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

  • Trinidad, California

    Patrick's Point Trail

    5.0
    0.21 mi / 92 ft gain
    Patrick's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Novato, California

    Mount Burdell Open Space Loop

    5.0
    4.87 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Start at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain.  The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...
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  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail

    5.0
    4.02 mi / 302 ft gain
    The Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...
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  • Saratoga, California

    Seven Springs Trail Loop

    2.75 mi / 541 ft gain
    The Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...
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  • Redding, California

    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge

    4.0
    2.27 mi / 167 ft gain
    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redding, California.
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop

    1.91 mi / 243 ft gain
    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop is an almost 2-mile loop for hiking, running and walking. This trail is relatively easy and takes under one hour to hike. This loop is dog friendly. 
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Hike the West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Beginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail

    5.0
    14.4 mi / 331 ft gain
    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Guerneville, California

    Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees

    5.0
    The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...
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  • Klamath, California

    Hike to the Klamath River Outlook

    3.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    Fun drive on Requa Road off 101 takes you to a great little outlook. Take the trail descent down to the beach or connect with the CA Coastal trails for a three or four mile jaunt to either Hidden Beach or Lagoon Creek Beach. This spot is a local gem with minimal visitors. It also offers a likely ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.  To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Snowshoe to Blue Lake

    6.2 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Starting in Aspendale at 8500 feet, this 5 mile hike is very invigorating and beautiful. To get here, take hwy 395 until in Bishop. Turn onto hwy 168 until you pass the small town of Aspendale. The road dead ends about another mile up the road and you can park. Walk past the yellow gate toward la...
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  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Douglas City Campground

    The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...
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  • Dana Point, California

    Salt Creek Trail

    5.0
    1.6 mi / 95 ft gain
    Starting from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot (a paid lot that takes cash and credit cards and charges by the hour with pay stations at a few points in the parking lots), you head west towards the ocean...through a tunnel and down the hill towards the beach. Once you get to the basketball court ...
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  • San Simeon, California

    Elephant Seal Vista Point

    5.0
    Elephant Seal Vista Point is a favorite place to see the elephant seals. If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, it's a must see. During the Spring, the adult elephant seals and the baby seals are out. Nearby are easy, clearly marked, walking paths, along the cliffs edge. Dogs are not all...
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  • Clearlake Oaks, California

    Cache Creek Ridge: Judge Davis Trailhead

    4.0
    10.26 mi / 2018 ft gain
    Cache Creek Ridge: Judge Davis Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Williams, California.
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