Best trails in California
4.4·5,434,926 reviews
Ready to check out the best trails in California for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 14,536 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in California to suit your needs. Explore one of 5,482 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Check out 1,229 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 13,298 routes with waterfalls or scenic views.
Top trails
1
(18677)
•Hard
•6.4 mi
•Est. 4h 10m
Hike to two breathtaking waterfalls along some of Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails. If you only have time for one hike while in Yosemite look no further - the Mist Trail is the hike for you. It is no wonder why this trail is one of the most traveled in Yosemite National Park. You will hike so close to these two massive waterfalls that you may get wet from the trail. The best time to hike this trail is in Spring or early Summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full...
2
(14567)
•Hard
•6.6 mi
•Est. 5h 21m
Enjoy the incredible views looking down from the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the continental US. Yosemite Falls, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top, is one of the most visited places in Yosemite National Park. The falls consist of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. While most people only make the short trip to visit lower falls, upper falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley...
3
(13684)
•Hard
•16.5 mi
Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome.
Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. This is a hike that requires users to be in good shape. Most people take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back,...
4
(9470)
•Hard
•3.1 mi
•Est. 2h 5m
Vernal Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Yosemite and for good reason! This trail follows the Mist Trail up a short but steep paved path. After this climb you will reach a bridge with views up to Vernal Falls. This is followed by a short section of wide dirt trail and finally a steep rock stair set up to the falls themselves. These stairs can extremely slipper due to this mist from the falls, so please exercise caution.
The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles Trailhead (YARTS...
5
(14517)
•Easy
•1.2 mi
•Est. 24m
A quick stroll to see Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northern America and 5th in the world, crash down on the rocks below. Open year-round, this trail is easy but icy in the winter. The trailhead is at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6). This short, easy walk provides spectacular views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls and even Middle Cascade. Like all waterfalls in Yosemite, this waterfall is often dry from late July or August through October and is best seen in...
6
(9282)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 2m
Hikers can hike this loop in either direction. Hiking clockwise takes you along the interior first with views of the ocean, then along the water. Counterclockwise takes you along the shore first then travels away from the beach. There are a few short but steep climbs along the way. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow.
Be sure to check the tide levels before heading out. The beach section of this route is only accessible during low tide. Venturing out during high tide is dangerous...
7
(9430)
•Moderate
•6.4 mi
•Est. 2h 32m
Point Lobos Loop Trail takes you on a coastal adventure along the gorgeous Pacific Ocean just miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and a quick drive from San Francisco or Big Sur. Visitors will encounter a variety of environments, flora, and fauna from lush Monterey pine and Cypress groves to coastal shrub-covered coastline with ocean views to tide pools along the rocky beaches. Expect to see sea lions, shorebirds, and all sorts of ocean wildlife. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has a network...
8
(14273)
•Moderate
•3.5 mi
•Est. 1h 28m
This is a beautiful hike to a waterfall. This is one of the more popular trails in the area, so plan to arrive early to obtain parking and have a quieter experience on the trail. There are multiple stream crossings along the way. Be prepared to get your feet wet if you plan to go all the way to Eaton Canyon Falls. Bring water shoes, as the rocks in the streams can be slippery. Keep an eye out for wildflowers blooming in the spring. This is a great hike for beginners.
9
(14985)
•Hard
•7.3 mi
•Est. 4h 20m
This is one of the most popular trails for photo ops and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean in all of Southern California. The steep and narrow hike up to Potato Chip Rock and the Mt Woodson Summit is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Potato Chip Rock is certainly one of the most unique rock formations in the area and draws scores of visitors looking to get a photo at the top.
Located in northern San Diego County, the Mount Woodson Trailhead starts at the end of Lake Poway Road and...
10
(6994)
•Hard
•4.5 mi
•Est. 3h 0m
This trail begins at Happy Isles and follows the John Muir Trail to the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls. From there, continue on to Emerald Pool, where you will reach a junction that takes you to Clark Point. Follow the John Muir Trail as it loops back to the trailhead. There are incredible views of waterfalls and the surrounding granite domes along this route.
The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy...
Showing results 1–10 of 14,400
Trail reviews for California
Hiking up to the first waterfall. Nothing difficult, but it goes up all the time, but the view is superb.
This text has been translated.
Difficulty: Moderate
Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
Great views today! But I believe that if the weather is nice, it must be stunning. Maybe next time.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Be ready for this hike. It is unforgiving!!!
Conditions: Snow
Half Dome via the John Muir Trail (JMT)
The epic Mist Trail. Hike begins at Curry Village parking lot. 5 mi round trip from there. Ignore drive back to Yosemite lodge. Extreme last mile. Bring water.
Vernal Falls
A beautiful walk around the base of the waterfall - we went just before the season started, so lovely and quiet. The waterfall was gushing with water, so was extremely impressive, and the westher was beautiful! Ended with lunch in the cafe - a gorgeous morning spent at the waterfall.
Difficulty: Easy
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
Frequently asked questions
What national parks in California have hiking trails?
Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in California. Channel Islands National Park is home to 30 hiking trails with an average 4.7 star rating from 6,154 community reviews. Death Valley National Park has 110 hiking trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 29,479 community reviews. Joshua Tree National Park has 148 hiking trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 89,580 community reviews.
What are the different types of hiking trails in California?
There are plenty of things to do on California's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 12,316 hiking trails, 8,767 running trails, 5,202 walking trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in California?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in California is Pacific Crest Trail. This trail is estimated to be 2,590.9 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in California?
California: With an ascent of 429,478 ft, Pacific Crest Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Six Pack of Peaks via PCT [CLOSED] with 68,267 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in California?
The most popular and difficult trail in California is Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail with a 4.9-star rating from 18,677 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 1900 camping trails in California and the most popular is Upper Yosemite Falls Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 14,567 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 8767 running trails in California and the most popular is Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 18,677 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4268 biking trails in California and the most popular is Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area with an average 4.6 star rating from 8,450 community reviews.
Top parks in California
Explore California
Top 15 parks
Top 15 trails