Since Native Americans took the first paths through nature, Californians have been hikers. By the sea you will find hiking, desert palm oases, skyscraper peaks and quiet forests. Here are 10 of the best trails in California.
Half Dome Trail
California can claim one of the most famous hikes in the United States – the Glute-Busting 15 mile Round trip Trek that takes hikers to 5,206 feet of elevation gain. The independent top of this Glacier-carved piece of granite offers stunning 360-degree views, and a view of its 2,000-foot north wall provides a thrill you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Ideally, Half Dome is better managed in two days, so you will have more time to rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. However, since it’s so popular, it’s hard for you to get a wilderness permit to stay in the limited lawful campsites down the Road (the most popular is Little Yosemite Valley).
If you try this hike in a single day (and a lot of people) and have a coveted permit, be prepared for serious efforts. Start early (like 6 a.m.-although the shuttle only starts at 7 a.m.), pack plenty of water and bring a flashlight, as you can go home in the dark.
The Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is part of the famous “Triple Crown” of American crossings, covering 1,691 miles from the Mexican border to Oregon, Washington and finally to Canada. The Pacific Crest Trail, made famous by Cheryl Strayed’s Hit memoir Wild and Reese Witherspoon International’s film adaptation, is more popular than ever.
Along the way, they cover some of the best hiking areas in California, from the heat of California’s Mojave Desert to the granite peaks of the Sierras. The entire PCT is divided into 30 sections, 18 of which are located in California.
You don’t need a hiking permit if you want to hike or enjoy these 18 Sections as part of a shorter hiking or backpacking trip – only if you plan 500 miles or more in a single session. This means that you need a California fire permit if you want to use a storage furnace along the parts of the PCT that you are approaching.
Leave Pic
Lassen Peak, the world’s largest Plug-Dome volcano, rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape at 10,457 feet above sea level. Classified as an active volcano, its last eruption occurred in 1917, when it spewed a huge cloud of smoke, steam and ash 7 miles into the atmosphere. The national park was created the following year to protect the newly formed landscape.
The trail to the top of Lassen Peak is five miles back and forth, but covers a huge 2,000 foot elevation gain for the first two and a half miles. However, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the devastated area, and a slower pace will give you plenty of time to enjoy it.
Rubicon Trail
A very scenic trail on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. It runs along the shore of the lake for 4.5 generally gentle miles from Vikingsholm Castle (add a mile for the descent to the castle from Highway 89) into Emerald Bay State Park, then passes small coves perfect for a refreshing swim and gives you great views along the way.
Add an extra mile to browse and visit the restored historic lighthouse, a square beacon surrounded by wood (which looks like an outbuilding) built by the Coast Guard in 1916. Located above 6800 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse in the United States.
Coastal path
Take your step on this 10.5-Mile tour, starting from Fort Funston, crossing 4 miles of sandy beach and wrapping around the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge. Casual walkers can visit the restored trail near Sutro Baths and tour the Lands End Bluffs to see the world at low tide and see the wrecks. Squat in the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park or walk down the beautiful tiled steps of Lincoln Park (near 32nd Avenue).
High Sierra Trail
A contender for Sequoia National Park’s best trail-it certainly features on most of the best hiking lists in the world-the High Sierra Trail starts at Crescent Meadow and lasts 49 miles. From 6700 feet, it rises to an elevation of 10,700 feet, crosses ridges, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and offers the most breathtaking views of the mountains and valley. It also connects to intersections for the famous John Muir Trail.