20 Best Hiking Trails in California: Most Scenic Routes

20 Best Hiking Trails in California

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If you love hiking in the USA, then you will love 20 of California's best hiking trails, each offering unique experiences for you to enjoy!

1. Half Dome Trail

Location: Yosemite National Park
Distance: 14-16 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
Best Time to Hike: May–October
Highlights: One of the most iconic hikes in the U.S., featuring the famous cable ascent to the summit with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Tip: A permit is required for the cable section—apply through the lottery system in advance.

2. Mount Whitney Trail

Location: Eastern Sierra
Distance: 22 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 6,100 feet
Best Time to Hike: July–September
Highlights: The highest peak in the continental U.S. (14,505 feet), offering breathtaking alpine views.
Tip: Permits are required; acclimate to high elevation before attempting.

3. The Lost Coast Trail

Location: King Range National Conservation Area
Distance: 25 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: Varies
Best Time to Hike: Spring and Fall
Highlights: A rugged, remote coastal trek along California’s only stretch of undeveloped shoreline.
Tip: Check tide schedules—some sections are impassable at high tide.

4. Mist Trail

Location: Yosemite National Park
Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Best Time to Hike: April–October
Highlights: Features two stunning waterfalls—Vernal and Nevada Falls, with misty, up-close views.
Tip: The granite steps can be slippery—wear good traction shoes.

5. Eagle Lake Trail

Location: Lake Tahoe Basin
Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Best Time to Hike: Summer and Fall
Highlights: A short but scenic hike leading to a pristine alpine lake with mountain reflections.
Tip: Parking fills up quickly at Emerald Bay—arrive early.

6. John Muir Trail (JMT)

Location: Sierra Nevada
Distance: 211 miles (can be section-hiked)
Elevation Gain: 46,000 feet total
Best Time to Hike: July–September
Highlights: A legendary long-distance trail passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
Tip: Thru-hiking requires months of planning and permits; shorter sections are great for backpackers.

7. Joshua Tree’s Lost Palms Oasis Trail

Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 7.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Best Time to Hike: October–April
Highlights: Leads to a secluded oasis of towering California fan palms in the desert.
Tip: Bring extra water—there’s no shade or water sources along the trail.

8. Mount Tamalpais Dipsea Trail

Location: Marin County
Distance: 7.5 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Best Time to Hike: Year-round
Highlights: One of California’s oldest trail races, offering coastal views, redwoods, and waterfalls.
Tip: Hike it as a loop or take a shuttle back if doing a one-way trek.

9. Crystal Cove State Park Trails

Location: Orange County
Distance: 2–9 miles (various loops)
Elevation Gain: Varies
Best Time to Hike: Year-round
Highlights: Coastal bluffs, ocean views, and diverse trails ranging from easy beach walks to steep ridge climbs.
Tip: Best at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and stunning light.

10. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – California Section

Location: From Mexico to Oregon (California section is ~1,700 miles)
Distance: Varies
Elevation Gain: Varies
Best Time to Hike: April–September (depending on section)
Highlights: The ultimate long-distance hike, covering deserts, mountains, and forests across California.
Tip: Thru-hiking requires intense planning, but shorter section hikes are more manageable.

11. Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail

Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Distance: 29.5 miles (point-to-point)
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet descent
Best Time to Hike: Spring and Fall
Highlights: This long-distance trek descends from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, passing through towering redwoods, waterfalls, and lush valleys.
Tip: Start at Castle Rock State Park and end at Waddell Beach; a shuttle arrangement is recommended for one-way travel.

12. Big Pine Lakes Trail

Location: Eastern Sierra
Distance: 15 miles round-trip (varies depending on which lake you visit)
Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
Best Time to Hike: June–October
Highlights: Stunning alpine lakes with turquoise waters, glaciers, and jagged mountain peaks. The First and Second Lakes are the most popular.
Tip: Start early to avoid heat and carry a bear canister for overnight camping.

13. The Narrows (Zion National Park Extension)

Location: Border of California and Utah (worth including)
Distance: 16 miles (can be done as a shorter hike)
Best Time to Hike: Summer and early Fall
Highlights: A unique river hike through a narrow canyon with towering sandstone cliffs.
Tip: Rent canyoneering shoes and a walking stick to navigate slippery river rocks.

14. Devil’s Slide Trail

Location: San Mateo County
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Best Time to Hike: Year-round
Highlights: Coastal cliffs with views of the Pacific Ocean, great for whale watching in winter.
Tip: This is a paved trail, making it an easy yet scenic option for all fitness levels.

15. Mt. Baldy (Mount San Antonio) Trail

Location: San Gabriel Mountains
Distance: 11 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 3,990 feet
Best Time to Hike: May–October
Highlights: The highest peak in the LA area (10,064 feet), offering 360-degree panoramic views.
Tip: The loop via Devil’s Backbone is more scenic but exposed—be cautious of wind and weather changes.

16. Rubicon Trail (Lake Tahoe)

Location: Lake Tahoe Basin
Distance: 16.4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Best Time to Hike: Summer and Fall
Highlights: Hugging the shores of Lake Tahoe, this trail features crystal-clear water, hidden coves, and towering pine forests.
Tip: Bring a swimsuit and towel for a refreshing dip at Emerald Bay.

17. Alamere Falls Trail

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance: 13 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Best Time to Hike: Spring and Summer
Highlights: A rare tidefall—a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. The trail passes through lush meadows, coastal bluffs, and dense forests.
Tip: Start early to secure parking and check tide schedules before descending to the beach.

18. Lassen Peak Trail

Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Best Time to Hike: July–September
Highlights: A non-technical volcanic summit hike with stunning views of the Cascade Range.
Tip: Due to high elevation (10,457 feet), acclimate before attempting.

19. Cucamonga Peak Trail

Location: San Gabriel Mountains
Distance: 12 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 3,950 feet
Best Time to Hike: March–November
Highlights: One of Southern California’s most rewarding summits with a panoramic view stretching to LA’s skyline. Read this government guide on this particular hike.
Tip: Snow gear is required in winter; start early to avoid crowds.

20. Redwood Creek Trail

Location: Redwood National Park
Distance: 16 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
Best Time to Hike: Year-round
Highlights: Towering old-growth redwoods and a serene river valley setting.
Tip: Take a side trip to Tall Trees Grove for some of the tallest trees in the world.

These 20 hikes showcase California’s awesome landscapes, from coastal cliffs and waterfalls to desert canyons and alpine peaks! Whether you're looking for an easy scenic walk or a multi-day backpacking challenge, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast!!!

Which one are you adding to your bucket list?