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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Independence, California
Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes
5.026.02 mi / 7106 ft gainThe hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground
5.0Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash! More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Jenner, California
North Trail to the Pygmy Forest
3.33 mi / 814 ft gainSalt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bike the Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trail
4.5Starting at the top of Stagecoach Lift on Heavenly Resort this trail wraps around the north slope down to the bottom of town at the casinos. It has amazing view all the way down as you make your way down the woods up top and then cruise through the burn area near the gondola fire down to the bott...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail
2.5 mi / 700 ft gainLocated 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading no...Read more -
Shaver Lake, California
Balsam Forebay
4.01.05 mi / 62 ft gainAccess to the forebay starts at the trail head from the parking lot 6,700 ft up, also from the parking lot there is access to two different sets of boulder patches separate from the ones encountered along the hike in. Hike Start the 1 mile out and back hike from the parking lot following the t...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dog Lake Loop
3.03.71 mi / 627 ft gainThis 3.7 mile roundtrip hike begins at the center of Tuolumne Meadows (shuttle stop #2) at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin trailhead parking lot. There are restrooms and picnic tables at the east side of the lot, there you will also find the trailhead to Dog Lake. The trail begins at 8,500 ft and c...Read more -
Poway, California
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam
3.05.3 mi / 984 ft gainStarting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Balboa Park Loop
4.64.34 mi / 226 ft gainThe Balboa Park Trail offers the chance to see wildlife and is open year-round. The trail is shared by runners, families, hikers, and bikers. Dogs are able to use the trail but must be kept on leash. There is a dog park you will pass by.Read more -
June Lake, California
Agnew Lake via Rush Creek Trail
4.05.11 mi / 1590.55 ft gainJune Lake never ceases to amaze. In just about any weather, this particular portion of the 395 is something to be experienced in its entirety. If you are dedicating a day or two to explore the June Lake loop, then a trek to Agnew Lake is the perfect hike to throw into the plans. It is not extrem...Read more -
San Diego, California
Visitor Center Loop Trail
5.01.46 mi / 148 ft gainThe Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great netwo...Read more -
La Verne, California
Marshall Canyon Trail
4.05.99 mi / 722 ft gainFor this adventure you can choose to start in a multiple of places; for the easiest parking use Oak Mesa Park located next to Oak Mesa Elementary School. From the parking lot cross the soccer field towards the bridge on the north east end of the school. Once across the bridge follow Los Robles ea...Read more -
McCloud, California
Algoma Campground
The Algoma Campsite is a free campsite along the Upper Portion of the McCloud River. It features eight sites and a pit toilet. Unlike the other campgrounds in the area, this site receives very little traffic and has no fee. To get there, take SR 89 east from the McCloud Ranger Station for 13 mi...Read more -
Igo, California
Hike to Brandy Creek Falls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
5.03 mi / 500 ft gainMy favorite hike in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. From the visitor center you will take Kennedy Memorial Drive towards the dam, make a left at Brandy Creek Road. At a junction for Sheep camp/Shasta Bally make a left. You will arrive at the trailhead. This hike follows a beautiful stream t...Read more -
Poway, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain
2 miStart by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Photograph Yosemite Falls at Swinging Bridge
5.0This is a drive up and shoot adventure in winter. The spot is at Swinging Bridge area. This area is also a picnic area and hiking trail but, in my opinion, the best spot to capture Yosemite Falls is a few steps walk after you park the car. One of not so many places that you still can go in winte...Read more
