California Hiking

The image shows an old, abandoned wooden cart with large spoked wheels in the foreground, situated in a grassy area. In the background, there are several weathered wooden buildings, suggesting a historical or ghost town setting. The scene captures a sense of history and abandonment, evoking thoughts of past rural or frontier life. The buildings and cart appear to be relics from a bygone era.
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See favorite hikes and explore all trail reviews for each region on a map.

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California Showcase
Some of our favorite trails and photography from the state.

A large, weathered tree with thick, spiraling branches dominates the foreground of a serene rural landscape. Its canopy is full of vibrant green leaves, casting dappled shadows across the grassy field below. Behind the tree, a dirt path winds gently toward a small, distant town nestled in a valley between rolling, verdant hills. The town’s clustered rooftops peek through the trees, while the background fades into soft hills beneath a clear, pale blue sky with faint wisps of cloud.Mt Burdell

A large radio telescope dish stands in a green, hilly landscape, surrounded by trees and grass. Positioned in the middle distance, the telescope contrasts with rolling hills and a backdrop of clouds. Sunlight illuminates the scene, emphasizing both the natural beauty and the significance of the telescope as a tool for astronomical research.Stanford Dish

A person wearing a red shirt and backpack walks alone along a gently curving dirt path through a towering redwood forest. The path is bordered by low wooden railings and surrounded by dense undergrowth and lush ferns. Immense, straight tree trunks rise vertically on either side, their bark textured and deeply furrowed, with the canopy high above filtering soft sunlight onto the forest floor. Armstrong Redwoods

a person in a red shirt walking along a gravel path toward a tall farm windmill. The scene features mature trees on both sides, dry grass, and an elevated water tank structure. The windmill appears to be a traditional water-pumping style with a multi-blade fan wheel and wooden lattice tower. The composition creates a peaceful sense of journey through this pastoral landscape, with rolling hills visible under partly cloudy skies.Corteva Wetlands

A vast desert landscape stretches across the scene, characterized by golden sand dunes that dominate the foreground and recede into the distance. The dunes display a variety of textures and shapes—some smooth, others adorned with distinct ridges and patterns formed by wind. A single person is present near the center of the image, walking uphill on one of the larger dunes. They wear a bright red shirt and a white hat, making them stand out against the muted tones of the sand. Their footprints trail behind them, carving a temporary path in the shifting sands. In the background, rugged mountains rise sharply, their darker tones contrasting against the warm hues of the desert. Above, the sky is mostly clear, with only a few scattered clouds adding dimension to the vast expanse.Kelso Dunes

In the foreground, the rugged cave entrance frames the view like a natural window. Jagged rocks and rough textures create a contrast with the soft light filtering in from outside. A large, gnarled tree stands proudly just beyond the cave, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. Its leaves are a mix of deep greens and golden yellows, hinting at the arrival of autumn. Sunlight dapples the ground, casting playful shadows and illuminating patches of lush grass. Beyond the tree, a serene valley unfolds, with rolling hills covered in a patchwork of greenery. The distant mountains rise majestically against a backdrop of a crystal-clear blue sky, dotted with a few fluffy clouds.Wind Caves

The singular prominence of Bishop Peak protruding above residential buildings. Green meadows, rocky outcroppings and a bird of prey in the blue sky.Bishop Peak

A scenic landscape photograph showing a series of rolling hills and mountains covered in dense vegetation. The image is taken during what appears to be early morning, as the sunlight casts a golden hue over the scene, creating a misty and ethereal atmosphere. A winding dirt path can be seen in the foreground, with a solitary figure walking along it, adding a sense of scale and solitude to the vast natural setting. The layers of hills and mountains fade into the distance, creating a sense of depth and tranquility.Daley Ranch

Top of half dome overlooking the distant Yosemite Valley below.Half Dome

The image shows a wooden signpost with multiple directional signs pointing to various locations around the world. The signpost is set against a backdrop of a mountainous landscape with clear skies. Each sign indicates the distance to a different destination, making it interesting as it highlights the vast distances between places. This signpost design is inspired by the iconic sign from the MAS*H TV show, which depicted the distances to various places around the world from the fictional 4077th MASH unit in Korea. The show's sign became a cultural symbol, representing the longing for home and the connections between far-flung places during the Korean War.Malibu Creek

The image shows a person hiking on a mountainous terrain with snow patches. The hiker is using trekking poles and is dressed in outdoor gear, including a red jacket and a white cap. The background features several mountain peaks, some of which are partially covered in snow, and a vast landscape extending into the distance. The scene captures the rugged beauty and challenge of high-altitude hiking.Sonora Peak

Person sitting on the edge of Potato Chip Rock, an arching sandstone fragment that remained when the rest of the rock collapsed.Mt Woodson

The image shows a serene natural hot spring pool surrounded by rocky formations and a scenic landscape. The water in the pool is clear, reflecting the blue sky and clouds above. The surrounding area includes rocky terrain, greenery, and distant mountains, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting. Natural hot springs like this one are often sought after for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, making them a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind in nature.Travertine Hotspring

The image shows a serene lake surrounded by tall pine trees with a mountain range in the background. The clear blue sky and the reflection of the trees and mountains in the calm water add to the tranquility of the scene. The mountain in the center has patches of snow, indicating a higher elevation.Lassen Peak

The image shows an old, abandoned wooden cart with large spoked wheels in the foreground, situated in a grassy area. In the background, there are several weathered wooden buildings, suggesting a historical or ghost town setting. The scene captures a sense of history and abandonment, evoking thoughts of past rural or frontier life. The buildings and cart appear to be relics from a bygone era.Bodie Ghost Town

The image shows the entrance to a cave with a person standing inside, holding a light source. The cave entrance is illuminated by natural light coming from outside, highlighting a set of stairs leading up to the surface. The stairs are surrounded by rocks and moss, creating a rugged and natural environment.Subway Cave

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