 ft gain
    This campground is defined by the scenery: rugged headlands, craggy coastlines, natural arches, and quiet coves.Wright's Beach Campground features primitive camping - basic tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and amazing ocean views. This is a great location for Bay Area campers who want t...
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