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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Mammoth Lakes, California
McGee Creek
5.03.68 mi / 728 ft gainMcGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offer...Read more -
June Lake, California
Parker Lake Trail
5.03.55 mi / 584 ft gainParker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...Read more -
Santee, California
Kwaay Paay Trail
2.4 mi / 846 ft gainPark your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Chain Lakes
4.4 mi / 864 ft gainThis trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack into the Palisades from Bishop Pass
18 mi / 4000 ft gainDrive up to the trailhead near South Lake from the town of Bishop (you can get directions at the Ranger Station when you get a permit). The hike goes from approximately 9,000 ft. to 13,000 ft. over the course of 9 miles.The first approximately 6 miles are on trail to the top of Bishop Pass. From ...Read more -
Lassen County, California
Backpack the Caribou Wilderness Lakes Loop
12 miThe caribou lakes loop is very laid back, making it a great start for first time backpackers and kids. Word of caution: in the summer the mosquitos are plenty, I'd recommend this loop for the fall. From the parking lot there is a visible sign pointing you in the direction of the trailhead near Ca...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera
5.0This is one of San Diego's finest multi-pitch climbing crags. South-facing and standing 500 feet tall, Corte Madera has a history of both traditional and sport routes. The traditional routes will offer adventure with some en-route bushwhacking. The newer sport routes climb the clean faces of this...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail
4.95 mi / 758 ft gainLafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution. Th...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Teutonia Peak Trail
5.03.15 mi / 623 ft gainTeutonia Peak is a rocky 5,755-foot mountain on the edge of Cima Dome in the north east section of Mojave National Preserve. The dome is 1,500 feet tall is the most symmetrical dome of its type in the United States. The hike starts with a gradual trail through an impressive forest of Joshua Tr...Read more -
Bodega Bay, California
Camp at Wright's Beach Campground
/ 32 ft gainThis campground is defined by the scenery: rugged headlands, craggy coastlines, natural arches, and quiet coves.Wright's Beach Campground features primitive camping - basic tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and amazing ocean views. This is a great location for Bay Area campers who want t...Read more -
Saint Helena, California
Lake Hennessey Loop
5.06.53 mi / 764 ft gainThe "lollipop" hike starts at the "Ranch House" parking lot off of Chiles Pope Valley Road - alternatively, you can access from Conn Valley Road for a shortened 5.6-mile loop. You turn off Chiles Pope Valley Road onto Moore Creek Trail, drive past a private house (you can see it on the map) and t...Read more -
Felton, California
Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
4.35.3 mi / 869 ft gainThe trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects with the Pipeline Road Trail ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Explore Cabrillo National Monument
4.8Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts. Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 mile...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
5.00.84 mi / 43 ft gainThe trail is a loop boardwalk. At the furthest point, there is a sandy footpath that will lead you to a creek and will provide a more secluded experience. Interpretive signs have been placed strategically on the trail, pointing out species of interest. The endangered pupfish is found in this cree...Read more -
San Diego, California
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
4.0Located at the intersection of Spruce Street and First Avenue this spot is hard to miss! There is no parking lot, but there is plenty of street parking nearby!! This suspension bridge is one of those hidden gems in San Diego. Located within Banker's Hill, this bridge brings peace and serenity. It...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more
