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

  • El Portal, California

    Hites Cove Trail

    5.0
    6.8 mi / 791 ft gain
    The Hites Cove Trail is a scenic 7.8-mile round-trip hike nestled within California’s Sierra National Forest, near El Portal. Renowned for its vibrant spring wildflower displays, the trail meanders along the South Fork of the Merced River, culminating at the historic Hite Mine site. Ho...
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  • Tiburon, California

    Angel Island Perimeter Loop

    5.98 mi / 794 ft gain
    Angel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views  of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...
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  • Marin County, California

    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails

    5.0
    7.59 mi / 1939 ft gain
    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Bird Island Trail

    5.0
    0.85 mi / 75 ft gain
    This is one of the most rewarding short coastal hikes in Point Lobos. The Bird Island Trail offers sweeping ocean views, a peek into rugged shorelines, and a front-row seat to seabird colonies—all in under a mile. Trail Basics & Route Overview Trail Type: Lollypop / loop with a sp...
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Hilltop Trail Loop

    5.0
    0.71 mi / 49 ft gain
    Hilltop Trail Loop is a loop trail in Ragle Ranch Park located near Sebastopol, California. This trail is dog and family-friendly. Ragle Ranch also has a playground for young children as an additional option for before or after hitting the trail.
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Monserate Mountain Loop

    5.0
    4.16 mi / 1247 ft gain
    The Monserate Mountain trail is a 4.2 mile loop hike that takes you through a [stand out feature of the adventure] near Fallbrook, California. This hike can be challenging given the elevation gain, so make sure you pack plenty of water especially on warmer days. 
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trailhead

    5.0
    4.47 mi / 784 ft gain
    San Mateo Peak, standing at an elevation of 3,591 feet, is the highest summit in the Elsinore Mountains, a subrange of the Santa Ana Mountains in Southern California. The peak offers hikers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is accessible via the Morgan Trail. Hours of Operation...
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  • Inverness, California

    Point Reyes Secret Beach, Amphitheater and Cathedral

    6.09 mi / 167 ft gain
    Point Reyes Secret Beach, Amphitheater and Cathedral is located in Point Reyes National Seashore near Limantour Beach. This is an out-and-back coastal hike along the beach, which will shrink as the tide comes up. It is best to arrive at the Crater and Amphitheater when the tide is going out close...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Dias Ridge

    5.0
    6.09 mi / 968 ft gain
    Dias Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Point Lobos South Shore Trail

    4.0
    2.48 mi / 75 ft gain
    If you’re craving an ocean-edge walk through rocky coastline, tide pools and bluff vistas, the South Shore Trail delivers. It’s a slightly wild coastal route that keeps you close to the sea and filled with surprises. Trail Basics & Route Overview Difficulty: Easy Trail Surface &a...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Maynard Mine Trail

    5.82 mi / 2487 ft gain
    Maynard Mine Trail is a good choice if you're looking for decent elevation gain to get the hear rate up. The trailhead is at Andreas Canyon (in the Indian Canyons).  The trail has a rapid elevation gain of 2300' in the first 2.5 miles. The entire trail, out and back, is about 6 miles. The actua...
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  • Occidental, California

    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop

    5.0
    5.36 mi / 853 ft gain
    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 
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  • Rimforest, California

    Dogwood Campground Loop

    5.0
    3.33 mi / 604 ft gain
    Dogwood Campground Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Rimforest, California.
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  • Lancaster, California

    Saddleback Butte State Park Loop

    0.58 mi / 46 ft gain
    Saddleback Butte State Park is a state park in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. It’s oftentimes looked over, but you’d be surprised what you can find there. Definitely a place to stop. It is located east of Lancaster. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of water and wear su...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop

    4.0
    1.18 mi / 180 ft gain
    Discover the awe-inspiring Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California, where the gentle 1.2-mile Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop Trail guides visitors through a pristine ancient redwood forest. Walk among towering coastal redwoods, including the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armst...
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  • Martinez, California

    Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail

    5.0
    2.59 mi / 512 ft gain
    Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.
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