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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Lompoc, California
Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse
4.09.3 mi / 171 ft gainIt must be approaching low tide to complete this hike! This hike begins at the Jalama Beach Campground. Head out on the beach a couple of hours before low tide and follow it until you reach the lighthouse. It is important to note that the land above the high-tide line, the top of the cliffs, and...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lassen Peak
4.54.66 mi / 1936 ft gainOne of my personal favorites and a hidden gem of California that keeps circling my mind is the Lassen Peak Trail. Don't let the trail map (2.5 miles one way) deceive you and make you think this is a short trail. The elevation gain is is 2000 feet from the parking lot to the end of the peak. The a...Read more -
Palo Alto, California
Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop
3.04.65 mi / 597 ft gainGetting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail
8.6 mi / 1851 ft gainThe most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.70.28 mi / 30 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park
0.75 miPark at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Canyon Rim Route
5.08.94 mi / 2070 ft gainLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Hike Schwaub Peak and Visit Dante's View
8 mi / 2400 ft gainGetting There From the Furnace Creek Inn in Death Valley, drive two miles east on the 190 to the Echo Canyon dirt road. This can be easy to miss, so use your odometer and keep your eyes peeled. Here's where the fun begins! You'll want a 4x4 with high clearance for the rest of the drive, though 4...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes
4.86.19 mi / 3333 ft gainThe Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...Read more -
Fairfield, California
Bike the Gordon Valley to Wooden Valley Scramble
5.013.5 mi / 498 ft gainThis is a 13.5 mile loop route in Fairfield, California. The route has a total ascent of 498 feet and has a maximum elevation of 369 feet.Begin your ride at the corner of Oliver Road and Mankas Corner Road. Along Mankas Corner Road you'll pass the Napa Grass Farmer community farm and Il Fiorello ...Read more -
Alpine County, California
Hike The Sisters in the Mokelumnee Wilderness
8 mi / 2500 ft gainThe Sisters offer a great day hike with fun scrambling and beautiful views of the Northern Sierra, Lake Tahoe, the Mokelumnee Wilderness, and the Carson River Canyon.The trail to The Sisters begins at Woods Lake (38.6855° N, 120.0095° W), at the end of Woods Lake Road off Highway 88, 1.5 miles we...Read more -
Wawona, California
Young Lakes
4.714.14 mi / 2710 ft gainThe Young Lakes trail starts from the Lembert Dome parking area and then winds up around 6 miles into the high country past alpine meadows and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Lower and Middle Young Lakes are beautiful, but you're going to want to push on to Upper Young Lake, where y...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Headlands Ride to Point Bonita Lighthouse
4.3The Headlands are a quick ride over the Golden Gate. On the ride, you'll see wildflowers, rugged coastline, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Once you cross the bridge, take Conzelman Rd up ~700 feet to Hawk Hill. From here, continue on to the lighthouse. On the return trip, head back on Conzelman...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts
1.22 mi / 453 ft gainPark at the Condor Peak Trailhead, please note that this trail head is unmarked so keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the turnout for a small single track trail. The trail gradually climbs along the side of the canyon until reaching a 4 way intersection. To your left and to your right wil...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Crystal Lakes via Timber Gap Trailhead
5.09.47 mi / 3258 ft gainThe trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...Read more -
Forks of Salmon, California
Caribou Lakes Trail to Upper Caribou Lake
4.017.26 mi / 3907 ft gainHike through the most majestic and unforgettable mountain ranges, alpine terrains, glacier lakes outside of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. Yes, it's a long drive there and a lengthy hike, but if you have any doubts about whether this is worth the effort, just go! I struggled with the s...Read more
