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Trinidad, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Trinidad, California offer a variety of scenic adventures. The top must-visit is the Trinidad Head Trail, a moderately challenging 1.4-mile loop that boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the quaint town below. Along the way, you'll see unique rock formations and the historic Trinidad Head Lighthouse. For a more relaxed stroll, try the Old Home Beach Trail, an easy walk that takes you to a beautiful, secluded beach. If you're up for a challenge, tackle the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park trails. Here, you'll find towering redwoods and a variety of wildlife. For water-based outdoor adventures, paddle around Trinidad Bay, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. These attractions showcase the best of Trinidad's natural beauty.

Top Spots in and near Trinidad

  • Trinidad, California

    Hike Trinidad Head

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    Park in the large parking lot at Trinidad Beach. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot. The loop trail can be hiked in either direction.The trail is half dirt singletrack, half paved switchbacks, and climbs steadily to the top of Trinidad Head. The view of the ocean and California ...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Watch a Sunset at College Cove Beach

    5.0
    0.25 mi
    Follow the trail leading from the end of the parking lot down onto the beach. From the parking lot to the beach the walk is about a quarter of a mile, with a slight decrease in elevation as you move down to the beach.  To get to the beach, take 72B off of Highway 101 and turn west onto Main Stree...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Strawberry Rock Trail

    5.0
    2.99 mi / 505 ft gain
    To get there: From the south, take the Trinidad exit, from which you will take a slight left/ go straight onto Trinidad Frontage rd. From The north, get off at the Trinidad exit, cross under the freeway, and take a left on Trinidad Frontage rd. Once on Trinidad Frontage rd, go straight to the end...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Explore Luffenholtz Beach Park

    On a road trip with a friend in July of 2019, this beach came recommended to us. The tidepools, rocks cutting into the sea, and photography opportunities made it a spectacular stop.  There are stairs down to the beach and we were the only ones at the park.  If I remember correctly, it’s quite a n...
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  • 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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  • Trinidad, California

    Wedding Rock Trail

    5.0
    0.23 mi / 85 ft gain
    Wedding Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Orick, California

    Tall Trees Grove, Redwood Creek, Emerald Ridge Loop

    4.4
    4.41 mi / 1043 ft gain
    Day 1: Check with the Rangers station before heading up for best camping opportunities. Assuming you've checked with the rangers for approval...if there are openings, off of the main road, there are side streets with access to the beaches. Pull into one of these areas and drive down as far as you...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike to Tall Trees Grove, Redwood NP

    5.0
    3.9 mi / 690 ft gain
    NOTE: You need a permit, albeit free, to do this hike.First, you'll need to go to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center just off Highway 101 south of Orick, CA. Once there, write down your license plate number and go up to the counter and ask one of the rangers for a permit for Tall Trees Access Ro...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike the Emerald Ridge - Redwood Creek Loop

    6 mi / 900 ft gain
    This loop begins at the Tall Trees Trailhead.  To access this parking area, you must have a permit that you can obtain from the Kuchel ranger station.  The gate is locked.  When you get the permit, the ranger will also give you the combination to the gate.  Once you drive through, close the gate ...
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  • Orick, California

    Hike Lyons Ranch

    4 mi
    This is really a dirt road that is gated off from Bald Hills Road. The trail head parking can fit about 6 cars but seldom do people venture out this way. After all, the attraction of Redwood National Park is the redwoods but this high prairie is definitely worth exploring.The walk to the ranch is...
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  • Orick, California

    Drive Bald Hills Road in Redwood National and State Parks

    3.0
    Driving the Bald Hills Road was a totally unexpected treat when I visited Redwood National and State Parks. We only had a day to spend there on a week long California road trip but I was so glad that we made the decision to drive the road while visiting.While I came expecting, and was glad to exp...
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  • Orick, California

    Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood NP

    4.0
    1.35 mi / 92 ft gain
    This hike starts in the parking lot of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Picnic Area. As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway ...
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  • Orick, California

    Trillium Falls

    2.68 mi / 469 ft gain
    Trillium Falls trail is a nice little hike through a second growth and old growth redwood forest. The trail is lined with sweet smelling ferns and has plenty of shade the entire route. This would be good for a midday hike in summer.  The trail starts from the Elk Meadows Day Use parking area. St...
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  • Orick, California

    Clintonia Trail Loop

    4.0
    6.98 mi / 1033 ft gain
    Clintonia Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Orick, California.
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  • Orick, California

    Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods

    4.1
    Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Orick, CA about 50 miles North of Eureka, Ca and 25 miles South of Crescent City, CA. Take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway exit off of Highway 101. Along this road there is a prairie where wild Roosevelt Elk can be spotted. They are wild so keep y...
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  • Orick, California

    Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop

    5.0
    19.42 mi / 2799 ft gain
    This is the itinerary for our 3 day backpacking trip at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in early May. The original plan was to backpack Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park.  A couple issues stopped us from doing that: The water level was too high in May and multiple Park Rangers warne...
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Camping and Lodging in Trinidad

Fish Lake Campground
Bluff Creek Trail

Fish Lake Campground

Pearch Creek Campground
Orleans, California

Pearch Creek Campground

Oak Bottom Campground
Somes Bar, California

Oak Bottom Campground

Nordheimer Group Sites
Forks of Salmon, California

Nordheimer Group Sites

Guides, Insights and Stories from Trinidad

Spend your first weekend in Redwoods National and State Parks

Spend your first weekend in Redwoods National and State Parks

Kyle Reader

Beautiful Footage Of Redwood National Park

Beautiful Footage Of Redwood National Park

The Outbound Collective

A Weekend of Adventure in Redwood National and State Parks

A Weekend of Adventure in Redwood National and State Parks

Michael Fricke

Walking with Sentinels in Redwood National Park

Walking with Sentinels in Redwood National Park

Jason Nugent