How to choose a hiking spot in California
California stretches from the redwood coast in the north to desert in the south, with the Sierra Nevada running down the eastern side. Because the state is so varied, the “best” spot depends on the season, your fitness, and how much time you have. A coastal bluff walk can be pleasant in winter, while high Sierra trails are often best in summer and early fall after the snow has melted.
A few questions help narrow things down:
- How long do you want to hike? A short loop of an hour or less, a half-day outing, or a full day.
- What kind of scenery appeals? Ocean, waterfalls, forest, desert, or alpine lakes.
- When are you going? Heat in the low deserts and snow at elevation both shape what is realistic.
- Do you need a permit or reservation? Some popular places limit access.
Trail lengths and conditions change, so treat the numbers below as approximate and check the managing agency’s page before you go.
Southern California
Southern California has a lot of trails within reach of big cities, which is why people searching for hikes in Los Angeles have plenty to choose from. Griffith Park is a common choice for city views and the Hollywood Sign, and the San Gabriel Mountains offer canyon and waterfall hikes within a drive of the city.
Some well-known options include:
- Switzer Falls: a moderate canyon hike of roughly 4 miles round trip with stream crossings and a waterfall.
- Trail Canyon Falls: a moderate hike of under 5 miles round trip with some steep, rope-assisted sections.
- Bridge to Nowhere: a longer river canyon hike of about 10 miles round trip to a historic arch bridge. Expect multiple stream crossings and check access and permit requirements first.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (San Diego): an easy coastal favorite with short loops above ocean cliffs.
For bigger days, the San Gabriel, San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges have summit hikes. See our guide to mountains to climb in California for peaks that suit different experience levels.
Central Coast and Big Sur
The Central Coast is known for dramatic cliffs, tide pools and wildlife. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel packs a lot into short trails. The Cypress Grove Trail at Point Lobos is a short, easy loop through a grove of Monterey cypress with ocean overlooks, which makes it a good option for families and anyone short on time.
Big Sur has longer coastal and canyon trails, though sections of Highway 1 and some trails have been affected by closures after storms and slides in recent years. Check current road and trail status before planning a trip.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area offers a mix of redwoods, ridgelines and coast. Mount Tamalpais, the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes National Seashore all have well-developed trail networks with options for most abilities. Muir Woods National Monument has used a reservation system for parking and shuttle access, so confirm requirements ahead of a visit.
If you like the idea of walking between villages rather than carrying camping gear, the Marin coast is also the setting for several inn-to-inn hiking routes in California.
Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is where many hikers find California’s signature scenery: granite domes, alpine lakes and big waterfalls.
- Lower Yosemite Falls: an easy loop of about a mile that is especially impressive when flows are high in spring and early summer; see easy Yosemite Valley hikes for more gentle options.
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: a strenuous, stair-heavy route of several miles round trip that is often wet from spray in high-flow months.
- Half Dome: a very demanding day hike. The final cable section requires a permit when the cables are up.
- Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness: granite basins and lakes, with wilderness permits needed for overnight stays and, in season, often for day use as well. Gentler options are in our guide to easy hikes in North Lake Tahoe.
Snow can linger on higher trails into early summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible above treeline in summer. Our Yosemite packing list covers what to bring.
Desert and Northern California
Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego have desert hikes that are most comfortable in the cooler months. In summer, desert temperatures can be dangerous. In the north, Redwood National and State Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Trinity Alps offer forest, volcanic and alpine terrain that is often less crowded than the best-known southern and Sierra trails.
Best time of year
As a rough guide:
- Winter: deserts and the coast tend to be most comfortable. Mountain trails may be snowy or icy.
- Spring: waterfalls typically run strongest (see easy hikes to a waterfall), and wildflowers can bloom in many areas, depending on rainfall.
- Summer: high Sierra and northern mountain trails are generally more accessible. Low elevations can be very hot.
- Fall: often a good balance of cooler temperatures and stable conditions, though early storms can arrive at elevation.
Permits, fees and reservations
Requirements vary widely. National parks typically charge entrance fees, state parks often charge day-use or parking fees, and wilderness areas may require overnight (and sometimes day-use) permits. Popular destinations can limit access during busy periods. Always confirm details on the official site for the park or forest you plan to visit.
Safety basics
- Carry more water than you think you need, especially in hot or dry areas.
- Check the forecast, trail closures and fire restrictions before you leave.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time. Cell service is unreliable in many parts of the state.
- Stay on the trail, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and watch for poison oak in many lower-elevation areas.
Going beyond day hikes
Once you are comfortable on day hikes, longer options open up. Our guide to the best backpacking trails in California is organized by experience level, and if you would rather sleep indoors, see hut-to-hut hiking in California.
Frequently asked questions
Where do people go hiking in LA?
Popular choices include Griffith Park, trails in the San Gabriel Mountains such as Switzer Falls, and coastal and canyon trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. Pick a trail based on the season, since summer afternoons can be hot.
What is the difference between hiking and trekking?
Hiking usually means a walk on trails, often as a day outing. Trekking is generally used for longer, multi-day journeys, sometimes in remote terrain. The two terms overlap and are not strictly defined.
Is Camelback or Piestewa harder?
Both of those peaks are in the Phoenix, Arizona area rather than California. In general, reviewers often describe Camelback as the more demanding of the two, but check current trail information for either. For gentler Phoenix-area walks, see easy Superstition Mountain hikes.
What are the “big 3” hikes?
There is no single official list. The phrase is used differently depending on the region and the writer, so it is more useful to look at specific trails and their difficulty than to rely on a “big 3” label.