Best Day Hikes in California

Hiking is like recharging your battery after a hectic routine therefore, I have compiled a list of best day hikes in California. California is a diverse city providing multiple fun filled opportunities including hiking so do not miss the chance to encounter these adventurous places.

All these hikes provide the unique experience and best views and can be completed in a 24 hours period. So, get the great experience and share it with your people using catchy hiking Instagram captions to enhance the fun.

Also Read : Hikes on Oahu Hawaii

Best Hikes in California

Fern Canyon

It presents a very beautiful view on every turn and you will definitely like your way to hike. But it is hard to get to Fern Canyon because of the water crossings on the road. But once you reach there, the view is worth seeing.

Whiskeytown Falls

It is located in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area about 45 minutes away from Redding. It is a short trail of 3 miles but with various ups and downs but the waterfall at the end of the hike is worth these ups and downs.

The fall is a beautiful combination of brown and green and people can stay all day here, without getting bored.

Eagle Lake

Emerald Bay is a famous park in California and this trail starts across one of the streets in this park. You need to climb through the rocky stairs and after some distance there is a point known as Eagle Falls. After 1.5 miles of hike you will then reach Eagle Lake which provides a fantastic view particularly on the left side.

Kelso Dunes

This trail is located in the Mojave National Preserve and consists of only 3-4 miles of track. However, it is a difficult track and people want to give up after halfway but its adventurous because you have to walk through the sand.

When you reach the top of the hill you will get to know how massive it is and it provides the best view for watching the sunset in California , capture this moments and post on Instagram with these catchy California captions.

Bridge Azusa (that leads nowhere)

This is a long hike that is a good activity for summer but start it early in the morning to avoid sunburn. This hike leads to the bridge that was used to reach a road that is now extinct so now it leads nowhere and is just used for fun and adventure. People do bungee jumping and swimming here, which is an ultimate fun.

Sandstone Peak in Malibu

This seven-mile round trip trail provides remarkable coastline and oceanic views throughout the hiking and eventually leads to the Sandstone Peak.

It allows you to hike through the huge rocks and foliage and then head toward the Santa Monica Mountains. Although it is difficult, it is rewarding as well!

Mt Diablo

This track is present in the Mt Diablo St Park and is about 8 miles and 3000 feet long. The viewpoint at the top is mesmerizing and you can see most of California from here.

People also drive to this track and reach the viewpoint so hiking is not necessary to see it but those who love hiking, it is a good trail.

Castle Dome in Castle Crags State Park

This excellent 3-mile track is located near Mount Shasta in Castle Crags State Park. The trail starts from the forest and ends at the base of the majestic dome made up of granite.

Climbing at this dome is difficult without gear so most people only go till the base and do not try to go towards the end of the dome. But if you have gear and are an expert in climbing, you may try this adventure.

Mt Baldy in San Bernardino County

Depending on which of the numerous routes you choose to reach the top, this hike can be relatively straightforward or quite challenging. The ski hut route is an exhausting climb to the summit and is one of the best training hikes in Southern California. It is about 8 miles and 5000 feet round trip.

On your way, you can see the beautiful views, ski hut and waterfall at the end makes this route worth trying.

White Mountain in Inyo County

White Mountain, known as the most accessible 14,000-foot peak in California, offers a relatively straightforward climb to its peak. This makes it not only achievable for many hikers but also an excellent training ground for more challenging trips. The hike encompasses approximately 12 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet; the primary challenge lies in the altitude itself.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome, one of California’s well-known mountains, is known globally. However, the hike is challenging and spans around 15 miles with an elevation gain of 5,000 feet, particularly when attempted in a single day. The most difficult part occurs after seven miles, where hikers arrive at the base of the dome and must ascend using cables to reach the top. This experience is hard, yet the sense of achievement upon completion is extraordinary.

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