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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Riverside, California
Hike Mt. Rubidoux
4.32.7 mi / 500 ft gainFeaturing over 161 acres and over 3.5 miles of combined paved and dirt trails, Mount Rubidoux Park in Riverside, CA is a beautiful natural environment and adventure location. Although some say this is just a "hill", this Inland Empire gem offers a quick escape from the pace of city life. Just m...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Middle Gaylor Lake
1.46 mi / 764 ft gainThe main trail to the Middle Gaylor Lake is about 1.5 miles round-trip, but if you’re looking for more adventure, you can hike a little further to Upper Gaylor Lake (which will add a mile to your trip) or continue on to the Great Sierra Mine (which will add 2 miles to your trip). The Gaylor Lake...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Covington Crest Trail
3.09 mi / 177 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...Read more -
Woodside, California
Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop
5.04.57 mi / 1089 ft gainLocated in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness. Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Boothe Lake
5.016.83 mi / 1854 ft gainStarting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Lake Tahoe’s Inspiration Point
4.7Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake. Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee. It is very easy to get to, and its high va...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Chilnualna Falls
4.37.81 mi / 2277 ft gainMany visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnual...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop
3.08.65 mi / 1722 ft gainThe hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods. HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...Read more -
Ross, California
Phoenix Lake Loop
4.52.85 mi / 518 ft gainEnjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...Read more -
June Lake, California
Fern Lake via Yost Creek Trail
5.03.17 mi / 1583.33 ft gainLess than 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, the beauty of the region is captured even on the drive to get to the trailhead. No bathrooms at the trailhead, however the town of June Lake is a short bit away. Out of the gate, the trail quickly climbs 850 feet in just less than a mile. The way up,...Read more -
Burbank, California
Vital Link Trail
4.03.72 mi / 1775 ft gainFrom I-5, take the Burbank Blvd exit. Drive north on Burbank Blvd. and take a right on N 3rd. Left on E Harvard. Right on Wildwood Canyon after 1.5 miles. There are a few ways you can begin your hike: from the parking lot, the entrance will be to the left past the gate. Here you were have a stee...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor
5.0The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is ea...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more -
Ventura, California
Hike Arroyo Verde Park
3.5 mi / 800 ft gainArroyo Verde Park is a small parked tucked in the hills above Ventura, California, and has a network of trails running up and down the hills surrounding the valley in the center of the park. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Foothill Road Day Road, east of downtown Ventura. There...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
3.75 mi / 560 ft gainThe South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Photograph the Bristlecone Pine Forest
5.0To get to the goods head east out of Big Pine, CA on Hwy 168 into the mountains for 13 miles. Turn left (north) on White Mountain Road to the Bristlecone Pine Forest. The road winds through a beautiful forest of Pinyon Pines and Western Junipers and leads to amazing views of the rugged Sierras. ...Read more
