California
Looking for the best backpacking in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near California
-
Angelus Oaks, California
San Bernardino Peak
3.015.82 mi / 4911 ft gainThe San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits. If you choose to ...Read more -
Big Pine, California
Backpack Atop Sawmill Pass
20 mi / 6700 ft gainAt 11,347 ft., Sawmill Pass lies on the Sierra Crest and enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Woods Creek area. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed through this pass. The Sawmill Pass trail is a steep and arduous climb, gaining over 6700 feet of e...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)
10.19 mi / 1775 ft gainSan Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater) is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California.Read more -
Ojai, California
Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail
20.08 mi / 2598 ft gainPark at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of t...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Magee Peak & Crater Peak
7.19 mi / 2887 ft gainThe trail to Magee Peak and Crater Peak makes for a fairly strenuous hike (mostly due to altitude). This USFS out-and-back trail has incredible views of the major peaks in the Northern California & Southern Oregon. Take in a spectacular close-up of Lassen NP and great views of Shasta, Castl...Read more -
Llano, California
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainWhitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Whitewater, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail
10.5 mi / 1257 ft gainMeiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kirkwood, California.Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail
11.3 mi / 449 ft gainSouth Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak
17.83 mi / 5627 ft gainVivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.Read more -
Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
11.65 mi / 1401 ft gainBig Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit
17.51 mi / 2949 ft gainTahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more