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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Bridgeport, California
Virginia Lakes Trail
4.09.22 mi / 2464 ft gainIf you are looking for a hike with a view every half mile or so, then Virginia Lakes Trail is one to mark on your must-see list. You start at the parking lot near the first lake where bathrooms are available onsite. Try to hike right before the first snow in November so you can see the fall col...Read more -
Emigrant Gap, California
Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail
5.06.41 mi / 1522 ft gainLoch Leven Viewpoint Trail is an out-and-back trail to a viewpoint of the Loch Leven Lakes that is moderately difficult located near Truckee, California. This trail is just under 6.5 miles. If you're willing to add a little more than a mile to your adventure, you can head all the way to Upper Loc...Read more -
Santa Barbara, California
Red Rock Pools
0.89 mi / 10 ft gainRed 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 ...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainWhitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Whitewater, California.Read more -
Inyokern, California
Five Fingers Trail
4.02.34 mi / 1234 ft gainFive Fingers Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Onyx, California.Read more -
Pasadena, California
Arroyo Terrace Trail
5.01.54 mi / 194 ft gainArroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake George Trail
5.01.34 mi / 89 ft gainThe Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...Read more -
Julian, California
Volcan Mountain Trail
4.82 mi / 1270 ft gainVolcan Mountain Trail located near Julian, California is a moderate day hike. This well-maintained trail offers beautiful views, but keep in mind there isn't too much sun protection, so be sure to pack plenty of water and coverage on sunnier days. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash.Read more -
Julian, California
Blair Valley Trail
11.4 mi / 873 ft gainBlair Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Franklin-Ivar Park
5.0What was once a vacant and deteriorated site, Franklin-Ivar Park was rehabilitated and turned into a small neighborhood park in a densely-populated area in Hollywood. More like a parklette, Franklin-Ivar Park returns some of the native habitats that once thrived in this area on the slopes of the...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
3.64 mi / 322 ft gainHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Half Moon Bay, California.Read more -
Hume, California
General Grant Loop Trail
0.58 mi / 171 ft gainGeneral Grant Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cedar Grove, California.Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle. It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail). The summit is larg...Read more -
Forestville, California
Sunset Beach River Park
4.0Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Coastal Roots Farm
5.0Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, California provides high quality, freshly picked organic produce with a pay-what-you-can pricing model. If you can afford to, pay their asking price, especially when you consider in return they allow people in need to buy for less than normal market prices. Best p...Read more
