Hi!
Welcome to my Favorite California Hikes page!
...Just a simple guide to my favorite of favorite hikes in California.... so far. Listed by area as best I could determine. As this is just a simple guide, please do research before hiking. I've added links to get you started on researching the hike, but I recommend researching even more....and I always recommend using GPS.
Have fun out there!
Welcome to my Favorite California Hikes page!
...Just a simple guide to my favorite of favorite hikes in California.... so far. Listed by area as best I could determine. As this is just a simple guide, please do research before hiking. I've added links to get you started on researching the hike, but I recommend researching even more....and I always recommend using GPS.
Have fun out there!
TAHOE
1. Eagles Lake to Fontanallis Lake Loop (Desolation Wilderness) 10+ miles, 2,460 ft gain All TRAILS
Loops through a few alpine lakes, with the option of taking small detours to see more. All lakes amazing and different. Don't miss Fontanillis Lake (probably my favorite of all lakes on this hike), Dicks Pass, Upper Velma Lake, and Eagle lake. If you are looking for a shorter hike or slightly off season hike, the hike to and from Eagles Lake is a nice one at 1.9 miles. You also get nice views of Emerald Bay by just going to/from Eagles Lake. Hiked in september. Have Hiked to Eagles Lake in April? when there was still a small amount of snow.
2. Echo Lake to Lake Aloha area (Desolation Wilderness)
Many variable options/ lengths. Here is one from All TRAILS. Visited Echo Lake, Upper Echo Lake, Tamarck Lake, Lake Aloha, Lake of the woods, and Ropi Lake. Favorites were Lake of the woods and Lake Aloha (hiked in september)
Loops through a few alpine lakes, with the option of taking small detours to see more. All lakes amazing and different. Don't miss Fontanillis Lake (probably my favorite of all lakes on this hike), Dicks Pass, Upper Velma Lake, and Eagle lake. If you are looking for a shorter hike or slightly off season hike, the hike to and from Eagles Lake is a nice one at 1.9 miles. You also get nice views of Emerald Bay by just going to/from Eagles Lake. Hiked in september. Have Hiked to Eagles Lake in April? when there was still a small amount of snow.
2. Echo Lake to Lake Aloha area (Desolation Wilderness)
Many variable options/ lengths. Here is one from All TRAILS. Visited Echo Lake, Upper Echo Lake, Tamarck Lake, Lake Aloha, Lake of the woods, and Ropi Lake. Favorites were Lake of the woods and Lake Aloha (hiked in september)
MAMMOTH / LOWER SIERRAS
1. Thousand Islands Lake loop (Mammoth) 20? miles. Here is a link to a backpacking experience of this trail. SPEARHEAD ADVENTURE
Started at Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island lake and took the PCT to loop back. This may be my #1 favorite hike in the state so far... It was amazing the whole way through. Most people backpack this, but it was definitely doable as a day hike (....a long day hike). Started before sunrise, and ended a little before sunset. All the lakes were amazing, but Garnet Lake was my fave. Did wish I had more time to explore Thousand Island Lakes more, which might be more of a possibility if you backpack. Hiked in early October
1b. While in Mammoth also check out Devils Postpile, 1.3 mi All TRAILS(+Rainbow Falls, 4.9mi All TRAILS).
1c. Also check out the Hot Creek Geological Site 1.6 mi All TRAILS and random hot springs in that area. Here is a link from UPROOTED TRAVELER
1d. Don't forget to check out the Mammoth Lakes as well.... and Convict Lake. Mammoth is a beautiful place! Sherwin + Valentine Lakes 9.7mi 1, 919 ft. gain All TRAILS is another nice trail with pretty lakes and nice views over Mammoth if you have extra time.
