California, an avocado capital of the world and the home to death valley, is one of America’s most populous states. It is the third-largest state of America and the birthplace of the internet. California is known for Hollywood, golden gate bridge, and Disneyland park, it is also recognized for hosting a diverse natural profile. There are several mountains, islands, caves, coastlines, falls, and beaches, which makes it amongst top natural destinations in the country.
Everyone enjoys a good hike, and no matter what your endurance level, California has something for you. From leisurely day strolls, to multiple day mountain treks, the climate can be enduring, but the views are endless and spectacular. You can enjoy Redwood forests, beautiful coastlines, waterfalls, and a variety of terrain that is sure to excite hardy hikers and day-trippers alike. California is a hiker’s paradise.
Here are some of the most scenic hiking trails, though you can be sure that you can find hundreds more on your adventure! Wade through these as you go. Howsoever, there is a quick piece of advice on our behalf- pay proper attention to your safety gear. Never hike without safety.
Contents
1. Pine Ridge Trail To Sykes Hot Springs
Source: pinterest
This is a 20-mile there and back trail that takes you straight through the Big Sur wilderness near California’s central coast. The hike is most pleasant but begins with a pretty grueling two-hour uphill climb, great to get the blood pumping. It then evens off nicely, but remains interesting, as you stroll along the side of the hill, with spectacular views of the higher mountains all around you.
After a few miles, you enter tree cover, and during this section, you will find several beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation and wildflowers. Before you reach the Sykes campsites, you will face perhaps the most robust section (at least, this is the case in rainy weather), where you must cross a river to reach your goal. The hot springs can be found near the campsite, and are the perfect way to relax at the end of a nice day of hiking.
2. The Mist Trail- Yosemite
Source: myyosemitepark
Yosemite is absolutely brimming with hiking opportunities, but the most popular, and with good reason, is the Mist Trail. It won’t take long for you to realize where the name derived from as you climb the trail towards the powerful Vernal falls. This is an exceptionally busy section of a busy route. The os doesn’t expect to get the place to yourself. However, it is well worth the extra effort to push on and make a day of this trail beyond scenic.
Continue, and you will pass the beautiful emerald pool, and then it is on to Nevada fall, the 594 ft beauty that makes the climax of the hike. You can also hike to the top of the falls, and you can continue on to Half Dome (one of Yosemite’s finest granite dome displays), or you can take the John Muir Trail back to your starting point, which is a stunning walk-in itself and is a less steep and demanding route down.
A half a day round trip just about covers the Mist Trail, which includes some breaks and casual taking in of views.
3. Skyline To The Sea Trail
Source: alltrails
The Skyline to the Sea is a multiple-day hike stretching around 30 miles. Still, the first section is rather uneventful, and you could consider just starting from the Castle Rock State Park to avoid what is essentially a highway section.
The latter two thirds, however, should be considered as holding some of the most beautiful hiking in California, and take you on a trip through the Castle Rock forests and on to the ancient Redwood forests of Big Basin, before finally emerging at the Pacific Coast. Nothing quite beats the feeling of ending a challenging hike at the coast; you can’t walk any further in that direction.
Camping facilities for overnight stays in the park are very basic, but this is the feel that you want if you like the wilderness.
4. Lost Coast Trail
Source: gearjunkie
If you’re looking for something completely remote and out of the way, lacking in crowds, but abundant in beautiful coastal views, then the Lost Coast Trail is for you. Even the name will appeal to many. The trail takes hugs the Californian coast where Highway 1 diverts away – due to the rough terrain. Hiking is highly accessible, though the one concern is that you should plan well to watch out for high tides in some sections. Campsites are available, as are abundant water supplies. Oh, and there are bears, so be aware of that.
This is a 24-mile route to really get away from it all—true wilderness in this remote and unspoiled part of California coastline.
5. McWay Waterfall Trail
Source: vistapointe
The McWay waterfall trail lies in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park. It offers a fantastic view, thanks to its lush green forests containing redwood trees and oaks. This trail offers you a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall top view. One can’t ignore its scenic beauty as it descends into the ocean. Due to the majestic surroundings, this trail is amongst the most scenic trails in California.
As discussed already, there is less hiking and more admiration for its natural view. As far as the hiking is concerned, the McWay trail has an elevation gain of 50 feet, and it is half a mile round trip gives access to hikers with zero expertise.
Conclusion
California is home to a variety of places. That being said, the activities like hiking, boating, water diving are as exciting as hunting through numerous haunted places suggested by SuperParanormal. You need not border yourself in any constraint when you are here. That makes this state one of the most famous travel destinations across the world.
In case you have had a look at these scenic trails in California, do tell us which of the trails mentioned above lures you the most. Happy Adventure.
