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Hiking in California: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

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Discover the stunning scenery and incredible natural diversity of California on foot!

From the shoreline off of San Diego to the slopes of Mt Shasta near the Oregon border, plenty of hiking opportunities abound in California. Enjoy the state’s incredible natural beauty and get the chance to see things you wouldn’t anywhere else. “Compare and book a certified guide for your Hiking trip with Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our Hiking selection. The mountains are calling!

Top hiking trips | California

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FAQs: Hiking in California

What should I know about Hiking California?

California is an incredible hiking destination. The second largest state in the U.S. boasts plenty of diverse terrains and offers more hiking opportunities than could be accomplished in a lifetime.

Aside from the aforementioned options, there are plenty of other great opportunities in the state. Among the most popular are Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park in the south. Both of these incredible spots showcase Califonia’s incredible desert scenery.

Heading farther north, the Sierra Nevada have plenty of great hiking spots too. Along the coast, Big Sur is a great way to get out of San Francisco for a day and enjoy some coastal mountains and pathways.

At the top of the state, Redwood National Park the various state parks offer the opportunity to hike among the biggest trees in the world. Several of these trails wind along the coast a s well providing amazing views of the Pacific from the immense treeline.

Why should I choose California for my Hiking adventure?

Stunning scenery

There is a lot of natural beauty to see in California. From seaside cliffs to redwood forests. Heading out on a hiking adventure is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in California’s stunning scenery. Hike through canyons carved out of granite and summit some of the tallest mountains in the country all while enjoying pristine views into the California wilderness.

John Muir Trail

If you can, take three weeks off and hike along the John Muir Trail. Running through the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mt Whitney, this 340 kilometer long trail heads through some of California’s stunning backcountry and provides opportunities to hike various mountain peaks along the way. Pass through stunning alpine and high mountain scenery as you take on one of America’s most famous long distance hiking trails.

Plenty of diversity

Regardless of what kind of scenery you prefer, some of it is available in California. The state is incredibly diverse. Within its borders, you can hike in a high desert and walk along stunning seaside cliffs in the same day. Two of the biggest and tallest types of trees in the world are found in different parts of this magnificent state. As are various different mountains from glaciated summits to barren granite monoliths.

What can I expect from the weather during my Hiking trip in California?

During the summer, California is warm and sunny. Expect average daily temperatures between 25 ºC and 30 ºC in the mountains, with even warmer temperatures in the valley. Rain falls infrequently in the summer.

How can I get to California?

Depending on where you are hiking, you will either want to fly into the international airports in Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). From here, it is easiest to rent a car and drive to your final destination or take a local connecting flight.

Which language is predominantly spoken in the California region?

English

What's the country code for the California region?

+1

What currency is accepted around California?

US dollar

When is the best time to travel to California for Hiking?

May to October

What people are saying about Hiking | California

Frank

I went on the northbound John Muir Trail trip in 2023, and all I can say is that my first trip with SYMG greatly exceeded my expectations. Our guide Riley did an amazing job on the trip, and the logistics were taken care of so smoothly and seamlessly that it made it very easy to relax and really enjoy the amazing scenery around us.

Peter

We had an absolutely spectacular trip with Nick. It was everything we were hoping for in experiencing the JMT. Nick was outstanding – he had us well organized, picked the best sites for camping, and kept us well fed!! Our thanks to you and to Nick for a great experience.

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