This is the Southernmost glacier in North America! To be prepared for the weather, elements, and potential mishaps, you must hike with high-quality backpacking equipment. Once you get to the High Peaks area, the views are nothing but sensational in all directions. There’s parking there if you’re driving, and it’s a much more peaceful beginning to the walk. If it’s rained recently, consider a different hike – there are some slippery, wet parts … This will take all day so be sure to start early and check sunset times. Always hike out your own trash and any trash you find along the way. Thanks for your support. Located near one of the most majestic peaks in California, Mt Shasta, Castle Crags State Park is an excellent place for a hike. This nearly 25-mile hike can be walked in either direction starting from Mattole Beach in the north or Black Sands Beach in the south. The hike finishes at the Glacier Point visitor’s center, one of the best viewpoints of the valley, where I highly suggest catching the sunset with a well-deserved snack from the visitor center shop. With a bit of due diligence and proper planning though, the JMT is one of the best long-distance hiking trails in the world. By itself, this is one of the best hikes in Kings Canyon, taking visitors to the 100′ waterfall. The beaches are great, but within three hours of San Diego and Los Angeles, there are also forests, 10,000-plus foot peaks, wildflowers, and snow creeks. California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, is home to loads of old-growth redwoods that beautify the landscape. Don’t be a rookie and bring a brand new pair of hiking boots or too big of socks that give you blisters, use your smartphone as a flashlight, or pack a summer tent for the rain. Some people make this a long day hike and turn around, but this is an excellent camping area and the way we recommend tackling this hike. Just north of San Francisco, Tomales Point makes for an excellent city escape. This article has been updated since it was originally published in November 2016. Your small efforts will be infinitely rewarded as you walk through a carved canyon covered in ferns and mosses with water dripping from the walls. Roughly another two miles north (now driving Gold Bluffs Beach Road) and at the end of the road, you’ll find the Fern Canyon Trailhead. Given that it’s the Tahoe Rim Trail is actually a loop walk and has 10 official trailheads (plus all the sneaky unofficial ones), you’re really swimming in options! For some Southern California landscapes to discover, the best hiking trails in Southern California lead down memorable paths. And on a final note, please do read up on the leave no trace principles before embarking on any grand hiking adventures in California. Most hikers finish the JMT in three to four weeks, starting sometime in July or August, depending on the snowfall. The second and third days hike through ancient redwoods in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, including a side trip to Berry Creek Waterfall. Get to know some of the state’s beautiful landscapes and hikes in greater detail: Yeah, it’s easy to get carried away when everything is just damn nice to look at! This is easily one of the best hikes in Southern California, and probably the best if not including smaller hikes found in Joshua Tree NP. With its countless stacked boulders and … The north to south Lost Coast hike begins from the Mattole Beach Trailhead to the Black Sands Beach Trailhead respectively, and you’ll have to organise a shuttle transport (unless you have two hiking parties walking opposite directions with a car parked at each end). Trinity Lake is situated along the trail, so disconnect and meditate as you overlook its azure waters. From beach to the mountains to the desert to prairies to wine country, what ever type of hiking you’re looking for, you’ll find it. Southern California has a veritable plethora of hiking trails.And a plethora and a half of hikers exploring them. I did so because its popularity and chain system mean that getting a permit in the incredibly competitive system is almost impossible these days. Home to thousands and thousands of miles of pristine hiking trails throughout backcountry and wilderness areas, and national and state parks, I had a tough time narrowing down this list. You will most likely be visiting Yosemite if you are taking a road trip through California. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. For one, the hike starts at D.L Bliss Beach State Park on the west shore, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Tahoe and offers one of California’s best campsites. You could hike this trail in as little as two days, but it would be exhausting, and why rush visiting such a spectacularly beautiful place in the States? Mount Adams South Climb, Washington Bonus Hikes: If you’re looking for a more challenging route, hike to Mt. Possible for one day but very strenuous and it is the desert so you need to be prepared and have desert hiking experience. To qualify these hikes we asked ourselves the following two questions: The majority of the listed hikes below can be done in a half day or less. After about 1.2 miles, you’ll reach the top of Vernal Fall. The Lost Coast Trail is a section of Northern California coastline – from Northern Mendocino into Humboldt county – that is so rugged and wild, the old logging companies tried and failed to build a road here. Whether you’re in Sonora on business or traveling through the Sierra & Gold Country, look no further because this dreamy home offers just about everything you need. Shoutout from Will – The OG Broke Backpacker: Have fun on your backpacking adventure, but please do get insurance – take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it. Falls tend to be the driest and sunniest time of the year, though, and summers have less rain but tend to be foggy. Most people choose to start in Tahoe City. Register at the Mt Shasta ranger station and grab your permits as well as human waste bags to pack out of the mountain. The Rubicon Trailhead can be found at the end of Lester Beach Road close to Calawee Cove Beach. The Panorama Trail is the perfect California day hike for nature lovers. These hikes are undoubtedly California’s crown jewels and hidden gems. There are lovely views of beaches in California on this hike, and you can see plenty of the original flora and fauna of old California in this park. 25 best hikes in the world to put on your bucket list. You will start in the forest, cross the PCT, and then eventually end at the base of a massive granite dome. California has some of the most diverse landscape in the US. After a few hours, you’ll reach Mud Creek Falls and then eventually reach the source of Clear Creek at Clear Creek Meadow (8,500 feet). Starting in the town of Orick, head north on Highway 101 about 2.5 miles. You’re back in Yosemite Valley and at Happy Isles. It’s a pretty simple hike to start. © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. You can either start or finish the hike at Glacier Point (the other trailhead is on Southside Drive leading into the Yosemite Valley). 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