California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Big Pine, California
Backpack Atop Sawmill Pass
20 mi / 6700 ft gainAt 11,347 ft., Sawmill Pass lies on the Sierra Crest and enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Woods Creek area. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed through this pass. The Sawmill Pass trail is a steep and arduous climb, gaining over 6700 feet of e...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Mono Lake Boardwalk
2.00.69 mi / 30 ft gainMono Lake Boardwalk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Surf Carmel River State Beach
5.0Carmel State beach is located in Monterey county. It's your typical beach break with both lefts and rights. One thing that is super unique about Carmel is that the water is some of the clearest in all of California. Depending on the sandbars, this can be a really fun wave! It's also a great p...Read more -
Napa, California
Alston Park Loop Trail
2.76 mi / 184 ft gainAlston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...Read more -
Silverado, California
Bedford Peak Trail
5.06.78 mi / 1972 ft gainThe Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...Read more -
Martinez, California
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail
2.59 mi / 512 ft gainMuir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.Read more -
Mecca, California
Big Painted Canyon
3.61 mi / 541 ft gainBig Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.Read more -
Hume, California
Big Stump Loop Trail
5.01.71 mi / 305 ft gainBig Stump Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Dunlap, California.Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Snowshoe Bear Valley
5.0Bear Valley is a family friendly destination for snowshoeing and snow play. There are numerous trails to explore while snowshoeing. Don't be afraid to take a break and start a snowball fight! There are shops located near the resort to rent snowshoes and other snow play accessories. There are s...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Waterford Bridge
The Waterford Gap bridge creates a picturesque view of the Eastern Sierra as it crosses over Mammoth Creek as part of the town loop and connects Majestic Pines Dr, which runs up to Eagle Lodge, with old Mammoth Road, which is a main road along the south and east edges of town. This is a great spo...Read more -
Larkfield-Wikiup, California
Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop
4.04.46 mi / 850 ft gainCreekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Santa Rosa, California.Read more -
Dawson Saddle, California
Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham
8 mi / 2000 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Aguanga, California
Vail Lake Loop
4.07.25 mi / 922 ft gainVail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail
8.17 mi / 1391 ft gainMiwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Novato, California
North Levee Trail
3.78 mi / 157 ft gainNorth Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.Read more -
Palmdale, California
California Aqueduct Trail
7.67 mi / 213 ft gainCalifornia Aqueduct Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palmdale, California.Read more