1e. Near mammoth, and almost also made this favorites list is the Little lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail. Reccomend adding Morgan pass and optional upper Morgan lake. Enjoyed the detour to Chickenfoot Lake too. Aprox 9mi?, 1,500? ft. gain. All TRAILS (doesn't show addition of pass and chickenfoot)
1f. ...and June Lakes just north of Mammoth are beautiful as well! Hiked Parker Lake 3.6 mi. All TRAILS It was so beautiful in early October with the leaves changing color that I almost put it on this favorites list. Definitely worth checking out, especially at only 3.6 miles.
2. Duck Pass to Pika Lake (+ Emerald Lake Lollipop) (Mammoth) 10.5?mi mi, 2,152 ft gain All TRAILS
Great trail! So many pretty lakes and then beauty as you climb the pass! Then down to Duck and Pika Lake, very beautiful and worth the extra mileage for sure! Took a little lollipop near the end to Emerald lake, which was also nice and din't seem to add elevation and only slightly longer distance. Hiked just after it lightly snowed making everything beautiful in the snow dust. Loved it! A must do while in Mammoth! Hiked early October.
3. Bishop Pass + Chocolate Lakes Lollipop (Bishop) aprox 13? mi, aprox 3,000? ft gain. All TRAILS (Bishop Pass) + All TRAILS (Chocolate Lakes)
What an awesome hike! Sort of combined these two trails to make for an great adventure, and can't remember the exact distance or elevation gain, but probably close to what I listed above? Headed to the pass past Long Lake. It snowed a couple days prior so everything was dusted with snow. Pretty lakes along the way and then climbed the pass revealing beautiful views. There was a fun amount of snow in patchy areas on the pass but it was still easily hike-able. Just doing the pass is an nice hike for sure....but so glad we added on and looped back through the chocolate lakes- What an adventure!And breathtaking views and awesome lakes! It was a push as you detour to the lakes going up a a decent grade, but so worth the climb! I think it was my favorite hike of the trip! Hiked early October.
4. Big Pine Lakes and Palisades Glacier (Big Pine) 22.4 mi, 2,116 ft gain? I did this one a long time back.I think this is the link to the right trail? All TRAILS
Beautiful hike trough many alpine lakes and then a scramble up to palisades Glacier. The last mile or so to the glacier is a scramble up boulders and pretty touch due to the elevation (heads up)... but nice when you get up there. Not much of the glacier left though. Hiked in earlynOctober
5. Mono Pass (Big Pine) 8.7mi mi,5,974 ft gain All TRAILS
Cool trail. Was still covered in some snow, especially at the pass. I'm not sure if we made it to the end of the trail? Hiked June. Remember feeling the elevation on the way up the pass. Hiked in June
6. Kearsarge Lakes /Pass (Independence) 12.4+ mi, 3,490+ ft gain. All TRAILS
Beautiful lakes and pass! On the way up (and back) you go past by a few nice lakes and a waterfall. When you reach the pass, amazing views fin every direction. The Kearsarge lakes are beautiful from above and when you reach them. Although I only had time to do the kearsarge lakes, there are many options to add on or take side trips. Only downside of hike is all the switchbacks on the way up and the fact you have to go down and then back up the pass to get to Kearsarge lakes...However, it is so beautiful it is totally worth it all! Hiked early October.
7. Mt. Whitney (Lone Pine) 20.9+ mi, 6,646+ ft gain....and climb to 14,505 ft. All TRAILS
Awesome, but a tough one! Day hiked. Need a permit via lottery to day hike or backpack. Got Oct 5th as our day...luckily good weather. Started at 4;30 am and finished about 4;30pm, which I think is faster than most people will hike it. The elevation is intense! Stay at high elevation for at least a few days beforehand to acclimatize and, for most, train for this hike. Expect to move slow, especially after 12,000 feet. Know signs of altitude sickness...it can really be serious! Dress in/bring layers as weather can change extremely and get pretty cold up top. Took the detour to Lone Pine Lake on the way back which is nice if you have the energy, but nothing amazing. Started hiking in the dark so nice to see it in the light on the way back. Beautiful! Definitely a bucket-list hike!
