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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Mono County, California
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Getting There: Take Highway 395 heading toward Benton Crossing Road. Turn onto Benton Crossing and you’ll see an adorable wee green church. Continue two miles down the road. You’ll make a left turn and head down a dirt road. Cell service is scant in this area, so you'll probably want to...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Explore Van Dusen Cabin
4.0This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...Read more -
Ventura, California
Chinese Harbor via Prisoners Harbor
14.11 mi / 2703 ft gainThe hike to Chinese Harbor is a 14-mile out-and-back hike from Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island or a much more manageable 8-mile out-and-back hike from Del Norte backcountry campground. If you are spending the day on the island courtesy of Island Packers, a trek to Chinese Harbor might be di...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
King's Peak from Shelter Cove
2.030.85 mi / 6204 ft gainAfter parking at Shelter Cove and securing a camping permit ($3 per night in the backcountry) follow the bear prints down the coastline for 5 miles, keeping in mind that the tide devours the beach every 12 hours. Parts of the beach become impassable at high tide. Camp overnight at Buck Creek, th...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Gliderport
4.30.7 mi / 269 ft gainPark at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is conveniently empty before sunrise. The hike down to Black's Beach features a steep hike down a winding path of natural and manmade steps along the cliff face, but stay left and cruise the bluff for endless opportunities to observe, reflect and explor...Read more -
Auburn, California
Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA
3.511.13 mi / 1870 ft gainParking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00. Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge. From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...Read more -
Round Mountain, California
Potem Falls
5.00.58 mi / 151 ft gainPark in the pull-out on Fenders Ferry Road. There you will find the Potem Falls trailhead. The hike is only 0.6 miles long--you'll likely spend more time enjoying the falls than getting there! Bring your swim gear if you want to jump in the pool. The trail is dog-friendly and open March-October.Read more -
Lompoc, California
Camp and Surf Jalama Beach
4.3Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is th...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Aliso Peak via the Valido Trail
5.01.14 mi / 325 ft gainThe Valido Trail trailhead can be found just off West street off the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Aliso Beach. Park on West Street past the trailhead. The trail proceeds approximate .5 miles till it intersects with the Aliso Peak Trail. Go left .4 miles to the obvious summit and wooden p...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail
3.86.62 mi / 2562 ft gainThe hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...Read more -
Danville, California
Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail
5.07.8 mi / 2299 ft gainAlthough steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Summit Telescope Peak
12.2 mi / 3258 ft gainThe trail starts at Mahogany Flat campground which can be hiked to from the Charcoal Kilns to the north or more immediately accessible via 4WD on a dirt access road - use caution when driving this road in icy conditions. Once at the Mahogany Flat Campground, the trailhead is towards the south an...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaPicnic Beneath the Golden Gate
4.7If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, A...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Horsetail Falls
5.00.1 mi / 0 ft gainHorsetail Falls is a stunning waterfall in Yosemite National Park. And, between mid-late February, Horsetail Falls turns into a natural phenomenon called Firefall. For just a short two weeks the setting sun strikes the small waterfall so perfectly, that the water ignites into a colorful and brigh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more
