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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Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing Mickey's Beach
3.5Mickey's Beach is a great spot for experienced climbers to challenge themselves. The west face of the main rock is home to some local favorites like Sex Porpoises (12c), named for the apparently promiscuous local marine life. There are only a couple routes rated as 5.10s, the rest are mostly 5.12...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Lyell Loop
35.88 mi / 5541 ft gainStart the hike at the Mono pass trail. You'll eventually take the fork towards Parker Pass a couple miles in. We tackled the trail in late spring, and it quickly became clear that there was still enough snow to make our lives difficult. As we climbed out of the Parker drainage, the trail essenti...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
5.048.29 mi / 9469 ft gainThis is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Coming up out of Pate Val...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Skelton Lake Trail
5.03.2 mi / 804 ft gainThe hike to Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA starts off at the Duck Lake Pass trailhead just past Lake Mary. The hike starts off with quite a few switchbacks as you climb through the John Muir Wilderness. About one mile up the trail, you'll see an option to veer off to Arrowhead Lake. Continue o...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop
6.5 mi / 1778 ft gainThis loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...Read more -
Sonoma County, California
Kortum Trail
5.09.27 mi / 968 ft gainThe Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches. To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek
10.5 mi / 1234 ft gainKeep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Stand Up Paddle Board at Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Backpack to Green Lake and Virginia Pass
17 mi / 4452 ft gainDay 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips. However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness. Best...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Black Mountain via Cherry Canyon Trail
6.54 mi / 1329 ft gainWords fail in describing the beauty of the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of the Channel Islands and perhaps the most diverse in terms of terrain, flora and fauna, and also the only to allow backcountry beach camping. While the opportunities for exploratio...Read more -
El Dorado County, California
Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe
/ 30 ft gainLake Tahoe is a tourist attraction filled with spectacular views and a plethora of wildlife. However, one species in particular has made a lasting impression on both locals and tourists - black bears. The area around Lake Tahoe is prime bear habitat and cities in the vicinity are seeing a rising ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby Trail
4.58 mi / 1545 ft gainThis hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate. You c...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Bike at Asilomar State Beach
At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Hidden Garden Steps
4.30.1 mi / 39 ft gainThese tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps. They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Hike the Ellis Peak Trail
5.06.3 mi / 1660 ft gainThe Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Bike Peachy Canyon
10.5 mi / 2200 ft gainPeach Canyon is the *the* iconic cycling road in the Paso Robles area, beginning downtown and connecting with many other roads in the mountains west of town making for numerous beautiful loops through vineyards, orchards, and black oak groves. Peachy Canyon Road begins at Olive and 6th Street and...Read more