Started at Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island lake and took the PCT to loop back. This may be my #1 favorite hike in the state so far... It was amazing the whole way through. Most people backpack this, but it was definitely doable as a day hike (....a long day hike). Started before sunrise, and ended a little before sunset. All the lakes were amazing, but Garnet Lake was my fave. Did wish I had more time to explore Thousand Island Lakes more, which might be more of a possibility if you backpack. Hiked in early October
1b. While in Mammoth also check out Devils Postpile, 1.3 mi All TRAILS(+Rainbow Falls, 4.9mi All TRAILS).
1c. Also check out the Hot Creek Geological Site 1.6 mi All TRAILS and random hot springs in that area. Here is a link from UPROOTED TRAVELER
1d. Don't forget to check out the Mammoth Lakes as well.... and Convict Lake. Mammoth is a beautiful place! Sherwin + Valentine Lakes 9.7mi 1, 919 ft. gain All TRAILS is another nice trail with pretty lakes and nice views over Mammoth if you have extra time.
1e. Near mammoth, and almost also made this favorites list is the Little lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail. Reccomend adding Morgan pass and optional upper Morgan lake. Enjoyed the detour to Chickenfoot Lake too. Aprox 9mi?, 1,500? ft. gain. All TRAILS (doesn't show addition of pass and chickenfoot)
1f. ...and June Lakes just north of Mammoth are beautiful as well! Hiked Parker Lake 3.6 mi. All TRAILS It was so beautiful in early October with the leaves changing color that I almost put it on this favorites list. Definitely worth checking out, especially at only 3.6 miles.
2. Duck Pass to Pika Lake (+ Emerald Lake Lollipop) (Mammoth) 10.5?mi mi, 2,152 ft gain All TRAILS
Great trail! So many pretty lakes and then beauty as you climb the pass! Then down to Duck and Pika Lake, very beautiful and worth the extra mileage for sure! Took a little lollipop near the end to Emerald lake, which was also nice and din't seem to add elevation and only slightly longer distance. Hiked just after it lightly snowed making everything beautiful in the snow dust. Loved it! A must do while in Mammoth! Hiked early October.
3. Bishop Pass + Chocolate Lakes Lollipop (Bishop) aprox 13? mi, aprox 3,000? ft gain. All TRAILS (Bishop Pass) + All TRAILS (Chocolate Lakes)
What an awesome hike! Sort of combined these two trails to make for an great adventure, and can't remember the exact distance or elevation gain, but probably close to what I listed above? Headed to the pass past Long Lake. It snowed a couple days prior so everything was dusted with snow. Pretty lakes along the way and then climbed the pass revealing beautiful views. There was a fun amount of snow in patchy areas on the pass but it was still easily hike-able. Just doing the pass is an nice hike for sure....but so glad we added on and looped back through the chocolate lakes- What an adventure!And breathtaking views and awesome lakes! It was a push as you detour to the lakes going up a a decent grade, but so worth the climb! I think it was my favorite hike of the trip! Hiked early October.
4. Big Pine Lakes and Palisades Glacier (Big Pine) 22.4 mi, 2,116 ft gain? I did this one a long time back.I think this is the link to the right trail? All TRAILS
Beautiful hike trough many alpine lakes and then a scramble up to palisades Glacier. The last mile or so to the glacier is a scramble up boulders and pretty touch due to the elevation (heads up)... but nice when you get up there. Not much of the glacier left though. Hiked in earlynOctober
5. Mono Pass (Big Pine) 8.7mi mi,5,974 ft gain All TRAILS
Cool trail. Was still covered in some snow, especially at the pass. I'm not sure if we made it to the end of the trail? Hiked June. Remember feeling the elevation on the way up the pass. Hiked in June
6. Kearsarge Lakes /Pass (Independence) 12.4+ mi, 3,490+ ft gain. All TRAILS
Beautiful lakes and pass! On the way up (and back) you go past by a few nice lakes and a waterfall. When you reach the pass, amazing views fin every direction. The Kearsarge lakes are beautiful from above and when you reach them. Although I only had time to do the kearsarge lakes, there are many options to add on or take side trips. Only downside of hike is all the switchbacks on the way up and the fact you have to go down and then back up the pass to get to Kearsarge lakes...However, it is so beautiful it is totally worth it all! Hiked early October.
