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Best nature hiking trails in California
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Best nature hiking trails in California

Get back to nature with these scenic trips, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without too much hassle.

Here are some great trails to explore in California.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Pfeiffer Trail

Nevada County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 2.3 km · Est. 30 min

2

Easy

Towle Mill Loop Trail

Nevada County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 16.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 44 min

3

Difficult

Walker Lake, Sardine Lakes and Summit Lake via Bloody Canyon Trail

Mono County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 14.3 km · Est. 4 hrs 29 min

4

Medium

Brush Creek Reservoir Trail

El Dorado County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 14 min

5

Difficult

Webster Trail

Riverside County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 7.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 34 min

6

Medium

Jenks Lake Trail

San Bernardino County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 4.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 7 min

7

Difficult

Silverado Canyon Trail

Orange County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 9.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 8 min

8

Easy

Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake Trail

Alpine County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 14.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

9

Medium

Devil's Bathtub Trail

Fresno County, California · star 4.0 (1) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

10

Medium

Elk Mountain Trail

Lake County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 10.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 39 min

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Reviews for nature hiking trails in California

No reviews available for Pfeiffer Trail.

No reviews available for Towle Mill Loop Trail.

Mose Metz avatar

Walker Lake, Sardine Lakes and Summit Lake via Bloody Canyon Trail

FoothillAspenseeker45 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Prof. Maribel Blick avatar

Brush Creek Reservoir Trail

WildWayfinder99 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Webster Trail.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in California

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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