10 Top Hiking Trails in California

From granite cathedrals in the Sierra to coastal bluffs and desert canyons, California offers some of the most spectacular hiking in the world. Here are ten trails worth lacing up your boots for, spanning easy strolls to serious challenges.

1. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls — Yosemite National Park

One of Yosemite's signature hikes, the Mist Trail climbs alongside two thundering waterfalls. Reaching Vernal Fall is a roughly 3-mile round trip; continuing to Nevada Fall stretches it to about 7 miles with significant elevation gain. Expect granite staircases and, in spring, a refreshing soaking from the spray. Start early to beat crowds and heat.

2. Half Dome — Yosemite National Park

The bucket-list challenge of the Sierra. This grueling 14-to-16-mile round trip gains roughly 4,800 feet and finishes with the famous cable route up the dome's sheer back. A permit is required, and only fit, prepared hikers should attempt it. The summit views over Yosemite Valley are unmatched.

3. The Lost Coast Trail — Northern California

For solitude and wilderness, few places rival the King Range. This rugged, multi-day point-to-point trek follows a roadless stretch of Pacific coastline, crossing black-sand beaches, tidal zones, and bluffs. You'll need to time sections around the tides and carry everything in. It's remote, demanding, and unforgettable.

4. Mount Whitney — Eastern Sierra

The highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet. The standard Mount Whitney Trail is about 22 miles round trip with over 6,000 feet of gain, usually done as a long single day or an overnight. Permits are competitive and altitude is a real factor, but standing atop the Lower 48's summit is a profound reward.

5. Cathedral Lakes — Yosemite (Tuolumne Meadows)

A more approachable high-country gem, this roughly 7-mile round trip from Tuolumne Meadows climbs to a pair of stunning alpine lakes beneath the spire of Cathedral Peak. Wildflower meadows and reflective water make it a Sierra classic without the brutal mileage of the valley's hardest routes.

6. Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail — Big Basin / Santa Cruz Mountains

This point-to-point route descends through ancient coast redwoods from the Santa Cruz Mountains down to the Pacific. Around 30 miles over a few days, it passes towering old-growth trees and waterfalls. Note that portions have been affected by past wildfires, so check current conditions and reroutes before you go.

7. Tall Trees Grove — Redwood National and State Parks

In the far north, this hike leads to some of the tallest trees on Earth. A permit-controlled access road and a moderate few-mile loop bring you among coast redwoods over 300 feet high. The hush of the grove and the scale of the trees are humbling.

8. Panorama Trail — Joshua Tree National Park

For desert beauty, Joshua Tree delivers. While the park has many short trails, the longer Panorama Loop (roughly 6–7 miles) climbs through pinyon pines and yields sweeping views across the high desert. Hike in cooler months—fall through spring—and carry plenty of water, as there's no shade or resupply.

9. Trans-Catalina Trail — Catalina Island

This roughly 38-mile multi-day trek crosses Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. Hikers traverse ridgelines with ocean views on both sides, camp at coastal sites, and often spot the island's wild bison. A ferry ride and trip planning are required, but the payoff is a unique island backpacking experience.

10. Alamere Falls — Point Reyes National Seashore

North of San Francisco, this coastal hike of about 8–13 miles (depending on route) leads to a rare "tidefall," where a waterfall tumbles directly onto the beach. The trail crosses lakes, bluffs, and meadows in the Phillip Burton Wilderness. Check tides and trail conditions, as the final beach approach can be tricky.

Tips for Hiking in California

Conditions vary enormously by region and season: high Sierra trails are often snowbound until early summer, deserts are best hiked in the cooler months, and coastal routes can be foggy and tide-dependent year-round. Always check for permits—many of California's most famous hikes require them and book up fast. Carry more water than you think you'll need, tell someone your plans, pack layers, and check fire and trail closures before heading out.

Whether you want a half-day waterfall walk or a multi-day wilderness epic, California's trails offer a lifetime of exploring.