7. Mt. Whitney (Lone Pine) 20.9+ mi, 6,646+ ft gain....and climb to 14,505 ft. All TRAILS
Awesome, but a tough one! Day hiked. Need a permit via lottery to day hike or backpack. Got Oct 5th as our day...luckily good weather. Started at 4;30 am and finished about 4;30pm, which I think is faster than most people will hike it. The elevation is intense! Stay at high elevation for at least a few days beforehand to acclimatize and, for most, train for this hike. Expect to move slow, especially after 12,000 feet. Know signs of altitude sickness...it can really be serious! Dress in/bring layers as weather can change extremely and get pretty cold up top. Took the detour to Lone Pine Lake on the way back which is nice if you have the energy, but nothing amazing. Started hiking in the dark so nice to see it in the light on the way back. Beautiful! Definitely a bucket-list hike!
DEATH VALLEY
1. Zabriskie Point via Gower Gulch-Golden canyon Loop 6.4 mi, 1082ft. gain. ALLTRAILS
Zabriskie Point is a must see while in death valley! You can even just drive to the lookout if you are not feeling like hiking much. However, the Golden Canyon trail was really cool too. You get to get up close to all different rock formations ...and they keep changing as you go. I did this as a loop starting by going up Gower Gulch, less wowing than Golden Canyon, but still nice overall. Then getting to Zabriskie point, and then strolling down Golden Canyon while taking in the views. It's a good one! Hiked late November
2. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes ? miles....Options to climb up and down sand dunes, no set trail. Note that sand can be really hot on sunny days. This trail is best early day or around sunset. Sunsets are beautiful here! Have hiked early April and late November.
Notes: Death Valley is a really cool place! The two hikes listed are among my favorites, however there are other great hikes (areas) in the park that I would highly recommend hiking/seeing if you have time while you are there. Also, I have yet to do/see places in the park such as the Telescope Peak Hike, which I heard is a nice one?...Next trip perhaps? Here are some others I recommend:
Dante's View offers great views into the valley. You can make it just a view point or hike along the ridge in either direction (up or down) to get better views. I haven't been yet, but I heard it's amazing at sunset.
Natural Bridge Canyon is also pretty cool (1-ish mi., little gain). Here is a link to that trail NPS .
Mosaic Canyon is also nice (4mi, 1,200ft.). Here is a link to that hike NPS .
Also, definitely check out the Badwater Basin! See Photo below.
If time, drive though 20 Mule Team Canyon, it's super unique! Outside of the park,
Darwin Falls is nice...and easy. Water in Death Valley....what! Might be seasonal? I'm not sure. Hiked that one in April once. There were Flowers too. 2mi, 450 ft. gain NPS
Ubehebe Crater is cool to see too. NPS
Father Crowley Vista Point also offers amazing views! I added a photo below.
...in another note, be aware Death Valley gets extremely hot (and even cold, especially in the night) and is very seasonal. Be aware that even a short hike might be much harder than it appears in full exposure.
1. Zabriskie Point via Gower Gulch-Golden canyon Loop 6.4 mi, 1082ft. gain. ALLTRAILS
Zabriskie Point is a must see while in death valley! You can even just drive to the lookout if you are not feeling like hiking much. However, the Golden Canyon trail was really cool too. You get to get up close to all different rock formations ...and they keep changing as you go. I did this as a loop starting by going up Gower Gulch, less wowing than Golden Canyon, but still nice overall. Then getting to Zabriskie point, and then strolling down Golden Canyon while taking in the views. It's a good one! Hiked late November
2. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes ? miles....Options to climb up and down sand dunes, no set trail. Note that sand can be really hot on sunny days. This trail is best early day or around sunset. Sunsets are beautiful here! Have hiked early April and late November.
