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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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail
4.016.07 mi / 5568 ft gainA Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail
3.88 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Cahuenga Peak Loop is perfect for trail runners and hikers. The trailhead is in Hollywood Hills - park off to the side on a street. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash. The trail can be dusty and dirty, so watch your step. Ke...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop
4.52.77 mi / 446 ft gainThis hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...Read more -
Castella, California
Hike Crags Trail to Castle Dome
4.45.1 mi / 2135 ft gainOne of the gems in the Shasta area, Castle Crags. You can spot these dramatic granite towers from a distance and their jagged formations beckon climbers and hikers alike. Imagine a slice of the Dolomites plucked out of Italy and placed in Northern California. Crags Trail to Castle Dome winds up t...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Big Baldy Summit
4.55.38 mi / 554 ft gainThis short and easy trail to the summit of Big Baldy in Kings Canyon National Park is not to be missed if you are in the area. The trail winds through forest and boulders as it climbs the north shoulder of Big Baldy. When you think you have reached the end, and you see people sitting down with t...Read more -
Garberville, California
King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead
5.04.79 mi / 1942 ft gainKing's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls
5.0This amazing waterfall is right off the road near the Fallen Leaf Campground. Once you enter the campground keep driving straight just a bit further and you will see a pull off on the right hand side. Pull off here and you should see the cascading waterfalls between the trees. Park here, get you...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Dewey Point via Badger Pass Ski Area
5.07.36 mi / 761 ft gainTake the one-hour shuttle ride from the Yosemite Lodge to the Yosemite Ski Area, so that you don't have to worry about driving in the snowy conditions, or finding parking. If you don’t own snowshoes, you can easily rent a pair from the rental shop for the day. Current rates are $24.00 for a full ...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Beach Volleyball at Will Rogers State Beach
5.0At PCH and West Channel there is a tunnel that goes underneath the highway leading you directly onto the beach. In the tunnel take a left up the stairs onto the bike path. Head south 250 feet and you will hit the first set of courts but be aware you will need lines for these courts! If you want c...Read more -
Oak Park, California
China Flat Trail to Simi Peak
5.05.03 mi / 1398 ft gainFrom the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent. Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...Read more -
Stanford, California
Stanford Dish Loop
4.43.67 mi / 472 ft gainIf you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Bishop's Peak Trail
4.83.17 mi / 928 ft gainBishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...Read more -
Bodega Bay, California
Camp at Bodega Dunes Campground
These kind of getaways shouldn't be planned many weeks before the trip. So we didn't booked a campground. And from this experience we learn that you don't have to reserve a campground. Just go there - don't panic when you see campground is full sign in the entrance. There are always available spo...Read more -
Coronado, California
Explore Bayview Park
5.0Even though I am quite familiar with this spot, I doubt that most San Diegans have sat in the benches at this little park to take in the sunset, sunrise, or spectacular views of downtown San Diego. I'm absolutely positive that most out-of-towners have no idea that this little gem exists. I want t...Read more -
Bass Lake, California
Climb and Camp at Shuteye Ridge
5.0The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest t...Read more -
Mecca, California
Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills
5.04.43 mi / 1119 ft gainLadder Canyon is a hike that involves climbing ladders and walking through canyons up to great views on the Mecca Hills and Salton Sea. From Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundr...Read more
