California
Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near California
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Berkeley, California
Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak and Strawberry Canyon Loop
4.06 mi / 1670 ft gainThe Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak, and Strawberry Canyon Loop in Berkeley, California is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 6 miles. The trail is known for its steep inclines and declines, making it a suitable choice for intermediate to advanced hikers. The trail be...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Elysian Park
4.01.88 mi / 282 ft gainThe trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...Read more -
Santa Clarita, California
Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument
3.2 mi / 153 ft gainThe Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument, established in 2019, memorializes the site where the Saint Francis Dam, built by famed engineer William Mulholland, collapsed in 1929, tragically killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night as a 150+ foot wave of water crashed through ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.52 mi / 2205 ft gainGorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it ...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Fort Bragg, California
Laguna Point
0.58 mi / 33.46 ft gainArrive an hour or so before sunset and have plenty of time to explore a ton of different things. Walk along the beach, we had it to ourselves mind you. Not another footprint in the sand. Stroll around the boardwalks out to the point. Walk down to the tide pools, and stayed for one of the most spe...Read more -
Malibu, California
The Malibu Lagoon State Beach
5.02.11 mi / 118 ft gainThe Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Malibu, California.Read more -
Crescent City, California
Drive Walker Road
5.03.74 mi / 702 ft gainWalker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls Vista Loop
5.00.56 mi / 138 ft gainEagle falls is a short walk from the main Emerald Bay vista point. The top of the falls are cool to look at themselves, with great views of the lake.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail
4.01 mi / 587 ft gainA very scenic 4-mile round trip with a rewarding waterfall after a 2.5-mile hike/stroll. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Verdugo Mountain Traverse
5.012.13 mi / 0 ft gainThe Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sequoia Trail
4.05.73 mi / 696 ft gainSequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP is temporarily closed. Get updates and more details at Parks.CA.Gov. This 5.7-mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Fall...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
3.7Bayview 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 -...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road
4.1 mi / 1070 ft gainOld Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. T...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...Read more -
Crowley Lake, California
Shady Rest Park
5.01.96 mi / 95 ft gainShady Rest Park is a peaceful, family-friendly recreation area located just off Sawmill Road, only minutes from the center of Mammoth Lakes. With easy access, tall pine forests, and gently rolling terrain, it’s a great spot for walking, picnicking, biking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the E...Read more