Notes: Death Valley is a really cool place! The two hikes listed are among my favorites, however there are other great hikes (areas) in the park that I would highly recommend hiking/seeing if you have time while you are there. Also, I have yet to do/see places in the park such as the Telescope Peak Hike, which I heard is a nice one?...Next trip perhaps? Here are some others I recommend:
Dante's View offers great views into the valley. You can make it just a view point or hike along the ridge in either direction (up or down) to get better views. I haven't been yet, but I heard it's amazing at sunset.
Natural Bridge Canyon is also pretty cool (1-ish mi., little gain). Here is a link to that trail NPS .
Mosaic Canyon is also nice (4mi, 1,200ft.). Here is a link to that hike NPS .
Also, definitely check out the Badwater Basin! See Photo below.
If time, drive though 20 Mule Team Canyon, it's super unique! Outside of the park,
Darwin Falls is nice...and easy. Water in Death Valley....what! Might be seasonal? I'm not sure. Hiked that one in April once. There were Flowers too. 2mi, 450 ft. gain NPS
Ubehebe Crater is cool to see too. NPS
Father Crowley Vista Point also offers amazing views! I added a photo below.
...in another note, be aware Death Valley gets extremely hot (and even cold, especially in the night) and is very seasonal. Be aware that even a short hike might be much harder than it appears in full exposure.
YOSEMITE (AND AREA)
1. Vernal + Nevada Falls 5.4 mi, 2,000 ft. gain. NPS
The Vernal+Nevada Falls trail is the starting point for Half-dome, a hike which I actually have't done yet so I can't put it on my list...yet. However, the half-dome start is an amazing hike in itself! Definitely one of my favorites in the park. Options to shorten it by just going to vernal falls....although I recommend going further if you can.
2. Yosemite Falls (top) 7.2 mi, 2,700 ft. gain. NPS
Beautiful views and falls!
3.Mirror lake 2 mi, 100ft. gain. NPS
Easy trail, yet super beautiful! Was spectacular in the golden hour! A must see!
4.Cathedral Lake 7 mi, 1,000ft. gain. NPS
Nice hike to a beautiful alpine lake. Love this area of Yosemite. Unfortunately, the Toulome Meadows highway closes for winter season. If you are in the area, recommend heading east to check out Mono Lake if you have time
Notes: There are so many amazing hikes and things to see in Yosemite! Whatever hike you do, you really can't go wrong. But beware, you probably won't be alone-Yosemite gets busy! I usually like to go a bit off-season for lesser crowds. It can be a fun place to even go in the winter. Not all of them (and of course depending on weather), but many hikes are doable in the fall and winter months. I've really enjoyed staying at the Yosemite Bug a few time, which is just outside the south side of Yosemite. They usually have reasonable-priced accommodations and also serve dinner and breakfast (always a vegan option).
The Vernal+Nevada Falls trail is the starting point for Half-dome, a hike which I actually have't done yet so I can't put it on my list...yet. However, the half-dome start is an amazing hike in itself! Definitely one of my favorites in the park. Options to shorten it by just going to vernal falls....although I recommend going further if you can.
2. Yosemite Falls (top) 7.2 mi, 2,700 ft. gain. NPS
Beautiful views and falls!
3.Mirror lake 2 mi, 100ft. gain. NPS
Easy trail, yet super beautiful! Was spectacular in the golden hour! A must see!
