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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Humboldt County, California
Hike the Emerald Ridge - Redwood Creek Loop
6 mi / 900 ft gainThis loop begins at the Tall Trees Trailhead. To access this parking area, you must have a permit that you can obtain from the Kuchel ranger station. The gate is locked. When you get the permit, the ranger will also give you the combination to the gate. Once you drive through, close the gate ...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP
4.7This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
Chinquapin Loop on The Lost Coast
4.07.87 mi / 2159 ft gainI did this hike the day before setting out on a backpacking trip along the northern section of The Lost Coast Trail and it was a fantastic warm up hike. The Chinquapin Loop is a loop off of The Lost Coast Trail along Chemise Mountain, near the start of the southern section of the LCT. You can st...Read more -
Bishop, California
Photography in the ButterMilks
5.0The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...Read more -
Tulelake, California
Descend Into Skull Cave of the Lava Beds National Monument
4.50.1 mi / -328.1 ft gainOnce you reach the Lava Beds National Monument stop by the visitors center to pay your fees, grab a map, and empty your bladder. From there you will drive your car up the road from the visitors center to Skull Cave.The visitors center will give you map and answer any questions you have. From the ...Read more -
Montecito, California
Tangerine Falls
4.51.15 mi / 886 ft gainThis waterfall can be fairly dry during the year, so keep your eyes out for a recent rainstorm to get things going. When you start the hike on East Folk Trail, at 0.25 miles, cross over the creek and join West Fork Trail. A little over another half mile, West Fork starts to head uphill, but you c...Read more -
Arnold, California
Climb Lookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
5.04 mi / 1900 ft gainLookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself.Lookout Peak can be done ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Skull Rock Trail at Joshua Tree National Park
5.01.7 mi / 131 ft gainYou can park at the Jumbo Rocks Campground to start this quick hike. There are two parking locations for this campground and it will be easiest if you use the first one you see, rather than going farther off the road and right next to the campsites. To start the hike, start going north and immedi...Read more -
Pioneertown, California
Historic Pioneertown
3.0Here in California we have a lot of desert to sift through. When trying to figure out how to navigate the mass, you have to know the places worth fighting the brutal heat or chilling cold. Pioneertown will lure you in regardless. You will see why as you make your way up the 4-mile winding road ...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Camp in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
4.0The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located in Central California quite close to the Nevada Border in the White Mountains. A short drive South from Bishop, you will come to the small town of Big Pine where there are signs leading you left on HWY 168 to the forest. You will need a decent vehicl...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
5.06.02 mi / 1129 ft gainThis hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Lundy Canyon Waterfalls
6.28 mi / 2226.38 ft gainIn order to get to the trail you first have to drive past the beautiful Lundy Lake nestled in deep canyon. When the pavement ends continue for a couple miles as the scenery gets more amazing passing two beaver ponds and an Indian head. The hike begins where the dirt road ends in a loop. The tra...Read more -
Pacific Crest Trail, California
Devils Kitchen Trail
5.05.06 mi / 525 ft gainYour hike to Devils Kitchen will start from Warner Valley Campground. The hike starts out thorough the valley and eventually winds through the forest and ends at the top of the Devils Kitchen site. You'll then hike down the hill a bit and get to explore the area! There are pretty specific walkin...Read more -
Kyburz, California
Twin and Island Lakes
5.06.26 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple of bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams. The marsh-like water is very slow-moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime. Be sure to ...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake
4.023 mi / 880 ft gainLMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...Read more -
Big Sur, California
3 Branches of the Limekiln
4.01.98 mi / 696 ft gainThe Limekiln Trails offer up a moderate hike with defined trails, creek crossings, and limited elevation. From the parking area, head east under the canopy of redwoods until you get to the bridge, where there’s a kiosk marking the trail. The three branches are ~0.5 miles each, making it easy to ...Read more
