Looking for the best hikes in California? You’ve hit the jackpot! As an avid hiker and local California explorer, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to my favorite trails from San Diego up to the Bay Area with a focus on Southern California and the Eastern Sierra Mountains. From breathtaking coastal walks to challenging mountain treks, I’ve got you covered. Dive in to find your next outdoor adventure, complete with my personal tips and experiences. Let’s lace up those boots and hit the trails together!
Eastern Sierra Mountains
Hot Creek Geologic Site: How To Visit This Hidden Gem Near Mammoth Lakes CA
Rainbow Falls from Devils Postpile in Mammoth Lakes
Devils Postpile National Monument: Everything You Need to Know
Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes and Treasure Lakes
Inyo Craters Trail in Mammoth Lakes
Darwin Falls Hike in Death Valley
Hwy 395 Roadtrip Must-Stops from LA to Mammoth Lakes
Quick Guide to Hiking and Climbing California’s 14ers
Alpine Lakes in the Eastern Sierra to Hike This Summer
Climb Mount Baldwin 12,624 ft in the Eastern Sierra
Hiking Split Mountain in the Eastern Sierra 14,058 ft
Backpacking Minaret Lake Loop & Climb Volcanic Ridge in Mammoth
Backpacking Thousand Island Lake Loop in Ansel Adams Wilderness
Hike Big Pine Lakes to all Seven Lakes and Climb Cloudripper
Overnight Camping At Big Pine Lakes From North Fork
Big Pine South Fork Creek, Hike to Finger Lake
Climb Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch
Matterhorn Peak: My First Time Winter Mountaineering and Snow Camping
Hike Mammoth Crest to Deer Lakes and Duck Lake
Short Hike to Parker Lake, a Turquoise Lake near Mammoth
Convict Lake Trail: Day Hike Easy Loop Near Mammoth
Fall 2019 in the Eastern Sierra Mountains
Intro to Packrafting: Why You Need a Packraft to Explore More on Your Backpacking Trips
Backpacking Duck Pass Trail in Mammoth Lakes
Kearsarge Pass: Solo Wilderness Trip
Should You Day Hike or Overnight Camp for Mt. Whitney
Climb the Mountaineers Route on Mount Whitney 14,505 ft
Southern California
I’m born and raised in SoCal – While I’ve hiked most of the trails in the area, I haven’t gotten around to writing about them all. Here are some favorite hiking trails, written by a local.
Los Angeles/ san bernardino
10 Malibu Hikes You Need to Do (Ocean View Hikes, Easy Hikes, Best Hikes)
13 Best Sunset Hikes in Los Angeles
Weir Canyon: Best Wildflower Hike in Orange County 2023
11 Best Waterfall Hikes near Los Angeles
Easy Hike to Trail Canyon Falls in Los Angeles
Portuguese Bend Reserve: Hike South Bay
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook/ Culver City Stairs
Hollywood Sign Hike: The Best & Shortest Trail to Get to the Top
Santa Monica Mountains
A Complete Guide To Malibu Creek State Park
Ladyface Mountain: One Mile Ridge Hike in Agoura Hills
Highest Peak in Santa Monica Mountains: Tri Peak and Sandstone Peak Hike
Los Leones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Castro Crest and Bulldog Road, Malibu Creek State Park
Angeles National Forest / San Bernardino National Forest
Josephine Peak: One of My Favorite in Angeles National Forest
Climb San Gorgonio from South Fork Trail and North Face
Hike to Mount Lawlor 5928 ft. in Angeles National Forest
Hike Strawberry Peak via Mountaineer’s Route
Hike Iron Mountain via Heaton Flats in Angeles National Forest
Short Hike to a Swimming Hole in Stoddard Canyon
Hike to Bighorn Peak in Angeles National Forest
Cooper Canyon Falls, Easy Waterfall Hike in Angeles National Forest
Snow Hike to Smith Mountain Saddle
San Gabriel Peak: Hiking San Gabriel Mountains at Sunset
My First Solo Backpacking Trip – Henninger Flats
Longest Hike of My Life: San Bernardino Peak 10,649 ft
Conquered Mt Baldy Hike (aka Mt San Antonio, Peak 3!)
Memorial Day Hike: Claremont Wilderness
Hiking Cucamonga Peak: The Struggle of My First Snow Hike & Heights
Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point to Muir Peak
Jone’s Peak At Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park
Palm Springs / San Jacinto
San Diego / Cleveland National Forest
Annie’s Canyon Trail, Best Hike Near San Diego
Hike and Scramble Lawson Peak Trail in San Diego