4.Cathedral Lake 7 mi, 1,000ft. gain. NPS
Nice hike to a beautiful alpine lake. Love this area of Yosemite. Unfortunately, the Toulome Meadows highway closes for winter season. If you are in the area, recommend heading east to check out Mono Lake if you have time
Notes: There are so many amazing hikes and things to see in Yosemite! Whatever hike you do, you really can't go wrong. But beware, you probably won't be alone-Yosemite gets busy! I usually like to go a bit off-season for lesser crowds. It can be a fun place to even go in the winter. Not all of them (and of course depending on weather), but many hikes are doable in the fall and winter months. I've really enjoyed staying at the Yosemite Bug a few time, which is just outside the south side of Yosemite. They usually have reasonable-priced accommodations and also serve dinner and breakfast (always a vegan option).
ANGELS NATIONAL FOREST
1. Mt. Baldy Loop 11 mi, 3,943 ft. gain. ALLTRAILS
Great hike for catching some altitude (10, 064 ft) while in So. Cal. Nice views up top. Bring layers! Hiked counter clockwise and thought that worked well. It's popular, so expect other people. Start early as it is mostly exposed. Hiked early June.
Great hike for catching some altitude (10, 064 ft) while in So. Cal. Nice views up top. Bring layers! Hiked counter clockwise and thought that worked well. It's popular, so expect other people. Start early as it is mostly exposed. Hiked early June.
JOSHUA TREE
1. Inspiration Peak/Keys View 1.8 mi, 669 ft. gain. ALLTRAILS
Highly recommend sunset for this hike! Super amazing views in all directions. Cool views from the viewpoint as well, so don't miss that while you are there! Hiked early November.
Notes:
Joshua Tree has lots of fun hikes! Many are close to being equally good. Here are some more hikes to check out if you are in the area. I've tried to list them (kind of) in order of my favorite to least favorite. I enjoyed them all though.
Ryan Mt. This was an awesome sunset hike. Views are amazing! 2.9 mi, 1,062 ft. gain AllTRAILS
Split Rock Loop Really cool rock formations + changes up as you loop. A good one! 2.5mi, 275 ft. gain ALLTRAILS .
Arch Rock (photo below)1.4mi, 88 ft gain AllTRAILS
Hidden Valley (photo below) 1mi, 118ft. gain. AllTRAILS
Skull Rock 1.7mi, 160ft. gain. AllTRAILS
Warren Peak/Black Rock Canyon 7.7mi, 1689 ft. gain AllTRAILS
Barker Dam Options to ad distance 1.1 mi, 59ft AllTRAILS
Boyscout Trail Trail gets cool at the end. 8mi, 226 ft gain AllTRAILS
Chollas Cactus Garden More of a viewpoint, but cool cactus! .3mi, 9ft. gain AllTRAILS
Highly recommend sunset for this hike! Super amazing views in all directions. Cool views from the viewpoint as well, so don't miss that while you are there! Hiked early November.
Notes:
Joshua Tree has lots of fun hikes! Many are close to being equally good. Here are some more hikes to check out if you are in the area. I've tried to list them (kind of) in order of my favorite to least favorite. I enjoyed them all though.
Ryan Mt. This was an awesome sunset hike. Views are amazing! 2.9 mi, 1,062 ft. gain AllTRAILS
Split Rock Loop Really cool rock formations + changes up as you loop. A good one! 2.5mi, 275 ft. gain ALLTRAILS .
Arch Rock (photo below)1.4mi, 88 ft gain AllTRAILS
Hidden Valley (photo below) 1mi, 118ft. gain. AllTRAILS
Skull Rock 1.7mi, 160ft. gain. AllTRAILS
Warren Peak/Black Rock Canyon 7.7mi, 1689 ft. gain AllTRAILS
Barker Dam Options to ad distance 1.1 mi, 59ft AllTRAILS
Boyscout Trail Trail gets cool at the end. 8mi, 226 ft gain AllTRAILS
Chollas Cactus Garden More of a viewpoint, but cool cactus! .3mi, 9ft. gain AllTRAILS