California
Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near California
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Bridgeport, California
Matterhorn Peak
5.012.1 mi / 5036 ft gainMatterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.Read more -
Pasadena, California
Arroyo Terrace Trail
5.01.54 mi / 194 ft gainArroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.Read more -
Encinitas, California
Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail
2.61 mi / 33 ft gainThe Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...Read more -
San Luis Obispo County, California
Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail
4.02 mi / 302 ft gainThe Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...Read more -
Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec
5.01.29 mi / 443 ft gainGhost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Sugarloaf Open Space Loop
1.91 mi / 243 ft gainSugarloaf Open Space Loop is an almost 2-mile loop for hiking, running and walking. This trail is relatively easy and takes under one hour to hike. This loop is dog friendly.Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle. It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail). The summit is larg...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake George Trail
5.01.34 mi / 89 ft gainThe Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Coffman Trail from Andreas Canyon Rd
3.56 mi / 525 ft gainCoffman Trail, located in Palm Springs, California, is a popular hiking destination. The trail is approximately 3.56 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty. It begins at Andreas Canyon Road and winds its way up the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landsc...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail
3.35 mi / 518 ft gainHidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.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 -
Lancaster, California
Little Butte Trail
4.02.09 mi / 213 ft gainLittle Butte Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Llano, California.Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Hood Mountain Summit Via Lower and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails
5.95 mi / 2054 ft gainHood Mountain Summit via the Lower Johnson and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails is a 6 mile out-and-back trek located in Santa Rosa, CA. The trailhead starts at the Pythian Road parking lot, accessed from Highway 12. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete and is considered strenuous. All trails are...Read more -
Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon
6.3 mi / 1112 ft gainRainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Occidental, California
Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop
5.36 mi / 853 ft gainHunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Eagle Rock Nature Trail
4.01.66 mi / 430 ft gainEagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.Read more