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

  • Shasta County, California

    Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

    2.0
    0.5 mi / 16 ft gain
    Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Old Station, California.
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    San Bernardino Peak

    3.0
    15.82 mi / 4911 ft gain
    The San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits.  If you choose to ...
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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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  • Los Angeles, California

    Reseda Pond Path

    1.0
    0.3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Reseda Pond Path is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Reseda, California
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  • 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California

    Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House

    12.38 mi / 1588 ft gain
    The Pacific Crest Trail section from Whitewater Preserve to Stone House offers a challenging 12.4-mile out-and-back trek through the dramatic desert landscape of Southern California. Starting from the scenic Whitewater Preserve at 2,700 feet elevation, this trail section provides hikers with an...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail

    4.0
    3.33 mi / 20 ft gain
    The Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of coastal and urban hiking. The trail is a flat, paved 3.33-mile loop that is suitable for all skill levels. It starts at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark known for its Ferris wheel and...
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  • San Jose, California

    Alviso Slough Loop

    3.0
    8.76 mi / 256 ft gain
    This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

    3.2
    2.52 mi / 666 ft gain
    The Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a 2.52-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Due to its length and minimal elevation gain of ~670 feet, the hike is open to all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, hiking, and trail running, The Griffith P...
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  • San Francisco, California

    San Francisco Crosstown Trail

    5.0
    16.71 mi / 1975 ft gain
    The San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014.  It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities.  In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Doran Beach

    5.0
    4.02 mi / 75 ft gain
    Doran Beach is nestled within the picturesque landscape of Doran Regional Park near Bodega Bay, California. Offering pristine shores and captivating vistas, this is a coastal gem that allows visitors a more protected coastal landscape than nearby Salmon Creek State Beach. Explore sandy beaches ...
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  • Oroville, California

    North Table Mountain North Loop

    5.0
    7.15 mi / 866 ft gain
    North Table Mountain is a basalt mesa above the town of Oroville that offers multiple hiking trails leading to multiple overlooks.  There are seasonal waterfalls and wildflower viewing along with cattle grazing.  This loop leads you past wildflower meadows, Ravine Falls, Phantom Falls, Beatson Fa...
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  • Guinda, California

    Hike Pierce Canyon

    6.2 mi / 1079 ft gain
     This hike follows a fire road through some farms, up into the woods and up the ridge. It's an accessible and easy trail, with some decent incline starting about halfway through (thus the "moderate" rating instead of easy).   Park at the end of the road before the gate. (There is a sign that say...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Canyonback Nike Loop

    4.5
    6.02 mi / 1693 ft gain
    Canyonback Nike Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Red Rock Pools

    0.89 mi / 10 ft gain
    Red Rock Pools is a relatively popular swimming hole located along the Santa Ynez River about an hour outside of Santa Barbara, California. The trail to the swimming hole is relatively short, but more pools can be found if you follow the Gibraltar Trail down to the Gibraltar Dam (an additional ...
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  • Dawson Saddle, California

    Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham

    8 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The trailhead, or pair of trailheads actually, is at a location on the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) called Dawson's Saddle.  There are a couple of parking areas along the side of the highway, and each of the pair of trailheads begins at either end of this parking area.  The trailheads aren't mark...
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  • Larkspur, California

    King Mountain Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.53 mi / 755 ft gain
    This beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade.  This is a an ea...
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