California

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near California

  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.0
    Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass.  The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...
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  • Frazier Creek Road, California

    Frazier Falls

    4.0
    1.06 mi / 79 ft gain
    Frazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months. To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Gra...
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  • Big Bear Lake, California

    Grand View Point

    6.9 mi / 1312 ft gain
    Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...
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  • Del Norte County, California

    Yurok Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.23 mi / 145.01 ft gain
    The Yurok Loop Trail is a small loop on the northern end of the growing California Coastal Trail. This family-friendly hike starts at a picturesque lagoon near False Klamath Cove before crossing a bridge and entering the Sitka spruce forest. From the trail junction, you have the choice of passin...
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  • Groveland, California

    Rainbow Pool

    4.5
    Finding Rainbow Pool is a little tricky, since it is off the side of a highway, but when you find it there is parking and bathrooms. There is a easy walkway to get down to the pool itself, and trails to climb to the top to slide or jump off the rocks. Many people tend to fish up top underneath th...
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  • Altadena, California

    Millard Falls

    3.0
    1.27 mi / 289 ft gain
    To get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...
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  • Los Altos, California

    Foothills Park: Boronda Lake

    3.0
    0.93 mi / 0 ft gain
    Situated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 915 ft gain
    Glendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...
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  • Bishop, California

    Evolution Basin via South Lake

    35.66 mi / 7769 ft gain
    It’s been called the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of the entire 211-mile John Muir Trail. Whatever superlatives are used to describe it, Evolution Basin is undoubtedly one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever explore. There is a small catch, though: There is no easy ...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Mountain Bike Cuesta Ridge

    5.0
    7 mi / -1600 ft gain
    Start at the parking lot directly off of Highway 101, head up TV tower Road for 2.8 Miles and a 900' climb from 1500' to 2400'. The trail is an old fire road that has degraded over the years and is full of potholes. Starting October 2015, the road has been closed to vehicles as its being repaved ...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Photograph Moonbows at Yosemite Falls

    1 mi
    In spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Drive into a Rainbow: Titus Canyon

    4.5
    Get ready to drive through the center of a rainbow.Titus canyon road winds 27 gorgeous miles through the Death Valley backcountry, twisting sharply around steep rock walls and over small passes. This is an adventure for both you and your vehicle. Consider the dust accumulation on your rear window...
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  • Big Pine, California

    Trout Fishing in the Owens River

    3.0
    Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, Inyo, and White Mountains, the Owens River Valley is picturesque and home to some quality trout fishing on the Owens River. If you like to pair photography with fishing then this is the ideal location for you - the color pallet is beautiful, especially in the wint...
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  • Whittier, California

    Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon

    2.0
    3.47 mi / 627 ft gain
    The Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...
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  • Siskiyou County, California

    Camp Out at Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

    4.0
    If you've never stayed in a lookout, you should. It's not a thrilling get your adrenaline type of adventure, but more of a private, secluded, let's enjoy epic views and incredible company type of get away.Little Mt. Hoffman lookout is one of a few remaining historic lookouts that was built in the...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Explore the Eureka Mine and the Cashier Mill

    The Eureka Mine was a gold mine founded by Shorty Harris and Pete Aguereberry. Pete won a legal battle and took control of the mine in 1909. It is said that the mine kept Pete making money for 40 years and earned $175,000 from the mine. That was at $20 per ounce. At current gold prices, the amoun...
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