California would be a serious contender for the crown if the states had their own Miss America–style competition.
This state has sky-high granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, the world's tallest trees, and translucent blue lakes. We have accomplished that.
The best hikes in California include some popular trails but also a few that lead explorers away from the crowds and into the wilderness.
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Best hike for redwood forests
5.5 miles round trip, 3–4 hours, moderate
The coast redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet and have lived for more than a thousand years. California is one of the best places in the world to visit. The Boy Scout Tree Trail is one of the classics for hikers.
Many visitors brave the winding road through the forest to get to the trailhead in the far north of the park. It's just worth it for the chance to wander among the giants. The sun is shining on clear days.
Best hike in northern California
1.1 miles round trip, 1–2 hours, easy
It was good reason for Steven Spielberg to film scenes for the sequel. The 80ft canyon walls are dinosaur-sized, and so awe-inspiring is the verdant scenery that it has been designated a World Heritage site.
During the summer months, Fern Canyon gets crowded and the parking lot can fill up. In winter, the road can be difficult to navigate. The trail leads to a winding, pebble-filled creek, so bring footwear if you want to walk in it.
Best hike for mountains and volcanoes
5 miles round trip, 4–5 hours, moderate to challenging
The world's largest plug-dome can be found in Lassen Volcanic National park. Less than 100 years ago, Lassen Peak blew its top and is still active today. Hikers now climb it.
What's the reason? The views over Lassen include terrain devastated by eruptions and dotted with lakes. There are rare plants and snow patches on the trail. Much of the park was affected by the fire.
Best multi-day hike
24.6 miles one way, 3–4 days, challenging
California's famous Lost Coast was created when engineers bypassed 100 miles of rugged coastline to build the Pacific coast highway. Hikers from all over the world come to experience the total seclusion and epic scenery of this wilderness seashore.
If long hours of beach trekking, timing the tides and scrambling over boulders sound hard, the Lost Coast has less hard options. The sandy hike from Mattole Trailhead to Punta Gorda Lighthouse and its amazing elephant seals can be done in a half day. The trail of any Lost Coast hike will be reached.
Best day hike
4.3 miles one way, 2 hours, moderate
San Francisco's most enchanting hike leads its lucky travelers along the city's northwestern edge, where they can see the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged Marin Headlands to the north. The path goes through wind-whipped cypresses, down romantic staircases and over beach boardwalks. Turnoffs lead to overlooks and coves.
The hike includes a Civil War fort at Fort Point as well as several WWII-era Bunkers. The Sutro Baths were built in 1896. The Victorians were wearing woolen swimsuits.
Best coastal hike
2.3-mile beach loop, 2 hours, easy or 8.7-mile ridge loop, 4–5 hours, moderate
You can get out of the car and hike into the dream of California if you want. Andrew Molera State Park is home to dramatic ocean views, high bluffs, secluded beaches and a hilltop redwood forest.
There are two choices you have. The shorter and easier loop follows the Beach Trail out to the crashing sea and comes back on the CreameryMeadows Trail through idyllic grassland that used to be grazed by dairy cows. There is a longer loop created by the Panorama Trail, Bluffs Trail and Ridge Trail. There is a spur trail leading to a hidden beach.
Best lake hike
10 miles round trip, 4–5 hours, moderate
The southwest shore of the famous lake offers amazing views of its depth and clarity. The dirt path is lined with pine trees and boulders as it traverses over coastal bluffs, drops into secluded coves and finally collides with the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park.
It has history as well. Vikingsholm Castle is a shining example of Nordic architecture. Lora Knight used to deliver guests by boat to a teahouse on Fannette Island.
Best hike for waterfalls
1-mile loop, 1 hour, easy or 7.2 miles round trip, 6–8 hours, challenging
The tallest waterfall in North America is located in the middle of the park. Because the falls are split into upper and lower ones, hikers can take a paved route to the base of the smaller one. The views of both falls are amazing from there. The eastern part of the trail is accessible in wheelchairs.
The summit of Upper Fall is 2425 feet high and has amazing views of Half Dome and the valley below. The climb through oak woodland is difficult but rewarding. The people who still want more can go to Eagle Peak.
Best hidden hike
7.8 miles round trip, 5 hours, moderate
California's Eastern Sierra is not as well known. The Little Lakes Valley is home to a series of lakes lined in conifers and backed by jagged, snow-capped granite.
You can catch a glimpse of people fishing for trout on the trail that goes parallel to Rock Creek. When you see the granite spires reflected in the water, take pictures.
Permits are required to camp in the wilderness.
Best hike in Los Angeles
3 miles round trip, 2 hours, moderate
One of the hikes that people in Los Angeles do multiple times a week is the Temescal Canyon Trail, because of the panoramic views of LA. This trail has mountain peaks, a canyon, a stream bed, and a bridge over a seasonal waterfall. The ocean glitters beyond those city views.
The hike is very popular because it is close to Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. Skull Rock is a nice rock formation with a beautiful view.
Best hike in southern California
3.7 miles round trip, 2–3 hours, easy to moderate
There is a hidden hike at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains that feels like a dream.
Small boulders, yellow flowers and a large lizard can be found at the start of the trail. Hikers arrive at a creek formed by snow and surrounded by fan palms. A large pool is fed by a seasonal waterfall when the path goes through an erosion-carved sandstone canyon and crosses a makeshift log bridge. A mule deer and bighorn sheep are drinking.
Best hike in San Diego
6.8 miles round trip, 4 hours, moderate
The Potato Chip Rock and Mt Woodson Trail is a great place to take selfies, as it winds around Lake Poway, past needley conifers and giant boulders, up a million stairs and over to a top-notch selfie spot.
The summit is crowded with people taking selfies with the main attraction. Wait your turn and don't do anything foolish as the fall would be around 20ft. Rattlesnakes and mountain lions are hiding in the scrub oak and chaparral. Stay on top of what's happening!
About 2 hours ago, this article was updated.
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