Top 9 Hiking And Trekking Spots In California, USA - Updated 2024

hiking in california
Nduku
Nduku 
Updated
| 4 min read

Discover the beauty of California as you indulge in the various outdoor activities it provides. The region is home to many popular attractions that will captivate you, such as restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and many more. Also, it boasts having some of the best beaches, mountains, and natural forests in the world. Among its cities, San Francisco should be one of the top places on your list—with spectacular landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge. Aside from this, the state has a beautiful landscape packed with amazing physical features that are definitely worth visiting. Keep on reading for more information on the top hiking and trekking spots in California, USA.

1. Hollywood Hills

Hellman Park Whittier CA 7 Mariposa Trail view of Whittier CA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Northwalker used under CC0

Explore the magnificent Hollywood Hills and get to see breathtaking views of the landscape. You will also enjoy looking at the beautiful architectural marvels around the area. This is a site you should visit with family—for an adventure that will remain in your memories for a lifetime. While here, one of the places you should check out is Forest lawn Memorial Park, which offers a wonderful picnic experience. Hiking through this terrain will take you through incredible valleys, parks, rivers, and many more.

Hollywood Hills

Address: Los Angeles, CA

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2. Mount Whitney Trail

Mount Whitney Trail Cables
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cullen328 used under CC BY 3.0

Take a 22-mile (35.4km) journey through the beautiful Mount Whitney Trail. Aside from hiking, the trail offers you various activities to indulge in, such as camping, sightseeing, and many more. The trek here is quite tough and would require you to be physically fit—and if you’re well-prepared, conquering the challenging terrain will prove to be a gratifying achievement. Note that the altitude will affect the way you breathe and your pace of movement. Once you reach the top, you will surely feel in awe of the perfect view offered by the surrounding landscape.

Mount Whitney Trail

Address: Inyo National Forest, Inyo County, CA

Website: Mount Whitney Trail

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3. John Muir Trail

Leucosticte tephrocotis John Muir Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mat Honan used under CC BY 2.0

Come and enjoy an exciting hiking adventure on John Muir Trail, which stretches for approximately 211 miles (340 kilometers) across a beautiful mountainous landscape. The tour will take you through some spectacular canyons, rivers, valleys, forests, and many more. The trail passes through Sequoia National Park, where you can observe various animal species. Kings Canyon is another jewel you should visit for relaxation and meditation. Explore the region for an awesome time with loved ones.

John Muir Trail

Address: Sierra Nevada, CA

Website: John Muir Trail

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4. Tahoe Rim Trail

Tahoe Rim Trail SL
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AT2663~commonswiki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Discover the beauty offered by Tahoe Rim Trail as you circumnavigate Lake Tahoe. The long and tiresome journey will require you to be at your best, physically, in order to fully enjoy the adventure. The tour across the landscape will give you a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, rivers, lakes, and parks. The best time of the year that you should indulge in hiking here is between July and September. Come and explore a 165-mile (266-kilometer) journey full of fun highlights.

Tahoe Rim Trail

Address: Lake Tahoe Basin, Sierra Nevada & Carson, CA

Website: Tahoe Rim Trail

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California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Stout Grove

Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in 2011 (22)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chmee2 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Stout Grove sits on a magnificent woodland terrain, offering you a good environment for an adventure. The place boasts excellent sights of the surroundings, which makes it an ideal spot to unwind amid the spectacular beauty of nature. Furthermore, you will get to learn of many tree species that are native to the area. The region also has majestic rivers flowing and other natural features that will amaze you. A visit to this place will not have you leaving disappointed—that’s for sure!

Stout Grove

Address: Highway 101, Crescent City, CA

Website: Stout Grove

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6. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Park Valley
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nauticashades used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take a hiking or trekking tour across the beautiful coastal region of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The reserve is filled with many rare animal species that are a delight to see, such as skunks, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, and many more. The place is also known for hosting other outdoor activities such as camping, hill climbing, cycling, and lots more. On top of these, there is a beach on-site that offers a great spot for enjoying a romantic stroll with your spouse during sunset. Come have a fantastic bonding time with loved ones.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA

Website: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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7. Moro Rock Trail

Narrow stairway at the Moro Rock trail in sequoia national park (27136952663)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user m01229 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Enjoy the peace and serenity as you marvel at the magnificent landscape around Moro Rock Trail. The trail features a domelike rock that provides a spectacular panorama from either below or above it. Also, this viewing deck offers a great spot for taking photographs and just chilling with your loved ones. An important thing to remember is that the hike can be a bit hard since the air becomes thinner and the terrain steeper as you go up. Additionally, you should always keep an eye on the younger members of your party throughout the trek.

Moro Rock Trail

Address: Sequoia National Park, CA

Website: Moro Rock Trail

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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8. Point Reyes Hiking Trails

Point Reyes - Bear Valley trail
Source: Photo by user Prashanth NS used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Point Reyes Hiking Trails provide you with an excellent way to spend your holiday. While touring the region, you will get to see coyotes, elks, bobcats, and many more. The trails stretch for approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) and are full of spectacular natural beauty that you will, no doubt, appreciate. Also, you can choose between two trails—a short or a long one, depending on your available time and state of health. Do carry with you some water to avoid dehydration. Plan your visit to the place early to ensure a marvelous outdoor experience.

Point Reyes Hiking Trails

Address: Point Reyes Station, CA

Website: Point Reyes Hiking Trails

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9. Panorama Trail (from USD 475.0)

Immerse yourself in nature as you go for a full day hike from Glacier Point to Vernal Fall. The 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers) will take you through breathtaking sights of valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and lots more. A tour guide will help you identify the best spots for a hiking experience like no other. Some of the waterfalls you will get to see while on your sightseeing adventure include Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal Falls. Indeed the place offers wonderful opportunities for taking pictures—especially if you plan to make a memoir of your trip.

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Yosemite Day Hike from Glacier Point Including Panorama Trail

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

19 reviews

Explore the natural landscape of California

Califonia has always been known for being home to breathtaking sights. The place is packed with various spectacular features that you should definitely include in your travel bucket list. Invite your family and friends along, and fill your holiday with wonderful bonding moments.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nduku Mulwa is an accomplished online freelancer with a penchant for travel. She has explored various countries, including Canada, South Africa, Ghana, and Japan, in pursuit of stunning landscapes,...Read more

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